I had the same problem with the eyes not “sticking.”
My local fly shop had an open house and was demonstrating “Loon Knot Sense”
along with their ultra violet light applicator (like a small flashlight).
After putting the eyes on the head area, place a small amount of “Knot Sense”
on your bodkin and apply a very small amount around the outer edges of the eye.
Then take the Loon ultra violet “flashlight” and turn it on, holding it about 1/8"
from the eye for about 5-8 seconds.After which the eye is completely dry and secure.
I’ve used this method for over a year and haven’t had any eyes falling off
after hours in the water.
Check “Loon’s” website for further info.
That is a good thing to do for extra large eyes that won’t stick, I use that technique now and then. For small eyes that won’t stick…I put a blob of Sally’s on the head, then press the eye on. Then I go over it with more Sally’s. Both techniques work for me.
I almost always superglue them on, or use an epoxy head when playing with eyes. I sure as heck don’t like using them, but they really improve my confidence in my flies.