Neville That was meant to be a quick teach. If you turn to page 10 in your book it has a column Tube Flies Last Much Longer than Conventional Hook-Tied Flies. It will explain that they are designed to slip up a leader when the fish strikes. In saltwater fishing that can be especially detrimental. Another thing that makes a difference is the Silicone junction tubing we use here a lot. That doesn't let go of the hook as easily. In Europe they use vinyl junction tubing on many of their salmon and sea trout flies including the Waddington's. It's more flexible and giving but it also tears/deteriorates much quicker. In the Tube fly book Mark & Les wrote they seem to find favor with the silicone junction tubing. I also didn't mention in my quick lesson that you can tie the flies directly on the silicone tubing. I don't like that way of tying them either. It collapses with a bite and also while you're tying the fly but being female I'm subject to change my mind. HMH puts the silicone junction tubing in their tube fly kits as well as several of the other companies I've bought from. I personally use the silicone also on my flies more often than not because that's what's available here. It does tend to not release the fly as easily. Some guys don't want it to for the reason that Les & Mark mention in the book. You can get another strike from a fish when the fly slips up the line. I don't key-hole my flies. I don't see where that would release the hook either. I don't have a personal preference as to whether I want them to move up the leader or hold the hook in place yet as my fishing skills are challenged enough. I think it will depend on the type of fish I'm after. With saltwater during bluefish blitzes I can see where I would probably not want a tube fly that travels up my leader. I hope that helps answer your concern. I think it all boils down to personal preference. I would love to see some of your tube flies. Regards, Deb
I'm not sure that I agree with your comments about tube flies being designed to "shoot up the leader when a fish hooks up." In order to fish a tube properly I'm in the habit of placing a small piece of relatively tight fitting clear silicone tubing over the hook end of the tube and the hook eye. If you have the book, take a look at "tube Flies by Mark Mandell & Les Johnson. Neville (Nev) Gosling Greater Vancouver, B.C. Canada
