Somewhere on the net i saw an article which showed how to make Dave Whitlocks tool for running rubber hackle through a deer head popper. Anyone have that handi, I would appreciate it very much.
It was simply a needle with a loop of mono glued into the eye…4 lb test if I remember right…he gives a good discription on the OMN site…which is pbs site if your not familiar…
Good luck and.
I usually tie my legs in while I’m wrapping the hair so I can anchor them to the hook shank. Maybe I’m doing it wrong. JGW
I think you will find it here http://www.warmwaterflytyer.com/bench.asp?page=4
JGW,
Your method is the old standard way to do it, and works just fine.
The needle/loop method is easier, since you can trim the deer hair to shape without worrying about the rubber legs getting in the way. You can also place them exactly where you want AFTER you see how the trimmed bait looks.
A drop of super glue holds the legs in place, and it’s VERY secure (as secure as such things can be).
I don’t bother with them at all, as I don’t think they add anything but problems to a deer hair (or ANY) topwater bait designed for bass or panfish.
Good Luck!
Buddy
JKILROY; I made one of these tools and found that it certainly makes the job easier and quicker. It worked best for me to use a heavy needle and I glued a mono loop onto the needle using 5 min epoxy. Worked for many deer hair Bass bugs and when the mono loop does break you just glue on another. As mentioned, this tool will allow you to easily trim your deer hair first and it does a good job of pulling rubber legs thru the trimmed body afterwards. 8)
I used some very light mono (1 lbs test, I think) and just whipped it to the shank of the needle. It created a little bump at the edge of the wraps that you had to work through the hair a little, but it works. And there isn’t the mess of the glue.
Thanks Rookie, I’ll make one to use for my eze poppers. Next question, where can I get a darning needle?
I just got an assortment pack of sewing needles, ranging in lengths and diameters and picked what I felt worked well with the mono I was using. It ended up working super.
I get a large hook clip off the barb, and slide the legs through the hair, then put some epoxy or zapagap by the legs.