booby eyes

[the cat]

Hi all, after some advice -

When tying boobys, is it better to tie the eyes on first or after the dressing is done?

thanks

[3lbgrayling]

It is acceptable to do it both ways.Most times I tie on 1st.

Jim

[Chris Reeves]

I always tie them on first and trim them to shape. I do a couple of dozen at a time. there is no advantage on putting them on top of other materials as you cannot get them bedded down as tight so they may well slip/move during fishing.

Cheers

[3lbgrayling]

I do believe D McPhail ties his in at the end.

YouTube- Black Zonker Boobie by Davie McPhail

YouTube- Black Zonker Boobie by Davie McPhail

Jim

[Flyfishing-UK]

I pre make all mine on a needle and then tie the eyes on hooks ready to be used.

Sam

[FatOldGit]

Talking of Booby eyes,does anyone use poly balls wrapped in nylon stocking any more?

[Shamus]

I don't think there is a best way. Just a preferred way, whatever you're comfortable with.

Like Sam, i prefer to prepare my eyes using the needle method in advance.

I find it so much easier and tidier tying the eyes on last, particularly if using a wing, dense fritz or hackle in the pattern.

[Captain Scarlet]

Originally Posted by Shamus

I don't think there is a best way. Just a preferred way, whatever you're comfortable with.

Like Sam, i prefer to prepare my eyes using the needle method in advance.

I find it so much easier and tidier tying the eyes on last, particularly if using a wing, dense fritz or hackle in the pattern.

I go for the later option, of adding them last....

Reasoning behind it is two fold....

One, When tying any flies, wether it be a Cats Whisker, or a Cormorant for example....You can tie your fly as you would normally, finishing off with a nicely angled marabou wing, or Bronze mallard tips.... I find that if you tie in the eyes first, you cannot get the wing, wether it be marabou, or BM, to sit correctly, and end up with that horrible gap behind the eyes where you have tied the wing in.

Two, If you '**** up' a head on the fly, you can always add Booby Eyes to it and add it to the 'Booby Box'

Carl