Byron, I use shank length tail and wing, 11/4 to 11/2 hackle. This should yield a wing slightly longer than the hackle. Maybe some of the old tiers did use slightly different proportions. Good hackles were scarce in those days. It took two hackles to hackle a fly as you know. Hook length proportions and 11/2 gape hackles result in a larger fly. Probally turning my 14 into a 12. What proportions do you use and why?

Steven Mike and others, Thank you for your input. I value your opinions and comments and have learned from this discussions. As long as we all catch fish with our creations we should be happy.
Regards, Oldster