Advice on early dabbler attempt please

[la_jolla1]

Never tried this sort of pattern before.

This was tied on a Mustad 9671 #12
Tag: red floss
Tail: bronze mallard
Body: synthetic hare's ear
Rib: gold wire
Palmer: Cree hackle
front hackle: blue jay (European)
cloak: Bronze mallard

I seem to be suffering from a big head syndrome, which according to my family, is in keeping with my personality. It also seems very bushy. Some pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Hugh

[stormfry]

Originally Posted by la_jolla1

Never tried this sort of pattern before.

This was tied on a Mustad 9671 #12
Tag: red floss
Tail: bronze mallard
Body: synthetic hare's ear
Rib: gold wire
Palmer: Cree hackle
front hackle: blue jay (European)
cloak: Bronze mallard

I seem to be suffering from a big head syndrome, which according to my family, is in keeping with my personality. It also seems very bushy. Some pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Hugh

Most dabblers are tied bushy,tie them on bigger hooks for starters and keep the pattern closer to the eye of the hook also use finer thread or better thread than you are using . It's not all that bad practice practice!!!!

[hillloch]

Your Dabbler will catch fish. My problem with dabblers was finding proportions to suit my style that allowed me to tie a fly that I found acceptable. The more dabblers I tied the more I was able to evolve a fly that I was happy with. As has been said before, practice, practice, practice.

[dabhoy]

Hi Hugh as you said the head is a bit big or rather elongated.
The wing is too long and so to is the blue jay but that is my opinion others may disagree.

[wingman]

Not bad Hugh for a first time attempt, I think a hook like a kamasan B175 would be a preferred choice for a dabbler in my opinion anyway as it's more suited to the proportions of a dabbler. The head is a tad on the big side, you need to be useing around a Uni 8/0 and try and be as eco as possible with the thread turns (i.e taking a couple or so off again after tying in materials as this will keep the bulk down better). I think dabblers can look good with the BM tied long or shorter even, longer being the original way of tying them and I prefer them looking that way although I do tend to tie them a bit shorter but its just personal preference I suppose. Best bet is to watch how others tie them then copy it and then try to develop your own style once you get the gist of it. Well done on your first one amyway.

[la_jolla1]

Thanks guys, as you say proportions always improve with practice. I am using Uni 8/0, but am insecure about the tie on, so am clearly overdoing it for a busy dressing. The suggestion to take a couple of turns off once tied in may be just the trick.

Cheers

Hugh

[midlander]

It might be worth trying oval tinsel instead of wire, it flattens slightly at the tie off point which reduces bulk at the head. If you're using cock hackle as the palmer then scrub the hackle back a bit with some velcro before applying the wing. Also, don't skimp on the bronze mallard if you're looking for a full cloak.

[SharkeyP]

I posted a sImilar thread a few weeks ago so I'll repeat the advice I received.
In a nutshell, wing half the length of the tail, brush the palmed and dubbed body with Velcro. Tying in a throat hackle of mallard is easier than wrapping the cloak in one go..

Lots if great dabblers on here for reference and inspiration.

Practice, practice, practice!

SharkeyP

[la_jolla1]

Great points thanks!
My plan (this weekend) is to limit the thread turns on tie in/ take a couple of turns off (Wingman), switch to a tinsel with less bulk , velcro the cock hackle back and be more generous on the mallard (Midlander) and try Sharkey's variations. This forum is really helpful for both diagnosis and treatment - vert much appreciated


Hugh

[la_jolla1]

Thanks again. I have focused on less bulk in the head and better proportions and will try velcro once I have the basics down.

This is where I currently am, and I am enjoying the learning

Hugh