Last week I mentioned the Ammonite Nymph, a pattern by UK tyer, Steve Thornton. A latex body nymph that Steve uses for a searching pattern that has been effective all over the globe. Having seen other latex body nymphs and finally this one, I figured it was time to give them a try. I ordered some of Steve’s Virtual Nymph Flexi-Body material as well as some Dura Skin, a similar material but with a little texture.
My biggest problem with the latex that I had been fooling around with previously was how to cut nice clean small (2mm) strips. I tried several kinds of cutting instruments that only left my latex a tattered mess that only a bird could line it’s nest with.
I mentioned the problem to Rusty, a fellow tyer at Snappy’s Sports Center in Kalispell and he turned me on to a great tip for getting the job done right, a rotary cutter. Commonly used by Quilters for cutting materials for quilts this little tool does the job right. I got one by Fiskars on sale with two extra blades at the local fabric store for $15.
A good hard surface, a metal edge ruler, and the cutter and you’re in business- works great!
The Virtual Nymph Flexi-Skin has a paper backing, you just cut and peel. The Dura Skin has no backing but seems to cut just as well. I’ve only tyed a couple nymphs but my initial thoughts are that while the Flexi-Skin is nice, it’s a little pricey for the amount that you get. Some heavy duty ziploc bags, markers, and dubbing underneath the ziploc wrap would work well too. Now that I know how to cut this stuff all thin pliable plastics are suspect material.
I ordered my VN Flexi-Body and Dura Skin from J. Stockard Fly Fishing in CT. Took about five days, my purchase discount paid for the shipping. They were very helpful over the phone, I didn’t need an interpreter, or morse code experience, and they took the time to shop through similar materials with me. Thumbs up for them.
