Original: $3.99
-65%$3.99
$1.40The Story
The Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly is a bold pattern designed to trigger aggressive strikes from steelhead and salmon. This fly combines the soft and pulsating movement of marabou with a bright flash tail to create a profile fish cannot ignore. It is a staple for anglers chasing anadromous fish who need a fly that swims with a lifelike action. The 3-inch size offers a substantial meal for a predator without being too heavy to cast all day.
What It Imitates
This pattern acts as a general attractor rather than a copy of a specific insect. It suggests the profile of a baitfish, prawn, or squid swimming in the current. The marabou fibers breathe in the water to mimic life while the flash adds a trigger that simulates scales or movement.
How To Use It
Fishing this fly works best with a traditional wet fly swing. Cast across and slightly downstream then let the current sweep the fly across the river under tension. The tube design allows the fly to slide up the leader if a fish jumps or rolls which keeps the fish pinned better than fixed hooks. It performs well in deep runs and tailouts where fish hold during their migration.
When To Use It
This fly shines in colder water conditions often found during winter steelhead seasons or early spring salmon runs. The 3-inch profile provides enough presence to get noticed in off-color or higher water. Brighter colors like Orange or Pink work well in green water while darker combos like Black/Blue are ideal for lower light or clearer conditions.
Why We Like It
We like the versatility that the tube design offers compared to standard shank flies. You can change your hook size or orientation without discarding the entire fly if the hook point dulls. The marabou is tied to maximize movement with very little current required. The added flash tail gives it just enough sparkle to stand out in murky flows without being overpowering.
Comparisons
Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly vs. Rabbit Strip Leech
Rabbit Strip Leeches use hide strips that absorb water and become heavy to cast. The Hartwicks Marabou sheds water quickly and is much lighter to throw all day. If you want a similar profile but less fatigue for your casting arm the Hartwicks is the right choice.
Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly vs. Composite Loop Intruder
Composite Loop Intruders typically use stiff materials to keep a large profile in fast water. The Hartwicks Marabou relies on soft feathers that collapse and expand with every shift in current. Choose the Intruder for the fastest heavy water and the Hartwicks for runs with moderate flow.
Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly vs. Traditional Hairwing
Traditional Hairwing flies are dressed on a standard hook and have a smaller and stiffer profile. The Hartwicks Marabou is a tube fly with a larger 3-inch size and far more movement. Use the Traditional Hairwing for low clear water and the Hartwicks when you need to get the attention of fish in deeper or colored water.
Description
The Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly is a bold pattern designed to trigger aggressive strikes from steelhead and salmon. This fly combines the soft and pulsating movement of marabou with a bright flash tail to create a profile fish cannot ignore. It is a staple for anglers chasing anadromous fish who need a fly that swims with a lifelike action. The 3-inch size offers a substantial meal for a predator without being too heavy to cast all day.
What It Imitates
This pattern acts as a general attractor rather than a copy of a specific insect. It suggests the profile of a baitfish, prawn, or squid swimming in the current. The marabou fibers breathe in the water to mimic life while the flash adds a trigger that simulates scales or movement.
How To Use It
Fishing this fly works best with a traditional wet fly swing. Cast across and slightly downstream then let the current sweep the fly across the river under tension. The tube design allows the fly to slide up the leader if a fish jumps or rolls which keeps the fish pinned better than fixed hooks. It performs well in deep runs and tailouts where fish hold during their migration.
When To Use It
This fly shines in colder water conditions often found during winter steelhead seasons or early spring salmon runs. The 3-inch profile provides enough presence to get noticed in off-color or higher water. Brighter colors like Orange or Pink work well in green water while darker combos like Black/Blue are ideal for lower light or clearer conditions.
Why We Like It
We like the versatility that the tube design offers compared to standard shank flies. You can change your hook size or orientation without discarding the entire fly if the hook point dulls. The marabou is tied to maximize movement with very little current required. The added flash tail gives it just enough sparkle to stand out in murky flows without being overpowering.
Comparisons
Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly vs. Rabbit Strip Leech
Rabbit Strip Leeches use hide strips that absorb water and become heavy to cast. The Hartwicks Marabou sheds water quickly and is much lighter to throw all day. If you want a similar profile but less fatigue for your casting arm the Hartwicks is the right choice.
Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly vs. Composite Loop Intruder
Composite Loop Intruders typically use stiff materials to keep a large profile in fast water. The Hartwicks Marabou relies on soft feathers that collapse and expand with every shift in current. Choose the Intruder for the fastest heavy water and the Hartwicks for runs with moderate flow.
Hartwicks Marabou Flashtail Tube Fly vs. Traditional Hairwing
Traditional Hairwing flies are dressed on a standard hook and have a smaller and stiffer profile. The Hartwicks Marabou is a tube fly with a larger 3-inch size and far more movement. Use the Traditional Hairwing for low clear water and the Hartwicks when you need to get the attention of fish in deeper or colored water.
