Spinning Hair

All about flies Fly Tying
1

I have read that alot of tiers are now using the gel-spun thread when they are spinning hair. Is there a preferred thread size and what is the advantage to this thread?

2

The main advantage is that it’s virtually impossible to break the thread. You can really lean into it when spinning hair, without the “oh, s**t” moments! I haven’t used it a lot yet, so I can’t give you size recommendations. If you do buy some, keep one thing in mind… you can only cut the thread if it’s pulled rather taut. Otherwise, it just slides away from the scissor blades.

Chuck

3

Thanks Chuck, I still have a question though. I use Caribou hair for Rat faced McDougalls and Irrestibles, do you think that this thread will cut the hair more than the regular thread, since I may over-pull it due to its increased stregnth?

4

Caribou is pretty soft, isn’t it? My suggestion: buy a spool of gelspun, and spin some hair on a hook, using gradually increasing force. You’ll know soon enough. What do you have to lose?

Chuck

5

Beaver kill

I took a class with Chris Helms and he had us to put a clump of hair on the hook and pull on the gel spun til it cut the hair so we would know how much pressure we could use.

Knucks

6

Sorry to be so un-informed, but what is gel-spun thread, and where do you get it?

7

Betty,
Chris Helm - Whitetail Fly Tieng Supplies - has it. Chris is one of the better deer hair tyers. And a Buszek Award winner for the FFF.
SweetStreamS

8

Betty,

Here’s a link to Chris Helm’s online catalog. In it, you’ll learn about the different threads mentioned here, as well as about deer hair for wings, spinning, etc. Good resource for quick answers. If you have questions, he’s happy to talk to anyone on the phone.

http://www.whitetailflytieing.com/PDF/Catalog091106-SAV.pdf

Joe

9

SweetStreams and Joe,

Thank you! You guys are great! I’m downloading the catalog as we speak.

I’ll take ANY help when it comes to deerhair flies! I am improving … use only half a deer hide to tie a mouse pattern, instead of the whole animal.

10

Betty,
I think you’ve mentioned Mike George before. I have bought several of his flies at auction. A great guy, and - luck you - I think he lives in Olathe!! I’ll bet he would help you.
SweetStreamS

11

Actually, SweetStreams, I’d already thought to ask Mike about it!! And see why he hadn’t mentioned it before! (hanging on to at least one secret!!)

12

beaverkill54:

Check out the latest issue of Fly Tyer, Autumn 2006. Chris Helm, Master Bass Bugger is featured in an article. Some of his technique is revealed and like others have said, he is a great guy, has an extensive catalog of goodies and is worth calling.

He loves gel spun BTW once you get the touch like knucks described.

AND, check out the Chris Helm video, “Spinning Deer Hair” ducksterman has for sale on the [url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=13695:d79f1]FAOL For Sale[/url:d79f1] BB.