Natural Materials Vs. Synthetics

[treehooker]

Do you have a prejudice in favor of natural or synthetic materials?

I often find myself going with natural materials, partly because its what I learned to use when I started and partly because they just attract me more.

I think I once read an article which analyzed the underwater visual properties of natural vs. synthetic and the synthetic stuff won out hands down.

[Todd K]

I can't say I'm partial to either. I think it depends on the application.

This could spark an interesting debate. There are those fly fishing purist out there who won't touch a synthetic material. You could also say the materials are natural and will return to the earth faster.

[Capt Bob]

I tied my first flies as a Boy Scout XX years ago. At that time there were few synthetics and everyone used natural materials for both fresh and saltwater. The acception was tinsels and yarn that were used for bodies. According to my fly tying notes, I first used synthetics in 1978 for saltwater patterns.
Today, I use about 90% synthetic for saltwater patterns. This is primarily for two reasons. First the material is abundant and there are many different types of synthetics that can be used for everting from wings, tails, tails and bodies. The 2nd reason is that the synthetic materials are stonger and hold up better. I still tie the majority of my freshwater patterns with natural materials. I use antron dubbing and plastics and film material for wings etc.

[Redwings1]

I try not to show a biased either wat and use whatever material will be best for the intentional design of the fly for it's given purpose. That being said I am a sucker for natural materials if the choice is presented and action is similar.

[h.ridley]

:D I tend to use what's easier to tie. For the most part it tends to be artificial. Personally, I find the fish don't care what you use, as long as it looks good to eat. But, tying flies is not my favorite thing. Although I have tons of tying equipment and materials, I never seem to have the material needed for the particular fly I want to tie.
Howie



Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. J.L.