despatiesim 0 Report post Posted July 14, 2017 Hi all, does anybody have experience tying billfish and baitfish paterns on tubes? Any recomendations on tube size to use? I'm new at tubes, and not sure how the large hooks I intend to use will interact with the tubes I tie on or the keeper tubes. My intention is to ties 10 to 12 inch billfish flies with a tandem hook rig of 8/0 and 6/0 hooks. And baitfish paterns 5 to 6 inches long, with 4/0 hooks. Aiming at billfish and dorado. Any insight as to tube size, brands and tandem rigging would be most welcome! Is large (3mm) sufficent? Do I need inserts? Or just a keeper tube? I'm new at the tube game. thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meeshka 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2017 You may want to research the "Trimble Shark Fly". Never tied some but a buddy gave me some a few years back. They don't look difficult and I think they may be what you are looking for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
despatiesim 0 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Thanks meeshka! Indeed it helped! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FIN-ITE 34 0 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Same sizes as would be used for pike and musky. I like these tubes for my predator flies tied in the sizes you mention (10'-12"). http://www.lundsflyshop.com/Magnum_Predator_Tube_p/4710.htm Yes the 3mm will also be fine if they are more readily available to you. I use silicone tubing for my junction tubing, it expands and holds any hook eye diameter. Surgical tubing can also be used if you can find it in the proper diameter ID. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
despatiesim 0 Report post Posted July 20, 2017 Thanks Fin! I have access to those predator tubes and will give them a try. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites