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Fly Tying Flash
Flash is a synthetic fly tying material designed to add reflection, contrast, and light-catching accents to flies. Even in very small amounts, flash can dramatically increase visibility underwater by mimicking baitfish scales, air bubbles, or movement highlights.
Flash materials are essential in modern fly tying, especially for streamers and nymphs where visual attraction is often key to triggering strikes.
What is flash?
Flash is made from thin reflective synthetic fibres, most commonly Mylar or similar polymers, that reflect and refract light to create a lifelike shimmer.
Common types include:
smooth reflective flash
holographic 3D flash
crinkled / crystal flash
lateral scale flash
Main types of flash
Standard Flash (Flashabou style)
- long, smooth reflective fibres
- strong light reflection
- easy to blend into patterns
Holographic Flash
- shifts colour depending on angle
- very strong visual trigger
- ideal for predatory fish
Crystal / Crinkle Flash
- softer, more diffused reflection
- more natural movement
Lateral Scale Flash
- wide strips imitating baitfish sides
- strong baitfish silhouette effect
Applications
Flash is used as an accent material in:
streamers
nymphs (flashbacks, wing cases)
wet flies
saltwater flies
attractor patterns
How much flash should you use?
small amounts → natural appearance
moderate amounts → attractor effect
too much → unnatural silhouette
Less is usually more.