Dry Fly Hack

[salmo]

I purchased a half pound of raw kapok. You can spin it on your thread for the thinnest dubbing rope. The natural color is like a mid cream without the orange tint. It floats like a dream. I have collected about 60 alcohol markers and can crest or imitate many colors. When I tie a dry fly I usually only color the belly. By only coloring the belly it slightly improves the visibility of the fly to me. Occasionally I will color the dubbing rope before I wind it around the hook. I can add sparkle if I blend something with more bling. Also the markers make it easier to change the color of my thread. I’ll plastic a picture of the natural kapok separately.

 

[gentleshepherd]

Do the alcohol markers stay color fast in water?

 

[JG63]

Do the alcohol markers stay color fast in water?

 

[WV waver]

I’ve used Kapok from Salmo and tried using Sharpies. They did fine until I soaked them in Rain-x and they did bleed. Alcohol markers may be better. I started soaking my tied dries in Rain-x for a pre treatment of waterproofing a few years ago after seeing it on Troutbitten and most do well. Just a cautionary tip if you consider using sharpies for color & Rain-x.

 

[salmo]

Do the alcohol markers stay color fast in water?

They are supposed to be permanent. I haven’t noticed it getting washed.

 

[dudemanspecial]

I’ve used Kapok from Salmo and tried using Sharpies. They did fine until I soaked them in Rain-x and they did bleed. Alcohol markers may be better. I started soaking my tied dries in Rain-x for a pre treatment of waterproofing a few years ago after seeing it on Troutbitten and most do well. Just a cautionary tip if you consider using sharpies for color & Rain-x.

Sharpies are alcohol based.

 

[WV waver]

I did not know they were alcohol based, my ignorance. I did find previously that if I just applied Rain x and not let them soak thoroughly it was not a big change. Also do not blot them dry with paper towel, it made it worse. I’ve had success wetting them with solution and letting them dry. Even with Semper Fli commercially dyed Kapok the soak & blot would bleed color.

 

[WV waver]

I would guess the Rain x is acting as a solvent which would not suggest the markers would not be colorfast in normal water.