Tube fly tubing – plastic tubes for tube flies

Types of plastic tubing for tube flies: start with 1.8 mm and 3 mm

Every fly tier who ties tube flies needs these two tubes first. A complete fly can be tied on plastic tubing alone. Metal tubes, discs and cone heads are extras for when the fly has to fish deeper.

The 1.8 mm inner tube (KN Fly XT18) works as a liner: it runs through a metal tube and protects the leader. Small flies can be tied directly on it.

The 3 mm outer tube (KN Fly XT30) is for larger salmon tube flies and sea trout flies. The two sizes work together: the inner tube fits inside the larger tube.

4.6 mm predator tubes and MTF micro tubes

For large pike flies, and even saltwater patterns, use the clear 4.6 mm tubes: Big Predator and FutureFly Predator Tubes Clear Hard. At the other end of the range, the FutureFly MTF Micro Plastic Tube is part of the MTF (Micro Tube Fly) system. It is made for very small tube flies for summer fishing.

How to tie a fly on a plastic tube and rig the hook

Slide the tube onto a tube fly needle held in the vice and tie the materials on with tying thread, as you would on a hook shank. Choose the needle to match the tube diameter: there are separate needles for the MTF system, standard tubes and thick pike tubes.

The hook is added when you fish. The outer tube gives slightly, so its rear end takes the eye of the hook or treble directly. It stretches over the hook eye and does not crack, so no separate piece of silicone junction tubing is needed. The material is also resistant to low temperatures.

Tube colours: clear, fluo, glitter and glow

The inner tubes come in clear, black, yellow, fluo orange and fluo red. The outer tubes come in solid colours, with glitter melted into the material during production, and as a Luminescent glow-in-the-dark tube. Ready-made sets of tubes are also available.

How to choose the right plastic tube for salmon, sea trout and pike tube flies

Choose the type of tube by the size of the fly: the 1.8 mm tube for small flies and as a liner, the 3 mm tube for larger salmon flies and sea trout flies, the 4.6 mm tube for big pike flies and the MTF system for very small summer flies.

Then think about depth. Plastic is light, so the fly swims closer to the surface. Anglers use it in low, clear water and for large pike flies. When a salmon or sea trout fly has to go deeper, combine the inner tube with a metal tube, or add a brass disc for a little weight or a tungsten disc for more. Silicone tubing, soft PVC tubing and fly-tying needles are in tube fly tying materials.