George Gehrke’s Gink Floatant in a 1/2-ounce bottle (carded) is a popular dry fly fishing dressing designed to help keep dry flies floating on the water’s surface. Here’s what you should know about it:
Key Features:
– Purpose: Waterproofs and preserves the buoyancy of dry flies.
– Formula: Typically a silicone-based or petroleum-based floatant that coats the fly, repelling water and preventing saturation.
– Application: Apply a small amount to the fly before casting or reapply as needed during fishing.
– Packaging: Comes in a 1/2-ounce (14g) bottle, often “carded” (attached to a cardboard display card for retail sale).
– Versatility: Works on natural and synthetic fly materials like hackle, CDC, and parachute posts.
Usage Tips:
– Apply sparingly—too much can weigh down the fly.
– Works best on clean, dry flies (shake off excess water first).
– Can also be used on leaders to reduce drag in certain conditions.
Alternatives & Comparisons:
– Liquid vs. Paste/Gel: Gink is a liquid floatant; pastes (like Loon Payette) may be better for heavily hackled flies.
– Powder Floatants: Useful after fly gets waterlogged (e.g., Shimazaki Dry Shake).
Why Anglers Like It:
– Lightweight, easy to carry in a vest or pack.
– Effective for quick treatments mid-fishing.
– Long-standing reputation in fly fishing (George Gehrke was a well-regarded fly tyer and innovator).
If you’re looking to buy or use it, check for freshness (old floatant can separate) and ensure compatibility with your fly materials (some synthetics may react poorly).
Would you like recommendations for specific fishing conditions or fly types?
George Gehrke’s Gink Floatant is a well-known and trusted dry fly floatant used by fly anglers to keep their dry flies floating high on the water’s surface. The 1/2-ounce bottle carded version refers to a small, portable bottle (approximately 14 grams) packaged with a cardboard backing (carded) for retail display.
Key Features:
– Formula: A silicone-based gel that repels water and keeps dry flies buoyant.
– Application: Apply sparingly to dry flies before casting (works best on natural and synthetic materials).
– Long-Lasting: A little goes a long way, making the 1/2-oz bottle a great on-the-go option.
– Versatile: Works on CDC, hackle, and other dry fly materials.
– No Residue: Dries clear and doesn’t gum up fly details.
Why Use Gink Floatant?
– Helps flies stay afloat in rough or fast-moving water.
– Prevents waterlogging, especially with delicate dry flies like mayflies or caddis patterns.
– Compact size fits easily in a vest or fly box.
Alternatives & Comparisons:
– Loon Aquel (water-based, less oily)
– Flyagra (liquid silicone for pre-treatment)
– Shimazaki Dry Shake (powder floatant for post-cast drying)
Where to Buy:
– Available at fly shops, outdoor retailers (Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops), and online (Amazon, eBay, specialty fly-fishing stores).
Would you like recommendations on how to apply it effectively or tips for keeping dry flies floating longer?