Easy fly right, how come i am stumbling thumbs with a size 20 &22 ! What is the easiest method of attaching the hackle. I have tried the Charlie v notch but with the v removed there is so little left. I know this has to be easier than i am making it. …I hope!!!
i tried a size 22 and failed, was told perhaps it was my feathers. I was attempting with quail as that was the only feather I had that was small enough. I kept breaking off the feather. I gave up after a few attempts…just didn’t want you to feel alone.
Eric
Take a look at this: http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/details.cfm?parentID=155
Doug Adams
the original post says he tried that method and it didnt work for him
Have you tried by tying in the stem and wrapping the hackle?
Works well.
Here is a couple of video’s I took at a tying day event for CFF of AppalachianAngler tying a soft hackle, using the “stem-tie-in” method.
Maybe this will help.
You could also try stripping some fibers off the stem of whatever soft hackle you are using and tying some of them on the top and the bottom of the hook shank facing over the eye, it will take a little experimenting to get the right length, then fold those fibers back over the hook shank towards the bend and take a couple of thread wraps to hold them in that location, you can then mess around with the fibers so the encircle the hook shank. With this method you can use almost any type of soft hackle feathers you like. The hardest part is figuring out how long you want the fibers to hang over the hook eye so when you fold them back they are the length you want. Hope this helps.
Rodney
You might give this a shot. This method is the same as stuffing the first bunch of deer hair which will become the collar on a Muddler Minnow over the hook eye, rather than ‘spinning’ from a bunch laid along the shank as the balance of the head would be spun.
1, even the tips on one side of the feathers
2, strip the evened barbs
3, roll the bunch much like mixing a tail of two different colors
4, place the bunch so that the proper length is achieved by sliding the center (approx) of the bunch over the hook eye.
the barbs should now be distributed around the shank with the ends at the proper length.
5, Take two turns of thread to hold them and check the distribution. Adjust as necessary so barbs are equally distributed.
6, Take two additional tight turns to lock in place
7, cut off waste, try to get a little taper or stagger so you don’t end up with an abrupt step
8, finish head, whip finish, cut thread.
9, Go catch a fish.
I know pictures would be better, but I have none currently. Perhaps when I get some time, I do an illustrated article on what I have attempted to explain here.
Tight lines,
George
Appanglers method is the same method I use. Tie in from the base, forward on the hook. Then bend back and wrap.
On that size hook, I would use a starling feather. They are a little fragile, but at that size, no more than any other type of bird. I use them on almost all my BWO softies. You can tie them in by the tip or the butt. Either way is tough at size 22!
Rex
everybody seems to be giving instructions to tie much larger soft hackles but is anybody reading that the poster wants info for size 20 & 22 flies?
finding hackle in those sizes with a stem strong enough to be tied in and wrapped around a hook shank is probably going to be nearly impossible to find.
i would suggest using fibers stripped off the stem and tied on the hook shank using a distribution wrap of thread.
When really going small, I like using CDC with a bead. otherwise a simple V cut out works well and strip the rest of the fibers off the stem you think you wont need. I usually use about 8 fibers per side when I am ready to tie it on the hook. I just pull the the hackle thru til I like the length then tighten it down a couple more wraps and finish.
Ok, fibers stripped from the stem is now my approach for these small dudes or Sportsmans depending on my frustration level. My thanks to all that took the time to share your thoughts.
One method would be to make a loop and place your feather in the loop with the desired length of barbules on one side. Twist the loop just enough to lock the fibers in and cut off the stem side as close to the thread as possile. Now you can wrap the looped thread just as you would a feather.
A trick I use with small soft hackles in the 20s, and I use them a lot, is not to use soft hackles. Just use Whiting dry fly saddle hackle, the hackle that comes in 100 packs, same size as the hook. It works as well, if not better, than hen hackle, and I’ve used both. Much easier to deal with too. Tie it in as you would a dry fly hackle and just wind a couple of turns.
Hans Weilenmann’s method works very well too if you insist on a true soft hackle. Here’s a link. I use this method for all my conventional soft hackles. You tie in by the stem, so breakage is less of an issue. http://www.danica.com/flytier/steps/buttercup/buttercup.htm
When tying downsized softhackles, I go to saddle hackle & tie back into it. But I stay with game feathers down to as small as available.