Ultra Wire Size??

[K3's]

I am making my first foray into tying up some CJ's in sizes 12-16. What size of ultra wire should i be using? I see that they have small, brassie, medium, etc....suggestions??

[rookie]

A good rule of thumb would be to use anywhere from 1/4 to 3/4 the hook shank diameter.

[ScottP]

For #12 you could probably use medium, 14-16 I'd switch to brassie; you can get a neat effect by using 2 wires of different diameters; e.g. red in medium and copper in smaller size.

Regards,
Scott

[martinwestbeek]

I've used UW for bodies on my Full Metal Jacket softhackles, sizes 14 and 16, and found that SM works best for me on these hooks. The pic shows how this size works.

[herefishy]

What a great idea to "rib" the wire back up to where it can be tied off!

[Orthoman]

Really cool -- I like the full metal jacket soft hackles -- really nice.

As for wire sizes -- Check out the book BARR FLIES -- by the originator of the copper john.
He outlines wire size uses and also provides numerous patterns.

[fishyfranky_redux]

Thanks for showing us the FMJ soft hackles, I never thought of winding the wire back up to the head. This would work for the smaller diameter wires and I definitely plan to use this technique! As for CJ's, they are a Brassie variant so I'm guessing the Brassie size might be a good choice.

And I like those unbronzed hooks since they have some nice flash. I've noticed that some of my patterns get better when the hooks gets worn down to the metal.

p.s. I'm peeved by the total lack of standards in fly tying. Copper wire is generally made in standard sizes like the AWG and even the craft wire I use that is sourced from China has the size in AWG!

[martinwestbeek]

Thanks for the kudos!

Mart

[mnklagoon]

martin
those are great flies! ill have to tie some of those this week. thanks for the pictures.

[Slate_Drake_9]

The FMJ is a nice pattern. I'm gonna tie some up.

Any chance the body of the fly is 7.62mm long? That would be just perfect.