Materials Used in Tying Saltwater Flies

• Although many of the techniques used for tying freshwater fly patterns can be used to tie saltwater flies, the materials used for saltwater flies are somewhat different. Saltwater fly patterns are invariably larger than their freshwater counterparts and frequently require larger hooks and bulkier materials. For example, the McNally Magnum Saltwater Streamer is approximately 5 to 7 inches long and is tied on hooks ranging from size 1/0 to size 5/0. Saltwater hooks should also be composed of stainless steel or plated in order to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater.
  
  Many of the materials commonly used in freshwater streamer flies will be useful when constructing saltwater flies. Materials like bucktail fibers, calf tail fibers, marabou feathers and saddle hackles are common components of saltwater fly patterns. Instead of the long narrow hackle feathers used in the smaller freshwater flies, a saltwater fly-tying enthusiast should look for the webbiest hackle feathers he can find.
  
  

Tools for Tying Saltwater Flies

• The tools used for tying saltwater fly patterns are generally identical to those used to tie freshwater flies. However, the larger saltwater fly patterns (those patterns size 1 and larger) may require a longer thread bobbin and a larger vise with enough capacity to hold the larger hooks. These larger flies will also require thicker thread. Author Joe Branham prefers 3/0 size thread or size "A" nylon when tying the larger fly patterns.
  
  

Saltwater Fly Patterns

• Saltwater fly patterns can be roughly divided into imitative and attractor patterns. Imitative patterns incorporate various fly-tying materials to create flies that closely mimic shrimp, crabs, baitfish and other food forms. To see some beautiful examples of such imitative patterns, visit Captain Chris Newsome's fly-tying website. Attractor patterns make no attempt to mimic a particular food form. Instead, attractor patterns rely on color, silhouette and movement to entice fish to strike. Some saltwater attractor flies even incorporate hidden rattles in order to attract fish by sound. Both imitative and attractor patterns catch fish, and an angler can use either approach effectively as warranted by the fishing conditions at hand.