When I asked about using oversize hackles on soft hackle wet flies on a previous thread I received several great replies. I also got direct comments from some local guys. Their suggestion was to simply cut them back after tying, I thought this would detract from the flexibility of the fine tips but the retort was that these hackle tips were to represent insect legs and that insect legs were not thin and whispy at their tips. How valid is his thought? Has anyone ever tested this? 
I would not cut off the tipsâŚ
They would not look âneat and cleanâ to my eyeâŚ
They would be stiffer and move less in the water to the fishesâ eyeâŚ
YMMV
art
If you look at North Country spiders tied in the 19th century â their original hayday â it appears that it was a common practice at that time to cut back hackles that were too long. Those flies were tied to put food on the table, not for show, and I doubt that it affected their ability to catch fish one bit. Game bird feather barbules donât taper that much anyway.
With the trend today being more âwhat does the fly look like when I use my macro lensâ than âdoes it catch fishâ it seems to be a less common practice.
About the âthin and wispyâ who knows-- the tips also represent tails and wings. Wispy is probably better for tails and thicker for wings.
I would concur.
Game bird feather barbules donât taper that much anyway.
Bob, it is very rare for me to disagree with you on matters concerning materials and flies, but that statement had me scratch my head. I would put to you that most game bird feathers we use for tying have barbs which taper quite fast in fact. I am puzzled.
With the trend today being more âwhat does the fly look like when I use my macro lensâ than âdoes it catch fishâ it seems to be a less common practice.
Here we are back on the same track. I put it to you though, that the two are not mutually exclusive - it is very possible to tie good looking flies (in our eyes) without compromising their effectiveness. The latter, to be clear, always takes first spot in my tying and fishing - as is only proper 
Cheers,
Hans W
Ray, I live in the UK. I fish Northern Streams and Rivers. I cut all my spider flies back now. As do all my friends. They work on the Wharfe, Ribble and Hodder.
They may not look pretty, but my catch rate has improvedâŚ
Page 98 has a gauge for âSoft-Hackleâ from size 6 down to size 16.
Send me a email and I will email you a copy of that pageâŚ
~ parnelli@comcast.net ~
~Parnelli