mounting flys

[trout hunter 77]

I've designed a New England Patriots streamer for the NFL swap and want to frame some for a few friends that have requested a fly for there wall.

what can i do to prevent the feathers from drooping over time. I've tried some of my wifes hair spray on a steelers streamer i did last winter and the wings are drooping and the fly looks like s#&*.


my Steelers Streamer can be seen on Dianes superbowl swap photos on the swaps page

thanks Don

[Bugsy]

Don, I bet your best chance for a wing that maintains its desired position is to consider the actual construction of the wing, and not rely upon hair spray or other fixative.

Feather wings can achieve additional support with an underwing of bucktail. Also consider the natural bend of the shaft (or rachis). If the feather wants to naturally droop in one direction due to its growth/location on the bird, try holding the feather inverted. You should notice the feather is better supported by the rachis in this "inverted" position.

Spraying a fixative (such as hair spray) on the feathers may prevent the individual barbs from moving. But the fixative must add weight to these individual barbs, thus causing the more stress on the rachis and thereby negating the purpose of its application in the first place. That's why I believe you're best to find your answer in the fly's construction.

Forgive for repeating what you may well already know. Otherwise, maybe this helps.

[gnat]

One word: Viagra!

[Warm Water Fly Fisher]

on how to mount flies try this
http://globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/framing/

[Al Beatty]

Hi Don,

Bugsy got it right about hair underwings helping support the feather wings in a frame. I suggest a step further. Whenever I mount a feather wing streamer I glue the feather wings and under wing into an assembly before I tie it to the hook. Then when you tie it to the hook the assembly stays in line. When I do a feather wing streamer (no underwing) I support the wing assembly with a strip of 24lb paper glued in the center of the wing assembly before tying it to the hook. Let's say I'm mounting a Spruce Fly Streamer then I glue a strip of 24lb paper I have colored black into the middle of the assembly to match the black strip in the middle of each feather. Hang the wet assembly from a bar so the wing tips point toward the floor/table and let it dry. Then tie it on the hook. I know this may sound like hairacy <SP> but our purpose is to mount a fly under glass, not to use if for fishing. I think a whole different set of rules apply when mounting flies under glass - the goal is to have it look good in 10, 20, ? years. Take care & ...

Tight Lines - Al Beatty
www.btsflyfishing.com

[trout hunter 77]

thanks guys.
I have sat and tied with Mike Martinek on quite a few occassions. and he has taught me well on the proper selection of materials, and useing the natural curve of the feather,and construction of a durable fly.
But i new there had to be a few tips out there for keeping these flys looking there best over time.
thanks again Don

[William Fitzgerald]

Hope you didn't use any CA glue in the tying of your flies---in a tight frame it tends to destroy a fly from fumes that linger

[quillg]

I've mounted quite a few streamers. I tend to use felt glued to some foam core board for the background. The felt sort of grabs the feathers. Also, Isometimes spray the fly with fixative( not too much a very light spray goes a long way). Both can be purchased at art stores. The combo of the fixative and the felt does a good job of supporting the wing.

--------------------------------------
Rich

[Ronn Lucas]

Here's the way to mount featherwing streamers sans glue, spray or other stuff stuck to the fly. Take a piece of heavy clear mono, heat it SLIGHTLY and pull it to form a taper. A "fast" taper, not a long gradual one. Now decide how long it needs to be from the distance of the wing to the mat board and through the mat if that is how you want to mount it. I mean, poke a hole in the mat, poke the mono through. glue it from behind and cut it short (on the back of the mat). Mount the fly as usual. Lay the mounted fly down and position the wing the way you want it to stay. In the middle of the extended part of the wing mark and then mount the mono directly in line with the feather shaft or very slightly above if the mono is real limp. You want the mono to be stiff by the way. Lay the wing against the mono so it supports the bottom of the feather shaft and pokes through the wing. Take a fine hot but not too hot instrument to make a right angle bend upwards on front of the wing. Clip the end of the mono so you have just enough to support the wing when held upright. That's it. The wing could be jostled off the post if it is knocked about but you should be able to jiggle it right back on.

Happy Trails!
Ronn

[trout hunter 77]

Thanks everyone, keep the tips coming...
this newbie tier is alway willing to learn. thats why i love FAOL.

Ronn, i think your idea will work best for me. nice and simple. thanks

Don