#semperfly

[panfishonthefly]

Notes From The Fly Tying Bench - Using Wax in Fly Tying

One of the most common questions I am asked when tying flies at shows and exhibitions is, "What is that lump on your finger you keep rubbing on the thread?" That "lump" is a small amount of wax that I have warmed in my fingers and shaped into a small ball which I then stick onto the index finger of my right hand. I have found this little deposit of wax on my finger is quicker and easier than reaching for a piece of wax every time I want to apply wax to my thread.

I lump wax into two categories fly tying wax and dubbing wax. Let's talk about the differences between them. Thread wax is a hard wax usually sold in a small lump or puck. It has a hard, smooth surface. When the thread is drawn up against this wax, it leaves the thread tacky allowing the thread to grip slippery materials and bind them to the hook shank without slipping. Some thread brands like UTC and Danville are smooth and somewhat slick and benefit more from waxing. Threads like Semperfli Classic Waxed, Veevus, and UNI-Thread have more texture and typically require less wax. Semperfli's Classic Waxed Thread is my go-to thread these days. You get more thread per spool, and it is stronger, lays flat, splits easily, and is available in a great range of colors.

Although I have never conducted any scientific test to prove it, I feel wax strengthens the thread and protects it from fraying, and it will make your finishing half hitches and whip finishing knots stronger and less likely to come undone. I work with many animal hairs like bucktail, squirrel tail, and calf tail which are notoriously slippery materials. A proper application of wax before tying in the materials makes all the difference in the world. If you have ever struggled to keep slippery materials in place on your hook, thread wax may solve all of your problems.

Prepping your wax for use

Thread Wax or Fly Tying Wax is usually sold in a solid chunk instead of the tube in which most dubbing waxes come. So the wax must be softened and worked a bit to bring out all its tackiness. However, some tiers prefer to use the wax in its original form by dragging a length of thread across its surface. Unfortunately, I have found that this method can sometimes fray or even break fine threads. 

I prefer to break small chunks of wax off the puck and soften it by working it between my fingers until it becomes pliable and sticky. I will then stick a small amount of this prepared wax to my index finger, ready to apply to the thread whenever I need it. Davie McPhail has an excellent tutorial on his YouTube channel on preparing this wax for use when fly tying. His hot water trick works very well, but in a pinch, when no hot water is available, I break a small piece of the chunk and roll it around in my fingers until my body heat and the heat caused by friction soften the wax enough for use and allow it to stick to my finger.

Using thread wax

Applying tying wax to your thread strengthens it and makes it slightly sticky or tacky. Wax helps hold slippery materials in place on the hook and will strengthen the knots you use to keep it all together. With the wax prepared and stuck to the side of my index finger, I drag a length of thread across the disk of wax and tie as usual. I apply a tiny bit of wax to my thread whenever I am binding material to the hook or tying a knot. It's that simple. It is also beneficial when working with silk threads as it makes them easier to work with by stiffening them, reducing fraying, and making them mildew and water-resistant. I will also use it when working with dubbing, but other forms of wax are better suited to that.

Dubbing Wax

Dubbing wax is a much softer wax meant to be applied to the thread or your fingers to assist in the application of dubbing. Dubbing wax typically comes in low-tack and high-tack consistencies.

Using Dubbing Wax

Most fly tiers use too much dubbing wax, which causes it to build up on the thread in unsightly, sticky clumps. When applying wax to your thread you should use just a hint of it. If you feel more wax is needed to work with a coarse material like seal's fur or some thicker synthetics, try reaching for a tube of high-tack or sticky wax and use it sparingly. Better yet, try applying a thin film to your fingertips. Doing this will help you get the dubbing worked onto the thread and help you build a dubbing noodle without clumps. You use so little dubbing wax that a full container may last you a lifetime, with some to leave to your children and grandkids!

Think of dubbing wax as something that provides traction instead of adhesion like glue or cement. Its purpose is to help you work with the materials, not glue them to the thread or hook. Similar to licking your fingers to shuffle through a stack of papers. Something you would not want to do with natural or dyed materials. Furs, hides, and synthetics all contain chemicals or biological agents you do not wish to ingest regularly.

Using Wax From Tubes:

Dubbing wax is often sold in a lipstick-like tube. Unfortunately, most fly tiers expose too much wax at the top of the tube when applying it to their thread. The wax should barely stick above the top of the tube, no more than a thread width or two. If more wax shows, the thread will cut grooves into the wax and deposit excessive wax on the thread. Appropriately done, the thread should end up tacky without visible wax deposits. Clumps of wax on the thread will produce messy-looking flies with lumpy uneven bodies.

Other Types of Waxes:

Liquid Wax: This is a specialized wax that is not very common. The only time I use it is when making dubbing brushes. I applied a light coat of wax with a brush to the thread when it is mounted in my dubbing twister before applying the dubbing.

Homemade Waxes: If you search the internet, you will find dozens of recipes for making your own dubbing wax. I will share my recipe in another post. I use my homemade wax to apply directly to my fingers. Storing the wax in a thin flat container makes it easy to swipe your fingers across the surface to apply a light film of wax.

Winter Wax: Winter wax is a wax that is temperature sensitive and softens quickly when a little heat is applied by breaking off a small chunk and working it with your fingers.

Semperfli Waxes:

Cobbler Wax: Semperfli produces three different types of wax for the fly tier. Their Cobblers Wax is designed to be used with their Primrose Standard and Silk Threads to get the perfect Greenwells color. If you tie Greenwells it is indispensable.

GSP Wax: This wax has been specially formulated to use with Nano Silk and other GSP threads on the market. Some waxed are too harsh for the fine but extremely strong fibers of GSP threads. Semperfli GSP Wax will glide across your GSP threads and color them black and create a tacky, waxed surface for you to add dubbing, to tie on or tie off your GSP threads

Fly Tyers Wax: This is a standard fly tyers wax. Add a little wax directly onto your thread, and then use your chosen technique for dubbing. Semperfli Prepared Fly Tyers Wax works with all dubbing styles - directly onto the thread, splitting the thread, or making a dubbing loop.

In a future post, we will address working with dubbing and will revisit putting wax to use in constructing your flies. Stay tuned…

Do you have a favorite wax or a unique way of using it? If so, leave a comment on this post.

Notes From The Fly Tying Bench will be a regular monthly feature in the future. Look for a new monthly post sharing fly-tying tips, tricks, and know-how.

[predatorhooks]

Finesse Fly Tying is a one stop shop selling a wide range of fly tying materials from top brands such as Metz, Veniard, Semperfli, Partridge, Ahrex, Whiting, Uni, Turralls and many more.

[megadavestewart]

WFS 350 - Semperfli Synthetic Fly Tying Materials with Ann and Andy Kitchener

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/350

Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Stonefly Nets, LakeLady Custom Rods, Bearvault

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

We go behind the scenes with Ann and Andy Kitchener, owners and founders of Semperfli, to learn how they created some of the best fly tying materials on the market today.

We hear what it's like to win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2022 - the ultimate and most prestigious award given nationally to a business, and meet Prince Charles.

We break down some of their most in-demand products around the world and find out how fly tyers make it to the Semperfli Pro Team.

Semperfli Show Notes with Ann & Andy

03:30 - Ann and Andy semi-retired 14 years ago. As they were getting into fly fishing and fly tying, they realized that most threads on the market at the time were easy to split so they decided to make better threads

05:30 - They grew 44% a year since they started and then 3 years ago, they launched their Classic Waxed Thread

06:40 - Now they supply threads to 56 different countries around the world

07:15 - The Nano Silk GSP is their most in-demand product

09:00 - Andy tells us how they created one of the strongest threads on the market

09:55 - GlobalFlyFisher.com is a great resource for fly fishing and fly tying blogs - Martin Joergensen was on the podcast at WFS 099

12:50 - They have some artificial jungle cock

13:05 - One of their oldest products, Straggle String, is a great alternative for Peacock Herl

14:40 - They also got Synthetic Rabbit Zonkers "Wabbit" - There's a video of Roy Ole Læhren Jakobsen testing the Semperfli Synthetic Zonkers. Scroll down to see that vid!

20:00 - Splitting a thread is useful for dubbing loops. Their waxed thread is designed for splitting.

21:00 - Their Kapok Dubbing supports 30x its own weight in the water - it's one of their top-selling materials today

23:00 - Their Dirty Bug Yarn was developed 3 years ago

25:00 - Andy tells us what materials to get started with if you're a beginner coming in to fly tying

27:00 - Tim Cammisa was on a while back - he's an Ambassador of Semperfli in the US

28:10 - Hackle and CDC are materials that are difficult to make synthetic

30:00 - Andy talks about the "cytis" being endangered around the world so its feathers are illegal to use for fly tying - people get arrested for its use

34:55 -Andy is known in the business as the "naughty professor" - he does a ton of research and experiments to come up with the best possible fly-tying materials

36:45 - They've got 80 strong Pro Team around the world - they have an event called Fly Jam which is like Christmas for the team because they get a box full of materials from Semperfli

40:00 - Ann tells us how fly tiers make it to the Semperfli Pro Team - you can email them, show them your portfolio, and let them know why you are a great fit for the Semperfli family

43:20 - Son Tao is a very talented fly tier

46:40 - We talk about their lead-free wires

49:35 - Their Straggle Legs serve as synthetic insect legs

51:00 - One of the notable mentions is their Perfect Quills

54:25 - Semperfli recently received the Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2022 - the ultimate and most prestigious award given nationally to a business.

58:00 - We hear about their experience entering Buckingham Palace, meeting Prince Charles

1:02:00 - Ann and Andy share some business tips bag

1:11:30 - Bill Oyster was on the podcast recently - a very passionate bamboo fly rod maker

1:15:30 - Ann and Andy share some bonus marriage tips

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/350

Check out this episode!

[gardeninghub]

Hummingbird Nest in My African Milk Tree by SemperFly

[skinnywaterculture]

Tonight’s the night. 2 new episodes of Fish Or Die aback to back on Animal Planet! We head to two very different and wild destinations on opposite sides of the planet, Ecuador and Papua New Guinea. Doesn’t get more opposite than that!⁣ Shows start at 9pm and 10pm et/pt⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #FishOrDie #SkinnyWaterCulture #HCFT #AnimaPlanet #FlyFishing #CatchAndRelease #Arapaima #GiantTrevally #CostaSunglasses #LoopTackle #LoopAktiv #Rising3474 #WaterMaster #WaterShedDryBags #RioProducts #SemperFli #GlobalRescue #NemoEquipment #PatagoniaFlyfish #MoldyChum #Travel #Explore #Outdoors #Ecuador #PapuaNewGuinea #Adventure #NomadLife #FishHippie #SeeWhatsOutThere #NightOrDayBlueSkiesOrGreySWC ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/By8ntFqgyDS/?igshid=1f1qysb809ci8

[cmapfilm]

#flytying #flyfishing #semperfli #chadwicks477subtitute (at Chimney Swift Farms)

[largemouthbassnation]

Bass Beetle small mouth bass fly tying tutorial

Bass Beetle small mouth bass fly tying tutorial

SRF presents the Bass Beetle! The tube bait is one of the deadliest bass soft plastics ever so we decided there needed to be a more fly fisherman friendly version. Material List: Hook: 1/0 60 degree jig Body: Techno Bunny in lime and yellow Legs: Lazer Legs fire tiger Thread: 6/0 Semperfli waxed thread Check out our rubber leg bulk kits for more wicked awesome options and save! Find all your…

[flickinfeathers]

Rounding out my GT box with some #semperfli variations. #olivesemper #flyfishing #flytying #fishing #flugfiske #fliegenfischen #pescamosca #flugbindning #fliegenbinden #RollYourOwn #handmade #flybox #flyporn #flytyingjunkie #thetugisthedrug #flyfishingnation #saltwaterflyfishing #swff #saltfly #itonlycountsonfly #gtfishing #gtflyfishing #gianttrevally #gtpopping #japan #japanfishing #okinawafishing #Maldives #seychelles #travel #livethedream #gt #gtfly

[bengerrish]

Prospecting - Teaser. from HDDN on Vimeo.

It is said that the trout in the high tarns of the Lake District are pure gold. A rare, and extravagant treat for even the most experienced and well travelled fly fisher. We are lucky enough to have such locations and opportunities on our door step. This is a short teaser for a full film in the works, Prospecting. Coming, Summer 2017.

With thanks to: SUNRAY HAGLOFS The Fly Tying Company SCIERRA COSTA Richard Wheatley Gareth Lewis Semperfli Blackthorn

[panfishonthefly]

Semperfli Straggle Legs Multi-card

This Multi- card of Semperfli Straggle Legs will make the most fantastic insect legs on dries and wets. Longer strands and more widely spaced fibers make this very different from Straggle String. These sparse crinkled fibers around a micro core make incredible legs for dries, shrimps, grubs and nymphs.

Semperfli Straggle Legs comes in stunning insect like or attractor colors.

Try twisting two colors together for stunning effects. The Straggle Legs core is so thin even twisted you will see no build up.

Semperfli Straggle Legs Multi-card is loaded with 10 colors.

[1791thinkshop-blog]

"Smooth is Fast, Fast is Smooth" #SemperFi #SemperFly #semperfast #LVAC #bestdefenseisagoodoffense #americascup2017 (at Great Sound, Bermuda)

[megadavestewart]

WFS 285 - 21st Century Materials for Fly Tying with Tim Cammisa from Trout and Feather

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/285

Presented By: Anglers Coffee, Dette Flies, Trxstle, Fly Fishing Film Tours

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Tim Cammisa from Trout and Feather is back on the podcast for the second time to share some updates on what he's been up to since 2018. Tim has a new book that we dig into and he breaks down the materials for fly tying that he recommends and can actually score today. His new addiction is making short edutainment videos about fly fishing on TikTok and they're pretty good!

Discover Tim's Top 5 Materials for Fly Tying - how you can use them to tie patterns that work well. Tim also talks about his Iceland trips that you can take part in this year. And did you know that Dave once tied a fly on Tim's YouTube channel? Keep scrolling to check it out! Another celebrity fly tier on the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing show!

Materials for Fly Tying Show Notes with Tim Cammisa

03:14 - Tim Camissa was on the podcast for the first time back in 2018 at WFS 025

04:34 - Tim recently published a book through Stackpole Publishing called Fly Tying for Everyone, published in July 2021

05:11 - Tim makes edutainment videos about fly fishing on Tiktok - check them out and follow!

09:06 - Uncle Cheech from Fly Fish Food was on the podcast at WFS 263

10:21 - Jay Nichols, publisher of Headwater Books, fly fishing editor for Stackpole Books, Northeast Field Editor for Fly Fisherman magazine, encouraged Tim to write the book

14:01 - Jay suggests that Tim should have a Perdigon pattern in the book - here's what Tim's Perdigon looks like

14:24 - Shawn McQuade from the YouTube channel, McFly Angler was on the podcast at WFS 262

14:31 - Tim Flagler from Tightline Productions was recently on the podcast at WFS 279

16:14 - Here's a video of Tim tying an Articulated Streamer

16:53 - Gunnar Brammer is great at tying Articulated Streamer patterns - Tim seeks advice from him

17:27 - There's a section in Tim's book dedicated to one of Devin Olsen's flies - Devin was also on the podcast at WFS 043

21:31 - The first UV resin that Tim used was the Solarez Bone Black Dry

28:26 - Tim uses GSP threads on a regular basis - he recommends Nano Silk by Semperfli

31:16 - Tim is an ambassador for Semperfli threads

32:34 - Tim follows Son Tao on Instagram

34:00 - Tom Whiting produces quality hackles - Tom was on the podcast at WFS 115

34:24 - Collins Hackle from New York

34:32 - Tim used to work with Clearwater Hackle

35:29 - Tim tells the story of the time when he didn't believe Bill Keough's advice about a material - Mr. Keough owns Hareline Dubbin

37:01 - What Parachute Adams using a Klinkhammer hook looks like

41:38 - Tim was on the Orvis Podcast on Dec 2021 - click here to listen to that episode

43:56 - Antron vs Zelon? Tim use them both depending on his goals

50:37 - Tim describes Hanak hooks as the "Ferrari of hooks"

54:54 - Reach out to Tim via his website TroutandFeather.com if you need some help calibrating your rod, line, leader, tippet, setup

57:05 - Tim shifted from 5x to 6x tippet - then again shifted to 7x because that's what Pat Wise uses (though he uses 5x to 7x depending on the water)

1:01:34 - Tim uses Slotted Tungsten Beads for his Euro Nymphs

1:05:12 - One of Tim's mentors is George Daniel - George wrote a book about nymph fishing

1:06:46 - Tim plans to write another book

1:09:20 - Tim tells the story of his Iceland experience

1:11:34 - Fish Partner provides lodge for Tim and the crew in Iceland

1:13:08 - Dave was on Tim's YouTube channel where he tied a Benevolent Dictator Fly - scroll down to watch that video!

1:17:29 - Tim tells the story of when people made memes about him

Materials for Fly Tying Conclusion with Tim Cammisa

Tim Cammisa shared some updates on what he's been up to since 2018. We dug into his new book and discovered some fly tying materials that he recommends - the Top 5 Fly Tying Materials for patterns that work well. Tim talked about his Iceland trips and how we can take part in it this year. He also told us about his edutainment TikTok videos about fly fishing. Comment on one of Tim's YouTube videos and you will surely get a reply from him!

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/285

Check out this episode!

[fishing-exposed]

@kevinsheridan47: Olive & Pink Wet Mayfly with @semperfli Orange Classic Waxed Thread, Gold Micro Glint & Oval Gold Tinsel #semperfli #flyfishing #flytying @GAIAGameAngling https://t.co/eBL5UOL3V8

[panfishonthefly]

Semperfli Straggle Legs

Semperfli Straggle Legs will make the most fantastic insect legs on dries and wets. Longer strands and more widely spaced fibers make this very different from Straggle String. These sparse crinkled fibers around a micro core make incredible legs for dries, shrimps, grubs and nymphs.

Semperfli Straggle Legs comes in stunning insect like or attractor colors.

Try twisting two colors together for stunning effects. The Straggle Legs core is so thin even twisted you will see no build up.

Available as a single spools or on a multi-card with 10 colors.

[panfishonthefly]

Semperfli Synthetic Jungle Cock

Synthetic Jungle cock is a beautifully realistic, reliable and strong artificial alternative to expensive and difficult to legally obtain natural jungle cock feathers. Synthetic Jungle Cock will enhance any fly pattern from salmon flies to trout nymphs. Semperfli is committed to protecting wildlife and respects CITES rules.

The Synthetic Jungke Cock eyes are very easy to use, have proven to be effective and resilient. They are specially designed to imitate Jungle Cock which is CITES protected. As fly tyers we need to act before it is too late for this species.

Previously artificial synthetic jungle cock feather were prone to both making flies spin or ripping when used. We designed ours with a thicker but more supple material. If you are used to using natural Jungle Cock, you will be used to split feathers no doubt. You can say bye-bye to split feathers by using Synthetic Jungle Cock. Every feather is perfect every time.

Try adding a resin blob to the nail to give it a 3d effect or try using a black permanent marker pen around the edge of the Synthetic Jungle Cock to give a fantastic finish hiding the white edging for an even more realistic look.

While Jungle Cock is usually reserved for trout and salmon flies I love the look of Jungle Cock nails used to create eyes or hot spot on flies and will often dress up panfish flies with them. Ethics aside, using natural Jungle Jock does not make a lot of sense for panfish flies as the material is too delicate. Synthetic Jungle Cock is the perfect substitute! The will never come apart and provide the same effect.

[panfishonthefly]

Semperfli 9mm Foam Tubes

These Semperfli 9mm Foam Tubes are currently the largest sized offered. These foam tubes will work perfectly with the Panfish and Bass Sized Gary Krebs Popper Jig Set. The 9mm tube works well with the 3/8” cutter to create a perfectly sized panfish popper! Of course you could always simply use a razor blade and cut out your own bodies, but the Gary Krebs Popper Jig Set makes perfect bodies every time! With careful cutting you can get two poppers per tube.