Saddle hackle Fly

Fly Patterns
1

Question,
If I tie a fly with a 6" long saddle hackle tied on, will the saddle hackle get caught in the hook point? Example seaducer or Mcnally Magnum.

2

jkilroy,

Here lately I’ve been fishing a lot of deceivers and a kind of cross between a deceiver and a whistler for largemouth bass in a 4 to 4.5 inch range and have not noticed much of a fouling problem. What fouling has occured seems to be on the stripping in of the fly not in casting. I don’t think you would have much of a problem unless perhaps in a strong crosswind. I would think much would depend on hook size. What size hook are you planning on tying these on?

There are others who are much more expierienced than myself. I’m also waiting to hear what they will say.

Leo C

3

You can tie in some stiff bucktail first and then tie the hackles on top.This will help prevent fouling.

4

2/0 hook with a 6" saddle hackle tied on top of the hook towards the front with a upward curve. I take it out to the local lake and try it before tying anymore

5

It depends on where you tie in the hackle. If you tie it in near the tail, you should not have much of a problem. If it is tied in near the mid section or eye of the hook, you may have some problems. I am not familiar with the McNally Magnum, but the seaducer hackle should be tied at the bend of the hook.

You may have some problems with the way you describe the location and hook shape. Your idea to try it is sound.

What are you fishing for? I fish large deciever in the salt for salmon, and with 2/0 and 4/0 heave salmon hooks, I had some minor fouling with the bucktail, but once I switched to circle streamer hook with a shorter shank, the problem went away.

Tis problems like this that lead to fly tying inovation. Have fun, and be sure to report back to us so we can learn from your experiences.

Have fun, Jeff

Tis my time on the water, in the mountains, and in my driftboat where I can see things as they really are.

6

Thanks, as soon as I can I’ll go try them out. Maybe even post a picture of them.

7

There are ways…
Some opt for a small loop of mono tied on the hook shank at the base of the hackle to help eliminate hook wrapping.
Some opt to stiffen the hackle base with goop or such.
Lefty, the master, loooong ago eliminated the problem by tying a hair collar, with the collar being longer than the hook.
I like the hair collar, mostly.
…lee s.