After viewing several videos on tying Paraloops I have been trying some. While having never tried using them it seems they are an easy tie using a strand of Polyprop yarn as a tying post. Doing this I didn’t need any gallows to wrap on a hackle feather. I simply held the yarn tip in my left fingers and sort of “threw” the hackle pliers around the yarn.
They look to be quite durable and should float nice and low on the water. I’m curious about why they aren’t more popular. Is there a problem of which I am not aware? Thanks ;);)
It is much easier if you use a gallows tool, but can be done either way.
I agree, not sure why they aren’t. Guess it is actually a little easier to tie standard parachute flies.
If you go to Jay Smitt’s web site, he has a little video showing the use of a gallows tool tying these flies.
I think it is under his “tying flies” link. hard to remember now.
I hope this is a link to a youtube video on using the gallows tool
Thanks Byron: I noted that site earlier but noted also this other one using a slack piece of Poly yarn.
http://flytyingclub.org/index.php?Itemid=270&option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&video_id=2704
Gallows tool is unnecessary, and I think you will find a loop of monofilament (e.g. leader material) works even better than yarn, superfloss, etc. Just tie in a short loop (6" or so) of monofilament, hold the loop in the off-hand, and wrap. Especially useful when tying smaller flies. Consult Bob Quigley’s DVD if you need further illustration.
While pullovers/paraloops are neat, I’ve never found them necessarily more effective than a standard parachute, and the lack of a wing/post makes them hard to see in rough water (and may lack an important trigger as well). They’ve been for a time, and while they are effective, I still carry more parachutes.
Had not seen the CDC dubbing loop/paraloop combo before. Might have to give that a shot…
I respectfully must disagree. I find the gallows tool most helpful. It allows more precise wrapping of the hackle around your post regardless of what is used for the post. In paraloops, I use my tying thread looped over the gallows tool for the “post”. I think it would be very difficult to do so without a gallows tool. Must keep in mind, my"gallows tool" on the jvice is just a thin stiff wire suspended above the jaws.
I have the book (Tying flies the paraloop way - Ian Moutter) and made gallows yet find the lack of a visible post and the fact that it takes 20+ wraps of hackle a bit off-putting. It’s a nice technique but easier done with a parachute style tie.
When I was first playing with hackle-stackers, I thought it would be a perfect use of the gallows tool, so I dug mine out. I found out that, FOR ME, the gallows tool was just in the way more than anything. It didn’t help me at all. So back into storage it went. If you already have one, or can make one free, try it and see if you like it.
But, were you using a thread loop to wrap the hackle around? If you use a more substantial post material you perhaps don’t need the tool. However, then you’re probably going to tie a parachute rather than a paraloop…
I use mono and I don’t use the gallows tool. I find it gets in my way. You might need it if using thread, I don’t know. I never tried thread, but I’m going to experiment.
I have used this type of fly when fishing on trout river and streams.
Love the way tha tthey float.
Rick
Ditto. I use a mono loop. I haven’t tried thread.