Hends Shellback

Hends Shellback is a flexible 5mm to 6mm wide vinyl foil material designed for fly tying to create realistic shellbacks, wing cases, and segmented bodies on subsurface patterns.

Uses in Fly Tying

• Nymphs and Wet Flies: Used extensively for classic Czech nymphs, mayfly nymphs, and stonefly wing cases.
• Freshwater Crustaceans: Ideal for imitating the natural segmented carapace of scuds, freshwater shrimp (grammars), and sow bugs.
• Streamers and Larger Patterns: Wrapped over larger bodies or streamer backs to add profile width and structural contrast.

Benefits of Hends Shellback

• Lifelike Translucency & Depth: Creates a natural chitinous look that mimics real aquatic insect exoskeletons under water.
• Subtle Light Reflection: Features an iridescent, sparkling gloss that catches light underwater to trigger strikes without being overly flashy.
• High Elasticity: Stretches and wraps smoothly around the hook shank, reducing unnecessary bulk compared to thick plastic strips.
• Durable Segmentation: Helps form tough, resilient bodies that stand up to toothy fish and heavy rocks on European-style competition nymphs.

Catch Me If You Can Fly Fishing t/a CMF Fly is the distributor of Hends Products in South Africa here is a link to Hends https://www.hendsproducts.cz/en/

Have a look at the Hends Hooks https://www.cmffly.co.za/fly-tying-hooks/