Techniques on Using EP Fly Tying Material

EP fly-tying materials are the invention of Enrico Puglisi, one of the most innovative contemporary fly tiers in the world. His specialty is saltwater flies, and the materials required for this special focus led him to develop his own product line. EP materials and flies are available from many retailers, making it easy for you to tie flies that are both attractive and effective.

  1. Wing Materials

    • Use EP wing material to construct the large wing structure that imitates the body of a bait fish. Select the color that best matches the natural bait fish you are imitating. Measure and cut the material to length. Tie it in at the hook eye. If the pattern calls for cementing the fibers together near the head end, work some adhesive into the fibers.

      EP Fiber wing materials are softer than bucktail and stiffer than marabou. They are color-fast and will not absorb water. Most importantly, when retrieved, the materials have the same wiggling movement as a live bait fish. Finally, these materials are tough enough to stand up to game fish that can demolish ordinary flies. EP Silky Fiber is a finer version of EP Fiber and is used for smaller flies.

    Body Materials

    • Body materials are used for wrapping around the hook shank to create a body. Select a color that is either a match for the natural or as an attractor color. Cut a length of body material and tie it in near the rear of the hook and wrap the material forward, tying off at the forward end of the body.

      EP Anadromus Brush and EP Shrimp Brush are made of fibers twisted on a pair of stainless steel wires. Stainless steel will hold up to saltwater and make a body that stands up to game fish teeth. The Anadromus variety comes in many attractor colors, while the Shrimp variety comes in more natural colors, imitating shrimp.

    Sparkle Material

    • Flashy materials are used to imitate the reflections given off by bait fish. They can be added to wings as linear highlights or to bodies when they are wrapped. The sparkle can be color matched to the natural bait or contrasted to add attractive highlights.

      EP Sparkle consists of fine Mylar for wings; some colors are even holographic. EP Sparkle Brush adds fine Mylar sparkling color to bodies.