About Us

I have been active on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook for many years, so you've probably seen my work. Flashtails the business was created at the beginning of 2020 at the start of the pandemic. It was setup with the support and assistance of my beautiful wife and daughter. 

In 2022 the custom orders approach became too much with also working full-time as well. I was working 60hrs a week and was losing my enjoyment of tying, so something needed to change.  I then concentrated on tying stock for fly drops initially via Facebook.  This was extremely popular, but a scramble to secure my flies and logistically challenging for us.  This web-shop may still be a scramble, but at least it will make it easier to purchase, better organised for us and hopefully prevent me losing interest and burning out.  In very rare occasions I will take on a custom request, if I have the desire to tie it.  However pricing will be higher than the web-shop. 

Those that are aware of my work will know I'm an experienced tyer, specialising in bucktail.  I pride myself in designing a streamer that is well tested, thought out, tied to a high level and durable.  I lean very much on those pioneers like Bob Popovics and adapt those techniques to the species available to me.  What I tie is what I use personally and have confidence fishing.   

Without sounding condescending, it's important to realise flies on offer through the shop take a lot more time to tie than a standard low cost synthetic and/or brush fly.  You are paying for a high quality bespoke bucktail tie, my time and knowledge.  Add to this, over the past couple of years bucktail prices have nearly trebled due to other industries paying much more at wholesale. In most cases I pay retail for bucktail to ensure I purchase good quality tails, so material cost really does eat into the set pricing.  I have raised my prices by a pound or two, but not doubled or trebled. That's in part because I want UK fly-anglers enjoying a high-end product and all the benefits it brings.  I have resisted approaches from commercial brands for now, and I am not in competition with other tyers on pricing. Although I can see some like to copy and set lower pricing.  My pricing I believe offers very good value for UK anglers based on the quality product you receive.  Current demand is proof in point, and I am thankful to those that can see this.  

Thanks for all your support.

Paul Monaghan