Overdub or Underdub Whats the Application?

Dubbing: Varieties 2 Simple Rules Hints & Tips Ropes & Brushes

Dubbing Varieties

Many beginners struggle when it comes to applying dubbing to thread.  In fact, it might be fair to say, there’ll be some self-taught fly tiers who find difficulty when dubbing.  Outlined here are a few basic principals that dispel any myths when it comes to dubbing.

Firstly, it’s as well to determine the various dubbings from fine to coarse.

Finest on the market!   Semperfli Kapok Dubbing is the finest on the market and in terms of its characteristics, it’s best likened to natural mole’s fur, which is extremely fine and short in fibre length. Available in a wide range of colours (including fluorescents) this makes it ideal for small dry flies, nymphs and spiders where a detailed profiles are required, like creating a neat thorax on small nymphs.

Much longer in fibre length, but as equally fine is Semperfli Superfine Dubbing.  As expected, it’s well suited to precise work too, making it ideal for bodies on delicate dry flies and nymphs.  Semperfli Superfine Dubbing is available in a vast array of colours as well as mixed dispensers so you are sure to find the perfect shade for your fly! Superfine Dubbing also has worth when tying small wet flies, like the Black Pennell, or Greenwell’s Glory when instead of using rayon floss that tends to fray, a fine layer of Superfine Dubbing in the appropriate shade remains intact.

Seal Fur is increasingly hard to get and more restrictions are being imposed what do we do without this staple dubbing for our flies? We find a substitute, synthetic ideally with all the fantastic characteristics of the natural without the hassle! Substitute Seal Fur Dubbing is becoming more popular and available! YAY!

Semperfli Semperseal Dubbing is a seal’s fur substitute, making it coarse in fibre.  Although more thicker and therefore more ‘wiry’, longer fibres help make dubbing with Semperseal fairly straightforward.  That said, it’s important to adhere to a few simple rules when dubbing, regardless of the material being used.  And once you understand these basic principals, you’ll unlock a whole new world when it comes to this fundamental fly tying method. Semperfli Semperseal Dubbing is available in a wide range of colours in single packets or dubbing dispensers.

Simple Rules To Effective Dubbing

Ensure your dubbing is formed into what is commonly known as a dubbing mat.  The correct term is actually a ‘dubbing noodle’, but ‘mat’ is fine.  This is achieved by gently arranging the fibres after taking out of a dubbing dispenser.

It is imperative you dub in ONE direction only!

We say this as many beginners mistakenly attempt to dub a material by repeatedly twisting it forwards and backwards around the thread.  All this serves to do is tighten the dubbing onto the thread with one motion, only for us to loosen it again by untwisting the dubbing in the opposite direction.

Dubbing Hints & Tips

This allows for a greater degree of purchase, so your dubbing instantly ‘catches’ onto the thread. This is done by merely adding a little saliva by licking your fingers.

Applying too much pressure simply negates what you’re striving to achieve.    Seriously, you only require the lightest of touches.

Finally, go sparingly when dubbing as small amounts are far easier to work with rather than one large clump.

Ropes & Brushes

If you are still strugaling with applying your own dubbing or simply don't have as much time then do not worry! There are always options for everyone!  With a wide selection of pre-dubbed threads available on the market from all the big names you are sure to be able to tie.

Share

Tweet