The sparseness of the bodies and simplicity of them is also another positive feature, and it adds yet another degree of realism that we as anglers often overlook. Nymphs these days are filled with a lot of bells and whistles. Lots of flash, weight and all sorts of crazy materials designed to make the nymph more realistic. When was the last time a Baetis nymph looked as bulky as a linebacker? The simplicity of a skinny body for small flies such as Baetis mayflies, and midge larva and pupa, makes soft hackles a perfect option because the bodies are not thick, or built up. There is no need! The sparser the body, the better the fly will perform, and with small insects it is crucial to take this into account. This is yet another reason of why it is important to have a better understanding of the life cycle of the insects in our streams; it will allow you to select an effective fly the first time, rather than having to go through your entire arsenal until you find the right one. In short, if you know the bugs, you can spend more time catching fish than trying to find the right fly.