BLOCK OF PLASTAZOTE FOAM FOR FLY TYING – BOOBY EYES, FABS, WING POSTS – CRAFTS
Seth Wakefield 
# **How to Choose the Right Block of Plastazote Foam for Fly Tying – Booby Eyes, Fabs, Wing Posts & Crafts**
As an avid fly tyer, selecting the right materials is crucial for creating durable and effective flies. One of the most versatile materials in modern fly tying is **Plastazote foam**, a lightweight, buoyant, and easy-to-work-with foam that’s perfect for crafting **Booby Eyes, Fabs (Foam Arsed Bugs), Wing Posts**, and various other fly-tying applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best **Plastazote foam block** for your fly-tying needs, ensuring your flies perform exceptionally on the water.
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## **1. Understanding Plastazote Foam**
Plastazote is a **closed-cell polyethylene foam** known for its:
– **Buoyancy** – Keeps flies floating high on the water.
– **Durability** – Resistant to crushing and water absorption.
– **Ease of Cutting & Shaping** – Can be trimmed with scissors or a hot knife.
– **Variety of Densities** – Available in different thicknesses and firmness levels.
This makes it ideal for **fly tying**, particularly for **surface flies** and **attractors** that need to stay afloat.
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## **2. Choosing the Right Density & Thickness**
Plastazote foam comes in different **densities (LD, HD, etc.)** and **thicknesses (2mm, 4mm, 6mm, etc.)**, each suited for specific applications:
### **A. Low-Density (LD) Foam**
– **Best for:** Booby Eyes, small wing posts, and delicate applications.
– **Why?** Soft and easy to compress, making it great for **floating eyes** on Booby flies.
### **B. High-Density (HD) Foam**
– **Best for:** Fabs (Foam Arsed Bugs), larger wing posts, and flies needing extra buoyancy.
– **Why?** Firmer and more durable, holding shape better under tension.
### **C. Thickness Considerations**
– **2mm – 4mm:** Ideal for **small wing posts** and **thin layers** in dry flies.
– **6mm – 10mm:** Perfect for **Booby Eyes, Fabs, and popper bodies**.
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## **3. Color Selection for Maximum Effectiveness**
Plastazote foam is available in a variety of colors, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in attracting fish:
– **Bright Colors (Yellow, Pink, Orange, White):** Great for **Booby Eyes** and **attractor patterns** in murky water.
– **Natural Colors (Olive, Brown, Black):** Best for **realistic wing posts** and **nymph imitations**.
– **Fluorescent & UV-Enhanced:** Excellent for **low-light conditions** or when targeting **sight-feeding fish**.
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## **4. Cutting & Shaping Techniques**
To get the most out of your Plastazote foam, follow these tips:
– **Scissors vs. Hot Knife:**
– **Scissors** work well for **precise cuts** (e.g., wing posts).
– **Hot knife** (or soldering iron) is better for **smooth, sealed edges** (e.g., Booby Eyes).
– **Punch Tools:** Use **hollow punches** to create **perfectly round eyes** for Booby flies.
– **Layering:** Combine different colors/thicknesses for **multi-dimensional effects**.
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## **5. Best Applications in Fly Tying**
### **A. Booby Eyes**
– Cut **small discs (6mm–10mm diameter)** from **LD foam**.
– Secure with **silicone glue** or **thread wraps** for a **bulging, lifelike effect**.
### **B. Fabs (Foam Arsed Bugs)**
– Use **HD foam (6mm–10mm thick)** for the **rear buoyant section**.
– Shape into a **tapered or rounded body** for **better movement**.
### **C. Wing Posts**
– Thin **(2mm–4mm) foam strips** work best for **CDC-style posts** on dry flies.
– **Taper the edges** for a **natural silhouette**.
### **D. Other Craft Uses**
– **Fishing floats, strike indicators, and popper bodies** can also be made from Plastazote.
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## **6. Where to Buy Quality Plastazote Foam**
For the best results, choose a **reliable brand like KyleBooker**, which offers:
– **High-grade Plastazote foam** in multiple densities and colors.
– **Pre-cut sheets or blocks** for convenience.
– **UV-resistant options** for long-lasting flies.
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## **Conclusion**
Choosing the right **Plastazote foam block** is essential for crafting **effective, buoyant, and durable flies**. Whether you’re tying **Booby Eyes, Fabs, Wing Posts, or other foam-based patterns**, selecting the correct **density, thickness, and color** will improve your fly’s performance.
For premium **fly-tying foam**, check out **KyleBooker’s range of Plastazote products**—designed to help you tie flies that catch more fish!
**Happy tying and tight lines!** 🎣