A few more "practice" flies

[garyj]

I just can't seem to get the finishing/heads correct; although they are getting better
These are not really based on any pattern as such, I just liked the colours and looked at some of the techniques on here.

C+C or any help welcome (please).

1)


2)


3)


4)


5)

[wobbly face]

As you say, some more tyding up with the heads.
Should all catch fish.

[elite fishing]

looking goodthe troots won't mind

[s fontinalis]

a sharper pair of scissors would work great on those heads....the long nose variety...that way you can get plenty close and just build head over the remaining...
otherwise they look good and should def catch fish...
i dont think i've ever heard of a fish turning down a fly cause the head was a bit ragged or the hook was not the right hook for the fly....

keep working at it and you'll perfect it in no time at all

[garyj]

Originally Posted by s fontinalis

a sharper pair of scissors would work great on those heads....the long nose variety...that way you can get plenty close and just build head over the remaining...
otherwise they look good and should def catch fish...
i dont think i've ever heard of a fish turning down a fly cause the head was a bit ragged or the hook was not the right hook for the fly....

keep working at it and you'll perfect it in no time at all

New fine point scissors are on order

[shortea]

The head on no 3 looks pretty good to me.They will all catch fish.Try an extra coat or two of varnish on the head-will look less "thready"and more photogenic but probabally wont affect the catch rate

all the best Nick

[christy27]

The heads look a bit to long and a bit to thick. A fault/problem I used to have (and still do sometimes ) is I just can't stop myself wrapping the stuff on. Often trying to use the thread to cover something I'm not happy with and make everything ok. It does not of course, just makes for an unruly head.

Now I tend to go the other way and often struggle to get the head on without covering the eye .

I notice when the pro's tie on dvd they tend use few turns for the head. It's all done very quickly and without loadsa wraps. If the tying material is in the right place when you come to finish i.e. close to the eye, then it's simply a matter of 3-4 times round and done.

Try leaving a small gap for the head, finish everything much closer to the eye and aiming for a small head consisting of a max of 4 turns. If it looks decidedly to small I build it a bit with the whip tool. Trial and error really.

The rest of your flies look good.

Chris.

[shuck raider]

As above on the heads. Try smoothing back all the odd snipped-off bits of hackle, dubbing and whatever between your finger and thumb before making the head.

And remember what John Gierach said: ' Every single turn of thread on a fly better have a damn good reason for being there.'

[christy27]

Originally Posted by shuck raider

And remember what John Gierach said: ' Every single turn of thread on a fly better have a damn good reason for being there.'

That is what I was trying to say

[bobblaikie]

nice work Gary