Semi Realistic Extended Body Mayfly

[Rollingdog]

I've made a good amount of extended bodies with foam/hair/dubbing over the years... and I admit it is really nice to "cheat" with these pre-made bodies.

Are they cheating?
Would you tie with a pre-made?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWMxVTZpCpc

 

[JackM]

Semi-fly tying.

 

[alatt]

Whatever works, but it seems like it's putting a fly together rather than tying a fly, but I'm more on the purist side. That also goes for those pre made nymph legs I've seen on this site. Just my opinion.

 

[Dave_W]

Rollingdog wrote:
Are they cheating?
Would you tie with a pre-made?

No, it's not cheating and yes, I'd tie with pre-made (and have often done so).

Today I make my own extended bodies, but pre-made versions are easy (they're often too large however) and help a tyer get a feel for how to design such flies.