When you start wrapping the thread on the hook, how many times do you go over the loose end of the thread that you are covering?
Rick
Rick,
Three turns generally locks the tag end tight, but in practice I leave the tag end running for much of the length of the hook shank before cutting or snapping it off. Sometimes leave it long and use the tag end for a rib.
Cheers,
Hans W
=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier
trimming the tag end just short of the bend and holding it slightly above the shank helps get a nice smooth thread base w/ no gaps or bumps.
mgj
Rick - I usually do the same as Hans W.
Tim
I too make 3 turns to secure it…As long as you keep the thread snug when you continue to either wind more thread wraps or attach material you shouldn’t have any problem. If you ‘lift’ the thread which will ease the tension on it , it could then slip…but 3 will do to secure it.
Good luck with your tying.
[This message has been edited by mantis (edited 24 October 2005).]
Little trick for you. Wrap the end of the thread around your left index finger about three times.(If you are right handed) Now wrap the thread around the hook using your bobbin about three times and then start wrapping it toward the rear of the hook shank. Hold the thread around your finger a little toward the rear of the hook but up and away from the shank this will help lay down a neat thread base. Just before you get to the bend of the hook just snap your left index finger toward the eye of the hook and the thread will break right were it meets the hook. No need to do any cutting. Saves a step. It is real fast after you do it a bit. Ron
[This message has been edited by RonMT (edited 24 October 2005).]
I also use the tag end to lay down a nice thread base. I also use it to split my micro fibett tails on my mayflies.
John G.
Albuquerque, NM
Rick;
Most of the time in get so into wrapping the hook shank that I forget to cut it off!!
I feel more like I do now than I did when I got here!
Cactus AKA “Lucky Dog (Pirate Name)”
Seven.
Just 'cus. 'Cus I’ve been doing it that way for a really long time. And I’m stubborn
There is a fine line between fly fishing and standing in a river waving a stick, and YOU SIR have crossed that line!
The “Little Trick” by RonMT, is very important when you are going to wrap floss on the hook shank. Nothing is more important for a smooth layering of the floss onto the hook shank, then a smooth tightly wound base wrap of thread. The method RonMT describe, is the quickest and easiest way of achieving that smooth layering of the floss.
Sometimes I just bond the thread to the hook with a mini-drop of Super Glue and trim the tag close to the spot bond.
What JC said. That way each successive wrap lays up against the previous wrap tight and snug with never a gap.
Later, RW
“We fish for pleasure; I for mine, you for yours.” -James Leisenring on fishing the wet fly-
I’ll second just about anything said above, and usually use the tag to lay a smooth foundation. But, depending on the thread and hook size, I can get started in two wraps if I have to (three for big hooks or slicker thread). Bulk isn’t necessarily bad. Bulk you can’t control is bad.