This flexible braided tubing is used to create the mesh body of an Alphlexo (“flexo crab”) style crab fly, but can also be used for other baitfish and squid patterns involving extended tube bodies. This tubing is braided in a “chinese finger trap” style which can be opened up and tied in to create the body carapace of many different types of crabs, and even some baitfish patterns.
1/4″ Diameter – Great for Alphonse crab flies in the sz. #2-1/0 range. Packaged in lengths of about 2 feet per pack.
To create the perfect Alflexo crab, you also need a few more “ingredients” that can be found on our website:
- Underbody: Dumbbell eyes + Bead Chain
- Medium Dumbbell eyes fits most sizes. Large and Small can be used as well depending on preference.
- Chicone’s Stealth Bead chain works very well to give some natural crustacean tones and provide a shape to the underbody on these crabs.
- Fluorescent Bead Chain also works well if you want some contrast and a “hot spot”.
- Hook: Gamakatsu SL12S, or Mustad C70SD.
- Legs & Claws: Ultra Chenille
- “Standard size” ultra chenille is most commonly used. Some prefer “Micro” size for the smaller sizes.
- Singe the ends on the legs with a lighter. Tie a loop knot and cut it to create claws.
- Some prefer to use pre-formed Enrico Puglisi Crab Claws or Crustaceous claws.
- Eyes: Epoxy Mono Crab Eyes are an easy route to go if you don’t feel like making your own out of mono/beads.
- Thread: Danville Flat Waxed Nylon.
- Epoxy: Solarez UV Cure “Flex” Resin is excellent for cementing the legs/components in place.
- Tools:
- An Electric Cautery makes cutting tubing much easier.
- UV Cure Lights to cement the UV resin.