FLYMPH FORUM

Hey Mark. You're going to spoil me. I will put the materials to good use.

I've never had huge success with P&Os (honestly I don't use them enough) but I always admire them when others tie them. I guess I designed this one for more confidence. I built up the body a little for a bit more pupa-like taper. One of the most difficult things is the whip finish behind the hackle. I know the fish don't care but I like it to at least look neat. I should have tied it so the end was hiding on the other side but a little imperfection is what makes the world go 'round.



Vicki

not even nature is perfect.............which should tell you, all you need to know. your flies are beautiful.....

kanutripr wrote:Hey Mark. You're going to spoil me. I will put the materials to good use.

I've never had huge success with P&Os (honestly I don't use them enough) but I always admire them when others tie them. I guess I designed this one for more confidence. I built up the body a little for a bit more pupa-like taper. One of the most difficult things is the whip finish behind the hackle. I know the fish don't care but I like it to at least look neat. I should have tied it so the end was hiding on the other side but a little imperfection is what makes the world go 'round.



Vicki

For what it's worth, Vicki, I bring the thread up through the hackle and tie off at the head using double half-hitches; if you don't have a half-hitch "tool", unscrew and use the front end of a ball point pen.

Sorry Bill, I completely forgot to reply to you.

I don't ususally use half hitches. I was taught they aren't as reliable as whip finishes and I'm a practical gal. I also avoid head cement so I usually use a double whip BUT I will try it since I can't argue with success (your flies are beautiful).



Vicki

kanutripr wrote:Sorry Bill, I completely forgot to reply to you.

I don't ususally use half hitches. I was taught they aren't as reliable as whip finishes and I'm a practical gal. I also avoid head cement so I usually use a double whip BUT I will try it since I can't argue with success (your flies are beautiful).



Vicki

Thank you, Vicki. As for half hitches, they probably aren't as reliable, although a couple double half hitches on waxed thread seem to hold reasonably well. If doing a whip is what you want, try using the split-section-of-a-straw-trick to hold the hackle back out of the way ...

Vicki, Bill's right...........the ole' one to one and a half inch section of a soda straw should do the trick just fine.....slide it on from the front to force the hackle back while you whip. It'll (cock hackle), come forward again no problem.
i use to use a short piece of straw to hold marabou collars (on Popcycles for instance), back while i did the heads all the time.....works GREAT!

never did "split" my straw section though.....Bill?

W'head ~ The split lets the straw section slip over the thread, leaving it hanging free to do the final wrap and whip finish in front of the hackle.

DUH!!!!! i forgot, i've never used the straw "Before" the whip...........just "after" i've finished cutting the thread off and while doin' heads.......so i never needed to split it. .....