# **How to Choose WAPSI BARRED ROUND RUBBER – Medium – Sili Legs – 6 & 8 in. – Fly Tying Materials**
When it comes to fly tying, selecting the right materials can make all the difference in creating realistic and effective flies. One of the most versatile and popular materials for adding lifelike movement to streamers, nymphs, and bass flies is **Wapsi Barred Round Rubber – Medium – Sili Legs**. Available in 6-inch and 8-inch lengths, this material is a favorite among fly tyers for its durability, flexibility, and natural action in the water.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing and using Wapsi Barred Round Rubber for your fly patterns, ensuring you get the best performance on the water.
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## **1. Understanding Wapsi Barred Round Rubber**
Wapsi’s **Barred Round Rubber** is a high-quality silicone-based material designed to mimic the natural movement of insect legs, baitfish tails, and other aquatic appendages. The **medium thickness** provides a balance between durability and flexibility, making it ideal for a variety of fly patterns.
### **Key Features:**
– **Barred Color Pattern:** The alternating color bands create a segmented, lifelike appearance that attracts predatory fish.
– **Silicone Construction:** Soft yet durable, ensuring long-lasting performance even after multiple strikes.
– **Natural Action:** The rubber’s flexibility allows for an enticing, undulating motion in the water.
– **Available in 6″ & 8″ Lengths:** Suitable for different fly sizes, from small nymphs to large streamers.
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## **2. Choosing the Right Size (6″ vs. 8″)**
The length of the rubber legs you choose depends on the type of fly you’re tying and the species you’re targeting.
– **6-inch Legs:** Best for **smaller streamers, nymphs, and panfish flies**. The shorter length provides subtle movement without overwhelming the fly’s profile.
– **8-inch Legs:** Ideal for **larger bass bugs, pike flies, and saltwater patterns**. The extra length creates more pronounced action, making them perfect for aggressive predators.
**Pro Tip:** If you’re unsure, opt for the 8-inch version—you can always trim the legs to suit smaller patterns.
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## **3. Selecting the Right Color**
Wapsi Barred Round Rubber comes in a variety of barred color combinations, each designed to imitate different prey. Some popular choices include:
– **Black/White Barred:** Great for leeches, damselfly nymphs, and baitfish imitations.
– **Olive/Brown Barred:** Mimics natural insect legs and crayfish claws.
– **Chartreuse/Black Barred:** High-visibility option for murky water or aggressive fish.
**Matching the hatch?** Observe the local forage in your fishing area—if crayfish or dragonfly nymphs are prevalent, earthy tones like brown or olive will work best.
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## **4. Best Fly Patterns for Wapsi Barred Round Rubber**
This material is incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple fly patterns, including:
– **Bass Bugs & Poppers:** Adds lifelike leg movement to deer hair or foam flies.
– **Streamers:** Enhances the tail or lateral movement of baitfish imitations.
– **Nymphs & Wet Flies:** Creates realistic legs for stoneflies, damselflies, and crayfish patterns.
**Example Pattern:** A **Woolly Bugger** with barred rubber legs tied near the collar increases its attractiveness to bass and trout.
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## **5. Tying Tips for Maximum Effectiveness**
To get the most out of your Wapsi Barred Round Rubber, follow these tying techniques:
– **Use a Double Strand:** For thicker legs, fold the rubber and tie it in as a loop.
– **Trim for Proportion:** Adjust leg length based on the fly size—too long can tangle, too short may lack action.
– **Secure Properly:** Wrap thread tightly and apply a small drop of super glue to prevent slippage.
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## **Conclusion**
Wapsi Barred Round Rubber – Medium – Sili Legs is an essential material for fly tyers looking to add realistic movement to their flies. Whether you’re targeting trout, bass, or saltwater species, the **6-inch and 8-inch options** provide flexibility for various patterns. By selecting the right size, color, and tying technique, you can create highly effective flies that trigger more strikes.
For premium fly-tying materials, check out **KyleBooker’s selection of Wapsi products**—designed to help you craft the perfect fly every time.
**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣
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