trouble with para hackles

[matt_b]

Hi folks,

could someone point me toward an 'idiot' proof SBS showing how to tie fly with a para hackle around a hi-vis wing post? (something like a para Adams would be ideal)

I cannot emphasise the 'idiot' part enough: every step, no matter how trivial, needs to be made apparent in a way that would make a 4 year old blush!

many, many thanks

[silversedge]

Here you go,,
http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-tying...s-paradun.html

[flytire]

one of the best parachute adams sbs on the web

Charlie's FlyBox - Colorado's Best FlyShop and online Fly Tying Tutorials

[dwiltshire]

---------- Post added at 05:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:49 PM ----------

Also the same technique here as when I did the pearsalls dun. My preferred way.

River Fly Box, tying the parachute emerger, klinkhamer

D.

[la_jolla1]

If you're still having trouble, Skip Morris in his book "Trout flies for rivers" has a great parachute hackle step-by-step, which I find to be the easiest and best, and changed to it after many years, and the flies are neater, float better and very durable.

[burhan]

Originally Posted by matt_b

Hi folks,

could someone point me toward an 'idiot' proof SBS showing how to tie fly with a para hackle around a hi-vis wing post? (something like a para Adams would be ideal)

I cannot emphasise the 'idiot' part enough: every step, no matter how trivial, needs to be made apparent in a way that would make a 4 year old blush!

many, many thanks

Hi matt. What part are you having difficulties with. Are your flies not sitting right?

burhan

[dartmoor navigator]

I thought tying Klinks and suchlike was really going to be black magic - 'til I just read the 'River Fly Box' guide That made a really good job of explaining the whole process.

[matt_b]

Thanks folks - just waht I was after.

One remaining problem: how do you actually wrap the hackle around the post without it flopping around? I'm guessing it needs to be anchored upward somehow - is this where a gallows tool or some such becomes useful?

[christy27]

Originally Posted by matt_b

Thanks folks - just waht I was after.

One remaining problem: how do you actually wrap the hackle around the post without it flopping around? I'm guessing it needs to be anchored upward somehow - is this where a gallows tool or some such becomes useful?

Yep, then is very much when the gallows tool becomes useful. I think you can get them on fleabay for a few quid. With a little imagination you could knock something up while you're waiting involving a coat hanger and an elastic band.

Chris.

[dwiltshire]

Originally Posted by matt_b

Thanks folks - just waht I was after.

One remaining problem: how do you actually wrap the hackle around the post without it flopping around? I'm guessing it needs to be anchored upward somehow - is this where a gallows tool or some such becomes useful?

Sure Matt, you can use a Gallows tool, but it is by no means essential. I never use one.

There are a couple of things to check / do:

1) Don't make the post too long when winding around it. No more than 1.5"-2". Then trim the wing to length after you've secired the hackle. Have a look at the pictures on the River Fly Box and you'll see what I mean.

Here: River Fly Box, tying the parachute emerger, klinkhamer
and here: River Fly Box, tying the paradun

2) Make sure you are not applying too much force as you wrap the hackle. OK, not loose, but there is no need to really pull.

3) After the first wrap of hackle, you can be applky a little more force.

4) Make sure you make the wrap (even the first) as low down the post as possible. Then every wrap should made under the previous one. The hackle will bunch together nicely without trapping fibres.

5) Make sure you have enough post material. Too little and it is more likely to collapse when winding.

6) Make sure you trap the post with the thread to keep it securely in place.

7) Use the best quality hackles you can. These are usually more supple stems which helps. Also a larger barb count means you need fewer wraps to get a good hackle density.

8) Try using your fingers instead of hackle pliers. You can judge the amount of pressure you're applying more easily.

Give me a call if you are still struggling.

~Dave