Tube Fly Substitute Materials

[Microvert 0]

After browsing around the internet for alternatives to tubing for tube flies I haven't really found any good replacements. I have heard cotton swab tubes are a popular replacement. What even is a cotton swab tube? I haven't been able to find anything on it. I have also thought of using plastic straws that you can find at the dollar store, but I doubt they would be able to withstand the wear and tear of catching fish. Any suggestions on tubing replacements (preferably something that I can find easily in stores)?

[flytire 0]

cotton swab tube are just q-tips for cleaning your ears and other things

 

 

pen ink tubes

 

[Dave G. 0]

Coffee stirring sticks, the hollow type that some fast food joints have. I kept a couple I got from maybe McDonalds ( I don't recall off hand, we were traveling on the highway so it could have been most anyplace). But those are thinner than straws. I have a couple in black and a brown one around here someplace but I also have packages of HMH tubes so, well never mind.