Much time can be spent trying to achieve a synthetic based pattern with the right mix of fiber and flash. Typically tiers will alternate between fiber (Unique Hair, Super Hair, Kinky Fibre, Slinky Fibre, etc.) and flash (Angel Hair is my preference) as they construct a fly. Well why not take care of mixing flash and fiber for many flies at once. Let me introduce you to flash blending. It's a simple way to add flash in a uniform way to many patterns. It's nothing new. Many materials are available with flash pre-blended and packaged. However, if you take a little time to do your own flash blending, you will add significant durability to patterns you may have been tying with just flash. One such blend that is gaining popularity is made from Angel Hair (the flash) and Slinky Fiber (the material). Here's how it's done:

Make sure the flash and fiber are about the same length

1. Strip some Slinky Fiber onto a clean work area in a thin layer.

2. Over that, strip some flash in a thin layer.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 again and again until you are done.

4. Now, roll up the material and strip the combination back onto the work area.

5. Repeat this 3 or 4 times, as each time the blend starts to look like one material instead of two.

That's it you're done.

Storing this blend in a long plastic sleeve is critical to making it easy to use.

Get a postcard from one of your older copies of Flyfishing in Saltwaters and use it as a funnel to slide the blend into the large fly sleeve. The long sleeves fit easily into Plano storage containers.

To use the blend, simply tap the pack so about 1 inch is hanging out. Then holding it in one hand, strip just enough for the tying step you're about to do. The blending also creates feathering at both ends so when attached to a hook in the middle of the material, then folded back over itself the feathering is evident through out the pattern. As a result, you can now create a highly durable fly with an integrated flash that looks and swims as if it were just one material. It's also easy to add color with pens should you wish to limit the number of blends you're making.

Here ís the recipe for one blend which I use in most of my flies: 3 packs of polar flash angel hair to one pack of white kinky fibre. In general, the 3 to 1 ratio consistently produces a good blend, but you should experiment.

I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. So will the fish!