Pacchiarini Tails for Pike Flies and Large Streamers

Pacchiarini tails for pike flies and large streamers

Pacchiarini tails are original synthetic tails designed by Paolo Pacchiarini for pike flies and large streamers. The range includes different shapes, sizes and colours, making it easy to match the tail to a particular fly pattern and the type of action you want to achieve in the water.

They are used mainly on large pike flies, but they also work well on streamers for other predators and on some large saltwater patterns. Different models produce noticeably different tail actions, so choosing the right design can significantly change the way the whole fly moves during the retrieve.

How do the different Pacchiarini tail models work?

Pacchiarini tails differ in shape, width and movement. When choosing a model, consider not only the colour but also the size of the fly, retrieve speed and the type of action you want from the tail.

• Wiggle Tails – classic, versatile tails available in several sizes. Their lightweight, flat construction produces a distinctive wave-like swimming action and keeps the tail moving even during a slower retrieve.
• Dragon Tails – feature a characteristic serrated shape that creates a more dynamic action at the rear of the streamer.
• Dragon Tails Wide – a wider version of the Dragon Tail with a slower and calmer action than the standard model. They are an excellent choice for cold water, when the streamer is usually retrieved more slowly.
• Double Dragon Tails – double tails designed for large streamers where a strong and highly visible tail action is required.
• Jumbo Wiggle Tails – very large tails intended for the biggest pike flies. The Wide version creates more resistance in the water, which allows the streamer to be fished more slowly, but it also creates more air resistance during casting. The Slim version is narrower and easier to cast.
• Saddle Tails – elongated tails particularly well suited to streamers with a narrower profile.

How to choose the right tail for a pike fly or large streamer

The tail size should match the overall length of the fly, hook size and the amount of other materials used in the pattern. For example, a pike fly measuring around 15 cm before the tail is added may end up around 20 cm long. For flies of this size, L and XL tails are among the most commonly chosen options.

Large XL, XXL and Jumbo tails create more air resistance during casting and require suitably powerful tackle. For my largest pike flies, I personally use a 10-weight setup. With an 8-weight rod, I prefer smaller tails, hooks up to around 5/0 and a more restrained amount of other materials.

If you want a strongly pronounced tail action, Wiggle Tails, Dragon Tails and Double Dragon Tails are good options to consider. Dragon Tails Wide produce a calmer action, while Jumbo versions are best suited to the largest streamers.

Wiggle Tails and Dragon Tails are also useful when fishing the fly slowly. Their lightweight construction reacts to small movements in the water, allowing the tail to remain active during a slow retrieve and during short pauses.

Choose the colour to match the overall colour scheme of the fly and the fishing conditions. The range includes more subdued shades as well as strong fluorescent, pearl and holographic finishes for creating higher-contrast patterns.

For wings and other parts of large predator flies, you can also choose materials from our synthetic hair and flash blends for streamers.

How durable are Pacchiarini tails against pike teeth?

From my own experience, the synthetic material used in Pacchiarini tails stands up very well to contact with sharp pike teeth. Even after a small cut or puncture, the tail often remains intact enough to continue fishing with the same fly.

This is particularly useful with large, time-consuming pike fly patterns. Conventional soft rubber or silicone tails can be cut, damaged or completely bitten off much more quickly.

How to attach an interchangeable Pacchiarini tail

The tail does not have to be permanently attached to the main hook. On my own pike flies, I prefer to use titanium wire, such as Bauer Pike Wire, to connect the main hook to the tail. Its strength and springiness make it very well suited to this type of connection.

For an interchangeable tail, you can use Bauer Pike Fastach For Wiggletails or the Pacchiarini Snap for Hooks and Snap for Tails system. This allows you to quickly change the tail model, size or colour without tying a completely new fly.

This is especially practical with large pike streamers, because the same fly can be adapted to different fishing conditions simply by changing the tail.