Hareline Large Northern Bucktail
Bucktail is a classic fly tying material that belongs on everyone’s desk. Whether you are a freshwater tyer or prefer the salt, bucktail is an indispensable material for tying streamers. Bucktail has a built-in taper that allows it to breathe and come alive in the water. Another major advantage of bucktail over other materials, especially synthetics is its translucency when tied sparse. Hareline’s selection includes twenty-nine different colors.
Uses
Patterns and Tying Techniques - Typically, bucktail is used on streamers as a wing, like in a Mickey Finn, or as the sole material like in Bob Popovic’s Hollow Fleye. Bucktail can also be used as a support for a wing, like in Carrie Stevens’ Classic Feather Wing patterns. It also has limited uses for dry and wet flies as tailing and wing material.
Comparisons
Bucktail vs Synthetics - Bucktail has a natural taper that is hard to imitate. Faux bucktail does have a taper but lacks the body of wavy or crinkly bucktail. SF Blend also has the body of textured bucktail but lacks taper. Choose the synthetic when the consistency of the material is important or when you need to trim it to shape. Choose the natural when translucence, subtlety, and breathability is a top priority.
Example Flies
Streamers - These tails are perfect for tying streamers including a Mickey Finn, Clouser Minnow, Deceiver and Thunder Creek. Other popular uses include Salmon and Steelhead flies, supports for wings and tails, and various blends with synthetics and flash.
Pack Size and Physical Description
Approximate Dimensions - As a natural material, the Bucktail will vary. Tails range in size from 8 to 12 inches in height and from 3 to 5 inches in width, tapering to the tip. The length of the hair itself will range from 2 inches at the tip with some tails having hair up to 5 inches in length in the middle of the tail. The texture of the hair can vary from straight to curly to crinkly.
Pack Size - The bag is approximately 12” x 5” and comes with either one or two tails per bag depending on the size of the tails.
**These sizes and dimensions may vary based on manufacturer changes**