At a Glance: Dubbing, Furs, & Zonker Strips
Dubbing, Furs, and Zonker Strips come in a wide variety of types and both natural and synthetic materials. Our selections cover most of the bases when looking for quality fly tying dubbings in dozens of colors. Most are single-color bags or pieces of fur on the skin. Natural dubbings and furs of dyed rabbit and beaver, along with opossum, nutria, badger, and woodchuck, cover many tying needs. Fur has many fly fishing applications for dry flies, wet flies, and nymph bodies and is generally “dubbed” onto the thread, then wrapped onto the shank body. If a sampling of natural dubbing is more to your liking, FishUSA offers a compartmentalized dubbing dispenser box containing a variety of furs.
Dyed synthetic dubbings are also popular for all flies, from dubbed bodies to tags and the “hot spot” on the back and front of various flies. Again, these are usually applied by spinning the dubbing onto the thread, then wrapping it around the hook shank. Some dubbings are a mix of natural and manufactured materials, and others are two differing synthetics blended for a variegated effect. Zonker strips are usually rabbit, Arctic fox, or Finn Racoon, a long-lasting natural hair that moves like marabou for a great collar or tail material. Zonker strips are fur on the hide, cut with the grain and straight or cross-cut, allowing for a better wrap on the hook shank palmer-style like a feather hackle. Tyers find a use for zonkers traditionally for tails, bodies, and sometimes collars on larger streamer flies – we off zonker strips in many colors.
Dubbing, Furs, and Zonker Strips: The Fly Tyer's Palette
Dubbing, furs, and zonker strips are foundational elements in the fly tyer's toolkit, providing the versatility to mimic a wide array of aquatic and terrestrial prey. Whether you're constructing the intricate body of a nymph, adding lifelike fur to a streamer, or creating the seductive motion of a leech pattern, these materials are crucial for achieving the desired effect that triggers strikes from discerning fish.
Our collection features an extensive array of dubbing materials, from natural furs that offer subtle, lifelike nuances to synthetic dubbings that provide vibrant colors and unique textures. Furs from various animals, including rabbit, squirrel, and deer, offer a range of fiber lengths and textures, perfect for everything from delicate dry flies to robust streamers. Zonker strips, with their long, flowing fibers, are ideal for adding dynamic movement to your patterns, simulating the swimming action of baitfish and other prey.
The effectiveness of our dubbing, furs, and zonker strips lies in their high-quality sourcing and preparation, ensuring ease of use and consistency in your fly tying. Natural furs are carefully selected and processed to maintain their inherent properties, while synthetic dubbings are engineered for specific tying needs, from adding bulk without weight to creating water-shedding surfaces. Zonker strips are precisely cut to uniform widths, providing a consistent action in the water that's essential for pattern success.
At FishUSA, we understand the intricacies of fly tying and the importance of having the right materials at your fingertips, which is why our selection of dubbing, furs, and zonker strips includes options from the most trusted brands in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned fly tyer seeking to expand your material library or a beginner eager to explore the art of fly tying, our products are designed to inspire and enhance your creations, providing the texture, movement, and natural appeal needed for successful fly patterns.
Shop our full selection of Fly Tying Materials!