Spawn Articulated Shanks - Fly Tying Shanks

Spawn articulated shanks are high quality stainless steel, and we were the first in the industry to approach the customization needs of fly tiers. When shanks grew in popularity with articulated flies, there were only a few sizes on the market: 10, 15, and 20 mm were standard. But that is not how fly tiers operate, and many people were just building out their own shanks to fit all their needs. So we decided to do what the tiers do, including ourselves: build out versatility, consistency, and quality.

We offered 9–20 mm, going up 1 mm in size at a time. We also changed the wire diameter as the shank got smaller, allowing for better movement of an articulated fly. We have since added 25, 35, and 55 mm, offering the largest range of sizes on the market. We now have a long-standing history of creating quality shanks.

What's Included

• 20 pack or 50 pack of a single size.
• Variety Pack: 5 each of 11, 15, 20, and 35 mm.

Want every size from 9 to 20 mm in one box? Get the Spawn Super Shank Selection. Tying jig-style flies? See our 60 degree jig shanks and 90 degree jig shanks, or shop all fly tying shanks.

Articulated Shank FAQ

What are articulated fly tying shanks used for?

Articulated shanks are the backbone of an articulated fly. You build sections on the shanks and connect them, which gives the fly its movement in the water. Small shanks build the tail section, mid-size shanks build out the body and taper, and the longest shanks carry larger flies with a trailing stinger hook.

What size shank should I use for the tail section?

9, 10, and 11 mm are our most popular sizes, and they're used as tailing sections on articulated flies.

Why do Spawn shanks come in 1 mm increments?

Because that's how fly tiers actually tie. When the market only offered 10, 15, and 20 mm, a lot of tiers were building their own shanks to get the sizes they needed. 1 mm steps from 9 to 20 mm let you dial in the spacing on every section.

What are Spawn articulated shanks made of?

High quality stainless steel, with the wire diameter stepping down as the shank gets smaller for better movement.