Hends Furs - Natural Zonker Strips for Streamer Flies

What Hends zonkers are and what they are used for

Hends zonkers are natural and dyed fur strips used primarily for tying streamer flies. The long, soft hair moves naturally in the water, giving the fly a clear, smooth and lifelike action.

Properties of Hends zonker strips

Zonkers are available in various strip widths and different hair lengths, depending on the species and the part of the hide from which the strips are cut. They also come in a full range of colours, from natural shades to intensely dyed versions. This allows the tier to match the material to water clarity, fish activity and the specific streamer pattern. The natural hide makes the strips easy to mount and keeps them stable on the hook shank.

Applications of Hends zonkers in fly tying

• Streamer flies: wings, tails and body elements with a natural, pulsating movement.
• Predator patterns: effective for trout, perch and pike, with natural and dyed colours suited to changing conditions.

Hends zonkers in practice

Dyed versions allow the creation of brighter or more contrasting patterns, which are useful for freshly stocked fish, coloured water or situations where a strong visual trigger is needed. The soft hair maintains its movement immediately after getting wet and works well across different retrieve speeds.

Complementary materials

Hends zonkers work best when combined with fly tying wire, as the strip is wrapped down with wire to securely attach it to the previously formed body of the fly. The wire holds the material firmly in place and prevents it from shifting or rotating around the hook shank.

See also Hends wires, which are the most commonly used material for fixing zonker strips and adding segmentation to streamer bodies.