Quick Klinkhamer Question

[robbiejam]

Just a quickie - what is it that makes a Klinkhamer float, is it the hackle, the poly yarn or a mixture of the two? If it's just the hackle, is the poly yarn just there as an indicator?

Many thanks, Rob.

[troutfisher]

Just the hackle mate, and yes the yarn is just an indicator

[robbiejam]

Thanks for that

[tonyt]

As I understand it based on the info I've read, originally it was purely the hackle that gave the floatation. Hence the requirement for upto 7/8 turns for large hooks.

With todays materials though, TMC aero wing for example I think the view is that both the hackle and wing aid floatation.

Tony

[syphogenic]

Originally Posted by troutfisher

Just the hackle mate, and yes the yarn is just an indicator

Spot on...the hackle makes the fly float, the post is your means of seeing the fly. It does help if the post doesn't take on water however. If the post is sodden and the fly lands on its side it's less inclined to correct itself into its perfect posture.

[stevekale]

Originally Posted by tonyt

With todays materials though, TMC aero wing for example I think the view is that both the hackle and wing aid floatation.

Tony

The TMC aero wing won't do jack to help it float. (BTW I think that stuff, and I have a lot of it, is very over-rated. McFlylon is better as it doesn't congeal together when wet.)

[ROVER]

According to Oliver Edwards/HVK in the original fly you dont treat the hackle with any floatant - just the post - this lets the hackle sit down in the water - this is exactly what ive been doing for a few years and it works a treat, so i'd suggest that the post provides the thrust of buoyancy, aided a little by the hackle.

Graeme

[coasty]

I tie some klinks with a small foam post in various colours. Now that definately helps the bouyancy...

Andy

[tonyt]

Originally Posted by stevekale

The TMC aero wing won't do jack to help it float. (BTW I think that stuff, and I have a lot of it, is very over-rated. McFlylon is better as it doesn't congeal together when wet.)

I've tried poly prop yarn and aero wing and I love the aerowing despite its cost. Keeps my klinks floating on the post when the hackle gets submerged.
Do you taper it down to help form the body on large klinks?
Take a look a John Tyzacks demonstration of tying the klink and the amount of AW used per hook size.

[dabhoy]

Originally Posted by ROVER

According to Oliver Edwards/HVK in the original fly you dont treat the hackle with any floatant - just the post - this lets the hackle sit down in the water - this is exactly what ive been doing for a few years and it works a treat, so i'd suggest that the post provides the thrust of buoyancy, aided a little by the hackle.

Graeme

This is dependant on the way that the hackle is tied as some people do the concave of the feather both ways depending on how they want it to sit.