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Old 08-12-2009, 06:24 PM
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Default Prevention of Head Mess
When I finish the heads on my flies I always catch in a load of hackle. I don't seem to be able to avoid this. When I stroke the fibres back I just get my thumb caught on the hook..

..what am I doing wrong? Or what should I be doing?
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Old 08-12-2009, 06:48 PM
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You could try a hackle guard? Veniards used to sell them.
Or make your own with a bit of stiff card or clear plastic.
Drill a small hole in the sheet and cut a wee slice out like a section out orf a cake. Slid this on before you form the head.
A bit like those mad collars the vet stick on the dog, but in reverse if you get my drift
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Old 08-12-2009, 06:50 PM
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Old 08-12-2009, 06:53 PM
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You can use the eye on a safety pin as well, just loop over the eye of the hook, and slide back until the fibres are away from the eye.
Whip finish, then slide off.
S.
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Old 08-12-2009, 06:59 PM
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Sorry mate you have lost me
Is it me?
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Old 08-12-2009, 07:00 PM
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Old 08-12-2009, 07:00 PM
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In terms of catching your thumb that's just one of those thing I guess, you just have to develop some kind of muscle memory to stop you from doing it. When my GFs 6 year old daughter wants to tye flies I set the hook so that the sharp bits are buried in the jaws of the vice.

Regarding the trapping of hackles I think you just have to practice sweeping them back. You may be struggling because you are getting too close to the eye. When you cast on the thread leave a gap about the size of the eye of the hook. This will remind you to keep the hackle back and may mean that you don't trap so many hackles.

Cheers

Andy
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Old 08-12-2009, 07:03 PM
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Or try a small piece of an ordinary drinking straw (about 5mm).
Make a cut down the edge, and place over hackle before finishing the head.


Hope this helps

Bill
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Old 08-12-2009, 07:06 PM
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That will work to.
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Old 08-12-2009, 07:07 PM
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No idea what happened sorry. Blame my blackberry! Hope my last post made more sense

Cheers

Andy
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