Micro V-Rib

[kingfisher]

Anyone know where I could find some really small v-rib for size 24 midge pupa patterns? I know it's out there somewhere. Thanks for any info.

[Jason B]

I don't know where you could get the v-rib that small but i know SW has a micro tubing that comes in slight transparent colors that works well.

[mcgx2]

I picked up some very fine stuff at Angler's Inn in Riverdale. I'm not sure it will tie down to a size 24 though, they may have smaller than I bought, I don't know.

mcg

[Ouzel]

Spandex works well for ribs on tiny flies as it will stretch quite a bit and is very strong. Comes in a variety of colors.
If you're looking to just cover a hook with the v-rib, Spandex in clear or see-trough cream can be used over a base of olive (any color) thread. You can overlap it to give a rib effect.

[carpman]

Hareline sells a product called micro tubing. It is round instead of "V" shaped but it ties about the same. Come see me, I have lots of colors............

[Jason]

Try using mono/tippet instead. Put down a base of thread to the color of your liking, and rib over it with the mono. The color of the thread will show through. Experiment with different sizes of mono for different sized flies until you find what your looking for. I tie a tippet midge this way and it looks great.

[Jeff Camomile]

Shane Stalcup sells them (actually it is micro-tubing, not V-Rib, but probably very similar). They used to be available through his online catalog at http://www.stalcupflies.com . But since VFS changed, the catalog is no longer available, for some reason. Maybe if you sent them an email (or called) they would respond. The catalog had them available for sizes as small as 28, if I remember correctly.

[Curtis Fry]

I use the Stalcup stuff quite a bit. It's my favorite so far. Let me check tonight and get you the address and I think I have a small catalog they sent me when I ordered.

Excellent for midge larvae, baetis nymphs and the like.

[flyty]

Shane Stalcup does make micro D-rib(Is that the same as V-rib?) and so does Hareline because I looked at both recently--but not locally.

[Lowcountry]

High Country Fly Fishers has Hareline's micro tubing. I use them quite often. If you stretch them tight, they can be small enough for your size 24's.

[hookjaw]

Originally posted by Jason
Try using mono/tippet instead. Put down a base of thread to the color of your liking, and rib over it with the mono. The color of the thread will show through. Experiment with different sizes of mono for different sized flies until you find what your looking for. I tie a tippet midge this way and it looks great.

...also try using fourescent mono.

Not to take anything away from Low, but Roots makes a mineral oil filled tubing that is dyno for small midges and you can stretch it farther than the Hairline stuff. The oil really gives it a nice sheen under water. Better buy ASAP though, Roots just went "belly up".