Squirrel Zonker strips
Squirrel Zonker strips
Squirrel Zonker strips are a popular material in fly tying, especially for streamers and baitfish patterns. These strips are cut from the fur of a squirrel's hide, typically the back or tail, and they feature a soft, fine hair that moves naturally in the water, making them great for imitating small fish or other aquatic creatures. The fur is often used in streamers, where the long, flowing fur provides excellent movement and a lifelike appearance in the water.
**Key features of Squirrel Zonker Strips:**
1. **Natural Movement:** The soft fur provides excellent movement, which is especially effective in creating a lifelike action when retrieved.
2. **Variety of Colors:** They come in a wide range of natural colors, including brown, gray, black, and mottled shades, allowing you to match local prey species.
3. **Texture:** The fur is soft, fine, and silky, creating a more subtle presentation compared to other materials like rabbit or marabou.
4. **Durability:** The leather backing of the strips makes them durable, yet flexible, and they can be easily tied onto a hook or used for various streamer patterns.
Common uses include patterns like Zonker Streamers (Zonker, Sculpin, Muddler Minnows) and other baitfish or small creature imitations. Some anglers also use them for wings, collars, or tails on different fly types.