FLYMPH FORUM

Dubbn, I have been using a pair of "sixth finger" scissors for near on a year now (thanks Ray!) and I really like them for fine work. They are being imported here now and do not seem too dear when compared to Dr Slick's or the like, so they might be worth a look if you are thinking of buying a new pair for fine work.
Another trick I found, is to use a thread like Danvilles that will lay flat rather than round in section. When wrapping over the trimmed barbs a flat thread can help cover the cut ends without too much height build up.

The other option to you is to tie the barbs on first, points out over the hook eye and fold them back over the thorax after finishing the body, bring the thread through and with a couple of tight wraps hard in front of the held back barbs they should form a suitable hackle. You can wrap back onto them to make them lay along the body better and then form your head/whip finish.

I have tried most of the above and still form some pretty rough looking heads. I do get the odd one that looks ok though.

On this one I tied in a bunch of barbs over the eye as the first material, and folded them back after completing the body.



The head need not be very bulky that way.

Cheers,
Hans W

Scissors do help. I have two pair for small flies. One is a Dr. Slick razor scissor, the other...an Anvil midge scissor. I think it is called micro midge.

Thanks Hans, that photo perhaps explains the method a whole lot better than my description.

DUBBN, Howdy;

Wayne, perhaps you are just trying to hard or as
my Mom always used to say "Maybe you aren't holding your mouth right."

Relax a bit, it's only a bunch of inanimate bits-n-pieces,
surely you can out wit them ... ,
I got's faith in ya.

hank

Hans Weilenmann wrote:On this one I tied in a bunch of barbs over the eye as the first material, and folded them back after completing the body.



The head need not be very bulky that way.

Cheers,
Hans W

Is that the technique where you push the barbules back towards the body, then tie off?

Correct.

Thanks all, for the comments and guidance. It is very much appreciated.

Barbs over the eye technique.



Better.

Looking the part - well done

Cheers,
Hans W