M

Mallard
The grey breast and flank feathers are used for wings and hackles. The following feathers are also used for winging: white-tipped blue wingquill, grey wing quill, brown shoulder feather and white underwing coverts. The brown shoulder feathers are used in the mallard series.

Mandarin Duck
Similar to the wood duck. The brown flank feathers are used for wings and the white breast feather is used for fan-wings.

Marabou
Turkey fibres which have been extensively employed in fly dressing only in recent years. Their value as wings and tails in lures and nymphs is because the long fluffy fibres, which can be dyed any colour, are extremely lifelike and give the artificials the appearance of mobility when wet.

Mayfly
Term used to describe a common aquatic insect which has a life cycle containing four stages; pupae, larva, dun and spinner. Many, if not most fly patterns are used to imitate this type of insect in its various stages of development. Various species can be found in both moving and still waters, being a staple food in the diet of trout and other fish species. Typically used to refer to the family Ephemerella.

Mend
The practice of changing the position of the fly line on the water to minimize the effects of drag.

Microfibbets
Fine, tapered clear or coloured stiff nylon for dun and spinner tails.

Micro-Web
A translucent sheeting which can be cut to form natural looking wings.

Mohair
Similar to angora wool. Used as a body material.

Monofilament
A single strand of nylon line that makes up leaders and tippets. (link to equipment).

Multiplying reel
Style of reel that has a spool which turns more than one revolution for each turn of the reel handle

Mylar
Man-made synthetic, shiny metallic like plastic. Usually comes in gold and silver and other colors such as red, blue, green, etc. Substitutes for the tinsel of old. Also produced in "tubing" or "piping" form. Used for fly bodies, tails and wing strips. Salt water tarnish proof. A similar material called Lurex is also available.