Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
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Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
Thanks everybody for the responses, must have been a subject that hasn't come up much?
Great lot of interesting replies and I am shocked nobody has come up with the Thompson Duplex or a copy of it. The one that looks a bit like a set of automotive ignition points (for those of us that can remember pre-electronic ignition!)
Always hasd a hankering to try a set of those but never found any for sale here.
Ray, when you win lotto, buy me a set to would you.
Dubbn, that kind of photo composition was possibly my main reason for ordering the set I did, but they should work for pliers just as well. I did find a similar product here in NZ, it was cheap as well, but the metal hook was sharp as a razor and would cut a hackle quick as look at you. I biffed it away in disgust....... would have still worked as a photography stand.
Great lot of interesting replies and I am shocked nobody has come up with the Thompson Duplex or a copy of it. The one that looks a bit like a set of automotive ignition points (for those of us that can remember pre-electronic ignition!)
Always hasd a hankering to try a set of those but never found any for sale here.
Ray, when you win lotto, buy me a set to would you.
Dubbn, that kind of photo composition was possibly my main reason for ordering the set I did, but they should work for pliers just as well. I did find a similar product here in NZ, it was cheap as well, but the metal hook was sharp as a razor and would cut a hackle quick as look at you. I biffed it away in disgust....... would have still worked as a photography stand.
"Listen to the sound of the river and you will get a trout".... Irish proverb.
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
Great thread Jeff. It was alot of fun!
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
Thanks for the link, Ray. I picked up this book earlier this summer and it is one of the best tying and fishing books I have read.letumgo wrote:Wayne - What pattern is that? Initially I was guessing it was a small version of your muskrat pattern, but then was not so sure. Figured I'd ask. Gorgous fly & photo, by the way.
JohnP - If you are a fan of still water flies, you should check out a tyer named Denny Rickards. I am a big fan of his stillwater patterns. He tyes impressionistic patterns which have a lot of inherent movement. I own his book entitled "Tying Stillwater Patterns For Trophy Trout" and can recommend it highly. (http://www.flyfishingstillwaters.com/aboutdenny.asp)
Sorry for the hijack. Now back to our regularly scheduled programing about hackle pliers and their many uses...
http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Patterns-Stil ... 1571881956
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
[/quote]
Hey Wayne, that's a great-looking Tups, by the way!
Hey Wayne, that's a great-looking Tups, by the way!
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Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
JohnP - I have that book too. Agreed. It is an excellent book.
Wayne - Beautiful fly.
Wayne - Beautiful fly.
Ray (letumgo)----<°))))))><
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Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
I've used most of the types available, but always seem to go back to the small "English" style. But a close second is the "Teardrop". These 2 types seem to allow me better control. I am a little heavy handed with hackle, and these 2 help me quite a bit.
But, as has been stated, it depends on what you are used to, and use more. I suppose one could use a clothespin if it were all that was available; and get used to it.(Of course, the purist would use the wooden ones, and the non-purist would use the plastic ones)
But, as has been stated, it depends on what you are used to, and use more. I suppose one could use a clothespin if it were all that was available; and get used to it.(Of course, the purist would use the wooden ones, and the non-purist would use the plastic ones)
"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and
beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise"
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beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise"
Aldo Leopold
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
The tear drop style has become my go to hackle pliers for quite some time now. On occasion a small soft hackle might break in the process of wrapping and with that I have found a small piece of trim type tape wrapped around each tip section to help. I am surprised more haven't gone to the Radio Shack style wire holding plier. Hans has been using them in nearly if not all his video's. I have tried them and found with fine feather barbs and stem that they will slip off the material. I have also had some feather breakage with them as someone else has mentioned. Perhaps they just need some tweaking to get these problems solved as I really do like how I am able to rotate them as I wrap.
Regards, Jerry
Regards, Jerry
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
I have about 6 different hackle pliers. I don't really like any of them. If I am using starling, I like the J Dorin. Most of the time I have Dr. Slick hackle pliers for larger flies. I also use the mini tester type hackle pliers...they all are not the same. Pomona makes the best. (jimbargins123 on Ebay) Minigrabber test clip. I have them on dowel rod sticks for holding flies too. They are better than the ones at Radio Shack in my opinion.
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
Most of the time I use my fingers but I have a number of types for special uses or difficult feathers....
Not all are pictured here.
I like the rotary pliers especially tying parachute dry flies. My latest are some of the teardrop pliers and I haven't used them enough yet to form an opinion on them yet.
My most important use is salvaging a fly when I break my thread!
Not all are pictured here.
I like the rotary pliers especially tying parachute dry flies. My latest are some of the teardrop pliers and I haven't used them enough yet to form an opinion on them yet.
My most important use is salvaging a fly when I break my thread!
Re: Hackle pliers..... whatcha using?
80 of them for $17.00 (I think) on flea bay...beats 3-4 bucks a piece....
Great for photographing a swarm or fleet of flies...
Murray
Great for photographing a swarm or fleet of flies...
Murray