What it is
Hareline Midge Stretch Rib is an ultra-thin, ultra-stretchy synthetic ribbing made to wrap midge-sized bodies without building bulk. It’s semi-translucent, with a clear option, so it lets an underbody show through while still giving you a distinct, durable segmentation. It has strong elastic recovery, so it stays tight after you stretch and wrap it.
What to tie with it
Use it for slim midge and chironomid bodies and for bloodworm-style bodies where you want that smooth, segmented look. It also shines as ribbing over thread bodies or dubbing bodies on small nymphs; just stretch it slightly as you wrap to keep the profile tight and even. Because it’s durable, it’s a good choice when you want ribbing that won’t shred after a few fish.
Flies and the fish they're for
Brent’s Magic Midge is a natural fit for this material, since it’s built around that tiny chironomid/midge profile and benefits from a clean, delicate rib. Fish it for trout in stillwaters and tailwaters where midges and chironomids are a staple, especially when fish are feeding subsurface on small, consistent bugs.
How it compares
Compared with UTC Vinyl D-Rib (Midge), Midge Stretch Rib is stretchier, while the D-Rib is less stretchy and its D-shaped tubing tends to lie flatter along the hook shank. If you want more give and a tight, rounder wrap on very small bodies, Stretch Rib is the easier material to tension and control.
