Throat hackles

[diawl bach]

If anyone has a tip that they'd like to share for adding throat hackles to smaller flies I'd be very grateful - I struggle with sizes 14 down, my fingers and thumbs seem too big for the job!

[horses50]

I too had the same problem so i bought a rotateable vice and found it made the process a lot easier.Just turn it so it is upside down,then pinch and loop {i think that is what they call it}.hope this helps.

[arkle]

What vice are you using, it may be technique rather than the vice. I have large hands but have never had this problem. If we know what the vice is, then it may be possible to sort the problem on-line or via a phone-call for you.
Another question, do you have any arthritis or similar in your hands ? If so a vice change might be in order.

[morayflyfisher]

Use the pinch and loop system as Horses said,it helps alot .

[diawl bach]

Thanks for the response, the vice is a Dynaking Kingfisher.

I'd say the problem is the pinch rather than the loop....the technique I use, such as it is, is to cut the hackle to length prior to tying it in, which, on reflection, may be the issue!

[ACW]

UKFlyDressing - Beard Hackle

Theres one answer, have done a wee search for a sbs for Defoe style hackles and cant find one ,and my camera skills are not good,not to mention the poor camera!
Perhaps a search for Defoe nymphs would work !
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=w...hackle&f=false

Best I can find ,the technique works for me with Dialbachs!

[diawl bach]

Cheers Andy, liked that sbs link.

I must say that if I were to use the Defoe method I can imagine the wasted feather count would reach epic proportions.As it is I economise by leaving the feathers attached to the cape pull the fibres for throat hackles from the longer ones at the base and cut them to length. This is what happens when you rub shoulders with Cardis!

[articwolf]

say....have you ever thought of using..'CDC Puffs'..they do come in various colours and for small size flies, I find them easy to apply.........AW