Ron1697 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 I've been working on a wax worm imitation for a couple of nights now. Pictured is my most recent version. (Size 10 scud hook, small brass bead I had (7/64" maybe...), rubber bands, copper wire, Tan UT 140). I know they are rough, just looking for some criticism on how to make them better. Thanks in advance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RickZieger 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 I make mine with "rat tail". Holds up better than rubber bands for me. Ask at he craft tore for it. Like the 1 mm size best. Rick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rstaight 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 Rubber bands will deteriorate over time. I have seen these made out of latex gloves and condoms. Easier to explain latex gloves to the wife. But looking good so far. Don't know if counter wrapping the rib would help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron1697 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 Would a coat of Sally Hanson's help make the rubber band more durable? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 frank sawyers killer bug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron1697 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 Any pros and cos to using wool yarn instead of latex other than durability? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chugbug27 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 They look great. And the rubber bands get you a thicker, flatter profile on your segments than other solutions. Try em and see, they'll last long enough (far longer than peacock or ostrich, certainly longer than a quill body, and those are all legitimate for tying so why not rubber...). Other ideas for alternate materials... 99c store has latex balloons in natural/tan color, thicker than gloves, not as thick as rubber bands, not as amusing as condoms. If you're spending... Competitive angler carries the troutline gut for $4 a pack (enough for a couple dozen flies), which are translucent which is nice... you could also try a slice from an old chamois cloth (or other soft leather) or competitive angler also carries something troutline calls Caddis skin for $4.50 which is a piece of leather, which would have a better texture than rubber bands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron1697 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 Thanks for the suggestions! I think I am going to try a wider and flatter rubber band. It might make it look a little more neat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 rubber bands WILL dry out, crack and fall apart. they can also unwind leaving you with a strand of rubber band attached to the hook get some nymph skin or scud back buckskin nymphs craft lace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron1697 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 flytire, Wouldn't a coating of Sally Hanson's keep it all together though? Reason being, I am trying to tie with what is cheap and readily available in my area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 just try the sally hansen on one of the flies YOU already created and see what happens experiment ive tried to give you multiple options of materials based on my experience rubber bands (i tied with them in the 1980's) last just so long and then pfftt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron1697 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 flytire. I appreciate the list of materials! I will definitely try them if I am unhappy with the results of the Sally Hanson over the rubber bands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Philly 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 Those look pretty good. I think a lot of folks forget, because we see them sipping insects, that trout have teeth. That said, I've made them using pieces of silicone spinner bait skirts. A light coat of UV resin makes them durable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 Any plastic/rubber material will get "dry rot" and weaken. If you're fishing them within, say, a month of tying them, rubber bands will last just fine. if you're tying them to fill a box that will then be full for two years (for example), then rubber bands won't last. The only suggestion for "making them better" ... and I don't know that this WILL make them better ... take a sharpie or other permanent marker, run it up and down the body, then immediately wipe it off. Done right, this will leave a small amount of color right at the seam between wraps to really bring out the segmentation. Maybe paint the heads black on a couple. I'd fish them just as they are. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chugbug27 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2018 The rubber might even help bob them around in the current a little. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites