Deer Hair

[tubefly]

Just a quick question can somebody quantify what is classed as a pinch of Deer hair when used as a wing on a fly.

Tight Lines

Harry

[.D.]

Originally Posted by tubefly

Just a quick question can somebody quantify what is classed as a pinch of Deer hair when used as a wing on a fly.

Tight Lines

Harry

No.


.D.

[Tango51]

Less than a lump and a tad more than a smidgeon.

[.D.]

Originally Posted by Tango51

Less than a lump and a tad more than a smidgeon.

Indeed.

What's the context, Harry?

.D.

[tubefly]

Less than a lump and a tad more than a smidgeon.

Originally Posted by .D.

Indeed.

What's the context, Harry?

.D.

D and Tango

not a trick question

I'm ham fisted and in step by steps you come across "select a pinch of Deer Hair" hence my question. Large, small, lump, tad, smidgeon and pinch mean different things to different people.
Just for once I would like to tie a non scruffy fly to the correct proportions

Tight Lines

Harry

[Border Reiver]

Just start with a little amount, tie it in and look at it. If it does not look right you can always add a bit more. Just trial and error till you work out what is right for you.

B.R.

[Wee Jimmy]

Tubefly,the proportions of your fly will be correct if you like the look of the finished article.One mans "pinch" will be another mans "haystack".Are you trying to win a fly tying contest,or catch a fish...?

[.D.]

Hi Harry,


Nice little book you might like to get a hold of:

Tying Hairwing Flies by Al & Gretchen Beatty



He uses the outside of the hook eye to guage how much hair to use for a "standard" hairwing or tail.

Problem is though: what if the pattern doesn't call for a "standard" hairwing?


.D.

[Tango51]

As a very rough guide, a lump on #8-12, pinch on #14-16, smidgeon on -#16.
Depends on the pattern, some have a thin wing some denser, just fiddle until it looks right when you hold it to the shank.


Don't forget, you are looking at the tips for the density of the wing, not the butts.

[Highlander]

What you do with any hair wing for sizing is "to offer it up" if it is too big then loose a few hairs until you get it in proportion.
I have said it many times it is "all about proportion"
Experience soon tells you what is right. For sake of argument a rough rule of thumb is about 1/4" of hair for a wing.
Tight lines