A Why question

[Rick Z]

If we use two or three wraps to hold material on the hook and a four to seven wrap whip finish, why the heads of most flies so large?


Rick

[dixieangler]

Wrong size thread maybe? Assuming we don't build up the head to much.

[MontanaMoose]

For me it happens when I crowd the eye with the materials.

Cheers,

MontanaMoose

[mr. blur]

I suppose you could take a three wraps on one wrap off approach to tying in materials. I usually use a three or four wrap whip. my heads get large when they're use to cover up material tie ins, or if I'm wrapping back hackle or nymph legs.

[Jayatwork]

Several reasons come to mind:

1. Three wraps may be enough to hold the material but it usually takes a few more to cover the butt ends.

2. It might take a few extra wraps to form a smooth tapered head.

2. Some materials like hair wings take more wraps to secure.

However, I think all of the above can be accomplished without making an excessively large head.

[billknepp]

I'd say alot has to do with poor thread control..and or poorly applied materials in general...Or as it commonly is for me, Plain old being in a hurry the night before going out...cause I just did'nt take the time over winter to tye for myself....I'll prolly run into this and a few of the other afore mentioned tomorrow night..Got an order for two dozen Sulpher's today...First day back at work..and the guy's missed my tying...Just hope they are worth the 6 bucks a dozen I quoted...

[mr. blur]

yer working too cheap.
just the fact that you've gotta tie two dozen of the damn things on short order's worth the bump in price.

..Got an order for two dozen Sulpher's today...First day back at work..and the guy's missed my tying...Just hope they are worth the 6 bucks a dozen I quoted...

[ashbourn]

Sounds alot like what I call "weak wraps" most materials do not require many wraps to hold it down. Most of the time it is a lack of understanding on what is needed to hold something down the best example is the Elk Hair Caddis when done correctly it only takes a few wraps to hold the wing in place, Hans can tell you more about this. Another big problem is the slick thread that is used. I wax my threads with a special mix to futher hold material down.
Joe Fox