Fish-Skull® Fish-Mask™

Product Description

Tie weightless streamers that suspend in the water column. Best of Show – Fly Tying Materials: 2013 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show Best Tying Material: 2014 Outdoor Canada New Fly Fishing Gear Awards The Fish-Mask is a weightless, clear version of the Baitfish Head that provides a clean, simple, and effective alternative to creating heads with epoxies. A realistic baitfish profile and the ability to take on the color of body materials make it a versatile platform for tying a wide variety of weightless streamer patterns. The 8 sizes in the Fish-Mask range are designed to exactly fit the 8 sizes of Living Eyes (a #4 Fish-Mask uses 4 mm Living Eyes, a #5 Fish-Mask uses 5 mm Living Eyes, etc.). For a meaner look, you can use Surface Seducer Dragon Eyes as well! Quantity per pack: #3 (12); #4, #5 (10); #6, #7, #8.5 (8); #10, #15 (6) Video Features Specifications How to use FAQs Realistic profileDesigned to mimic the head, eyes, and gill plates of a baitfish, and to push more water than traditional flies. Front-fitting design Quick and easy to use. Simply tie in all materials first, then fit the Fish-Mask from the front. Recessed eye sockets Designed to securely position, hold, and protect the eyes. The sizes directly correspond with Fish-Skull Living Eyes, which act as an important trigger for predatory game fish. (Fish Mask #3 fits Living Eyes 3 mm., etc.).Add articulationCompatible with our entire articulated shank family.Part of the Flymen Big Game Fly SolutionCombine with the 65mm or 80mm Next Generation Shanks (NGS), Body Tubing, and 10 mm or 15 mm Living Eyes for ultimate big game flies.Fish-Mask Size Chart #3Fits hook sizes #10, #8, #6, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank. #4Fits hook sizes #8, #6, #4, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank. #5Fits hook sizes #6, #4, #2, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank. #6Fits hook sizes #2, #1, 1/0, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank. #7Fits hook sizes #1, 1/0, 2/0, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank. #8.5Fits hook sizes 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank. #10Fits hook sizes 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, & Next Generation Shanks (NGS) #15Fits hook sizes 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, & Next Generation Shanks (NGS) Fish Mask Specifications After tying in all your materials, complete the fly by simply fitting the Fish-Mask from the front and finish off by tying a small thread dam between the skull and the hook eye. 1. Tie the entire fly onto the hook (or articulated shank) leaving a small gap behind the eye of the hook 2. Create a large thread head and tie off your materials. 3. Add super glue to the thread wraps. 4. Fit the Fish-Mask from the front of the fly and position it in place against the materials as desired. Note: If you use UV, your UV light will shine right through the Fish-Mask and cure the goo within 8 to 10 seconds! 5. Tie a small thread-dam in front of the head, tie off, and cement. The thread head locks the Fish-Mask firmly in place, making it impossible to come loose.Step-by-step instructions on how to tie flies with the Fish-Mask such as the Masked Bugger and Masked Minnow. Q: Does the Fish-Mask sink or float? A: The density of the material is slightly thicker than water, which means it will sink very slowly. This is perfect for creating weightless streamers that will suspend in the water column. Q: Can the Fish-Mask be colored? A: Yes, Fish-Masks can be colored using Copic marker pens. Q: Can the Fish-Mask be combined with a Fish-Skull Articulated Shank? A: Yes, the front-slot of the Fish-Mask is designed to fit our entire range of Fish-Skull articulated shanks: the Articulated Shank, Chocklett's Articulated Big Game Shank, the Articulated Fish-Spine, and Senyo's Articulated Shank for Steelhead & Salmon Flies. Q: What eyes can be used with the Fish-Mask? A: Each size of Fish-Mask is designed to correspond to the range of Living Eyes. However, almost any type of 3D or stick-on fish eyes may also be used. This flexibility enables fly tiers to use whatever color or style of fish eyes best suited for the fly pattern they are tying and opens up endless possibilities for creativity. Please note that the Living Eyes are sold separately. Q: What is the best way to secure the eyes in place? A: We highly recommend using UV to seal the eyes in place. This completely covers and then seals the eyes in place deep inside the eye sockets to produce a realistic finish. The eyes will never come off! Simply place the Living Eyes in the eye socket, cover them completely with some Clear Cure Goo Hydro, and then hit it with the light for 8 – 10 seconds to cure. You will love the result. Another method is to use clear drying super glue in the base of the eye sockets and then stick the Living Eyes in place. Done correctly, this is a very quick and effective technique. Q: What is the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution? A: A predator size Fish-Mask (#10 or #15) + Living Eyes (10mm or 15mm) + Next Generation Shanks (NGS) = the key platform upon which large, big game flies can be built.