Foils & Shellback Materials for Nymphs
( number of products: 8 )Foils and shellback materials are thin strips, sheets and braids used for wing cases, shell backs and bodies on nymphs. Flashy foils add shine to the fly, while stretch foils give a translucent larva shell back.
Sybai Fine FlashBack Strips 2mm
Sybai Perdigon Strips 1mm
Sybai Stretch Glass 10mm
Hends Magic Back
Veniard Body stretch Cinnamon
Sybai Body Stretch 4mm
Sybai Magic Pearl Strips 3mm
Sybai Mirage Braidback
What are foils and shellback materials used for?
Foils and braids make the shell back of a shrimp or Czech nymph, or the wing case of a mayfly nymph or caddis (sedge) pupa, which stands out with its colour or shine.
Types of foils and shellback materials
- Flashback strips – thin strips 1–3 mm wide in bright, pearl and iridescent colours, including UV versions. The narrowest suit perdigon nymphs, wider ones make wing cases and shell backs.
- Foil sheet – very thin iridescent foil for complete wing cases and shell backs.
- Pearl braid – strips with a strong pearl shine for nymph shell backs and tube fly bodies.
- Stretch foils – translucent, stretchy strips 4–10 mm wide for shell backs, wing cases and segmented bodies on nymphs and caseless caddis larvae such as Hydropsyche.
How to choose a foil for your nymph
Match the strip width to the size of the fly: 1–2 mm for small nymphs and perdigons, 3–4 mm for medium nymphs, and wide stretch foils for large nymphs and larvae. Foil sheet can be cut to any width, best with scissors.
The second factor is the effect. Iridescent foils and braids add shine and UV reflection, while stretch foils give a natural, translucent shell back. On perdigon nymphs, a flashy body goes together with heavy tungsten beads that take the fly down to the bottom fast.
How to tie a foil shell back
Tie in the foil strip, usually at the hook bend, before you wrap the body. Once the body is done, fold the strip forward, stretch it tight and secure it with a few turns of mono.
For a wing case, tie in the strip about halfway along the hook or slightly closer to the eye. After dubbing the thorax or tying in the legs, fold it forward and secure it with tying thread.
Frequently asked questions
What is a flashback?
A flashy strip of foil on the shell back or wing case of a nymph. It reflects light and makes the fly easier for fish to see – great for freshly stocked fish and coloured water.
Does a foil shell back need protecting?
Depending on the material, rib it with mono or give it a thin coat of UV resin.
What is the difference between a wing case and a shell back?
A wing case is a short cover over the thorax that imitates the wing buds. A shell back runs along the whole body, like the shell of a shrimp or larva.