Another way to use those big feathers for soft hackles.
tied here on a basic Pheasant Tail
this feather would be perfect for a #8 but I’m interested in something more like a #18
insert the barbs in clip (extend about shank length); Petijean’s is a nice tool, and makes it easy to show the process in photos, but any clip will do the job
trim the butt ends close, but leave enough to grab with the thread
split thread (UTC 70 used here)
insert clip
slide thread down till it captures the barbs and release clip
spin bobbin to lock in feather barbs
wet fingers, stroke fibers back while wrapping “hackle”
half hitch, SHHAN
Craig Mathews http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbZlVPsKv9M has put together excellent instructions using oversize feathers, but for the life of me, I can’t spin one like Mathews. Using the split-thread really doesn’t take much longer and I’ve found it produces consistent results for me; YMMV.
Sorry Scott, and this is solely a matter of personal aesthetics, but I don’t care for the look of the butt ends of cut hackle as a collar. If someone wants or needs to use ‘oversize’ fibers for a collar then simply cut them from the stem, measure to the length you wish to use, grasp them at the tie in point, wind the thread and then maneuver the fibers around the shank as the thread is tightened. Even if a ‘split thread’ method is used, the butts of the feather should be cut as close to the thread as possible.
But just to let you know, I appreciate all of your SBSs. Always well done and described.
Thank you for your honest opinion and criticism; I realize this technique isn’t for everyone and your method certainly produces excellent results, in the right hands (not mine, apparently). Also, cutting the butts closer would certainly make for a neater appearance; I don’t mind the stubs and I don’t know if the fish care, but a person should be happy with the fly they’re tying/using.
thanks for another way to skin the cat. i would think the barbule butt ends , as short as they are might add a little bulk and buggieness to the head of the nymph.
Appreciate and thank you for your SBSs and your reaction to my comment. It was solely from a personal viewpoint. I completely agree that the fish are the final arbiters and that “a person should be happy with the fly they’re tying/using.” Anyway, looking forward to your next set of sequential tying instructions.
For me, I usually learn something from every post I read but there was something extra this time. It was so nice to hear polite, considerate and open opinion and response. It makes me feel good to enjoy an activity with a group of true sportsmen. Just say’n.
I have Allen’s excellent book, and have tried this method (similar to Walter’s), but can’t seem to get consistent distribution; like I said, more of an issue with my inability. Thanks for the link.
Scott,
I truly appreciate the time you put into sharing your SBS patterns. You always have very useful information. It was very refreshing to hear polite, considerate and open opinion along with response without getting worked up. FAOL has a long tradition of people sharing and learning ideas and that continues tonight. Good stuff. Thanks again for all the patterns you have shared of late.
Despite tying an awful lot of partridge hackled flies I’ve never gone through more than 1 skin a year, or had to resort to any of the techniques mentioned here. The last one I bought cost 20 UKP ($35 ish) in November. That makes them much cheaper than dry fly hackles. Yet I see a lot of talk on how to do this for game bird hackles, but not for dry fly hackles. It makes me wonder if wet fly fisherman are tighter than those who fish the dry?
Cheers,
A.
i use the same method as desribed on charlies fly box, but i find the hackle splays around the hook shank much easier if i trim the butt end from the hackle before tightening the first two loose wraps.
although fibers are a bit matted here, they get real buggy in the water
Nice thing about the aftershaft feathers is they work just as well on even smaller hooks. This one’s a #16, but I can go down to a #22 scud hook easily; just a matter of adjusting how far they protrude.
