Scud Back Material

[cdock]

I'm about to tie some scuds for the first time. I've seen scud back material sold in packages but my pattern calls for a ziploc bag. I like this idea as it's really cheap. Does this work? Any other types of plastics to try other than ziploc bags(I figure they are fairly durable)?

[admin]

The bags work well. Basically any bag materials come in will work. I use the scud back materials because it is easier to work with and is precut. You can tie a lot of scuds with a single package. You also get a choice of colours to use. You could also try the dollar store and look for transparent hair elastics. they are small, but will work very well for scuds.

[monger]

Use a ruler and a knife and cut a bunch of the right sized strips out of the bag. Wrap wire over the plastic as your last step. You can also change appearance by folding something else under the plastic first.

[Lawrence]

I agree with pacres, I've used both zip locks and the scud back material, and the scud back material is alot better. Handling as well as overall appearance, it has a bit of elastisity to it and gives a nice segmented look after ribbing.

[149113]

I use the anti-static bags that computer parts ship in for my scud backs. Never seen anyone else use it but it looks great. The colour seems to attract big fish.

[WETDUCK]

i use rubber gloves taken from the doctors office^^ but with the expencive stuff^^ it always looks better i think:) + you can buy the color your looking for id do enjoy coloring my flies thou

[cdock]

Thanks guys. I'll try a bit of each and see what I likes.

[flyangler]

The opalescent Easter basket grass has supplied me with year's worth of tying material. But I second the motion on the clear elastic. We get ours on cards from the fabric store, choosing the narrowest possible and cutting it in strips if need be. I've got a fondness for recycling, so plastic bags certainly get the thumbs up on that score.

[admin]

Yes, adding a layer of mottled thin skin, or wing flash creates a killer look to the shell back.

[Christofficer]

Yup, ziploc bag works well. You can use anything similar.

[Jeffro]

For scud backs I usually just use the packaging my fly tying stuff comes in. Works great and holds up to many fish.

[Guest Travelmate]

I agree with Flyangler,

I tie many of my scuds with an opalescent shell back made from the 'easter egg' baskets which my daughter got around Easter or with Christmas hampers plastic wrap, again cheap/relatively strong as well..

I also add a small orange bead or a sparse wrap or two of orange dubbing in the rear third to simulate the females egg sack as well.

 

interesting to read the ideas from the other tyers - real interesting, we always learn more on this site. ;-)

 

good luck and cheers,

 

 

tm

[Grizz]

Latex gloves or condoms work too with more of a flat finish to the back.

[cdock]

Condoms - practice safe fishing.

[Grizz]

Yeah, but you can't feel the strike....

 

[HenHackle]

Yeah, but you can't feel the strike....

 

 

!

[Guest bigbadbrent]

thin skin was the best thing i got for free, then i progressed to losing the package..

[Guest rusty]

Jennings of the Jennings Ultimate Boatman fame ties a deadly simple scud with a body of krystal chenille trimmed down on top and covered with epoxy. He puts two small eyes on it and it looks sick.

[Brownstone]

Yeah, but you can't feel the strike....

 

 

 

LOL>>>>>

[SteveM]

Yeah, but you can't feel the strike....

 

Besides, isn't the purpose of a condom to prevent you from catching anything?

[hydropsyche]

I use the anti-static bags that computer parts ship in for my scud backs. Never seen anyone else use it but it looks great. The colour seems to attract big fish.

 

I've used the same thing. The glean and slight darkening it provides really looks good.

 

Plus, my flies don't stick together.

[SilverDoctor]

I've used the same thing. The glean and slight darkening it provides really looks good.

 

Plus, my flies don't stick together.

 

Count me in on the dark computer bags, wish you could buy em.

[cheeler]

I'm sure a few computer shops around would be more than happy to let you have some used ones. (static bags, that is)

[SilverDoctor]

I'm sure a few computer shops around would be more than happy to let you have some used ones. (static bags, that is)

 

good Idea.

[droprail]

Depending on the color of pattern your using. I've used a thick elastic band for the backing. It may add to the bouyancy but add more lead. If you put a heavier fly for your first fly it'll bring it down enough.