video - Fer-de-Lance

[Hans Weilenmann]

Fer-de-Lance
Hook: Grip 14723BL #12
Thread: Pearsall's Gossamer, Antique Gold
Hackle: Whiting Coq de Leon hen
Tail: Whiting Coq de Leon hen barbs
Body: Fox squirrel - in split thread, silk allowed to bleed through

Video here - please view in HD, if able:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gt1cg7nU7k

Cheers,
Hans W

[Mataura mayfly]

Very nice tutorial of a buggy messy looking fly, you just know is going to catch for you.

How come when silk snaps on me it is never so opportune? Nice method of dubbing trimming as well.
I have a couple of squirrel pelts, but never really used it as dubbing, must try.

[Hans Weilenmann]

Very nice tutorial of a buggy messy looking fly, you just know is going to catch for you.

Controlled Chaos

or maybe

Organised Anarchy

Cheers,
Hans W

[cicvara]

-Really nice.

[letumgo]

"Organised Anarchy"

Great turn of phrase. I'll be borrowing that one for sure.

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. Wonderful stuff.

[crazy4oldcars]

Very nice tutorial, Hans. I will be referring people to this video for the split thread technique. I love this method to supply a spiky dubbed body. I never use a dropped loop anymore, since you showed us how to do this. Thank you so very much.
One thing to offer up, I use my bodkin to flatten the thread. Put the bodkin behind the thread at the fly, and stroke toward the bobbin holder, lifting the thread as you go. Then lay the thread over your off hand index finger to keep it from twisting back together. When using waxed thread, it will hold itself flat and wide, making it easier to find the middle of the strands.

Anyone notice that Hans didn't even flinch when the silk snapped and he impaled his thumb? I would have had to start over after the language melted the camera! Tough guy!

Kirk

[Hans Weilenmann]

One thing to offer up, I use my bodkin to flatten the thread. Put the bodkin behind the thread at the fly, and stroke toward the bobbin holder, lifting the thread as you go. Then lay the thread over your off hand index finger to keep it from twisting back together. When using waxed thread, it will hold itself flat and wide, making it easier to find the middle of the strands.

Kirk,

I will try the bodkin again. When I experimented with this i the past, it did not offer me the same control and tactile feedback as pinching the thread between nail and pad - will see if that is now any different.

Cheers,
Hans W

[crazy4oldcars]

Hans,
It may be a function of thread weight, too. I tend to break anything less than 70 denier on a very regular basis, so I tend to go heavier more often than not.

Kirk

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Hans,

Almost didn't look at this one because I have shared some close quarters with a Fer de Lance or two (of the slithery kind) in some Central and South American jungles. Not a great experience. The fly, however is a beauty and the video is a great tutorial. Thanks for sharing.

[Donald Nicolson]

An excellent fly and a superb tutorial. I learn something new every time I view one.