microfibbet tails- should they support the hook??

[neil26]

am experimenting with 'microfibbets' actually some synthetic paint brush filaments with a pattern of three tails at the back in a split formation- this is on a parachute pattern size 14 dry fly,the fly floats beautifully from the para hackle but the whole hook/ body/ tail is submerged- is this correct or should the filaments hang in the surface tension (cant see how they would- but remember seeing something in past saying they would)?

[Chris Reeves]

It depends on the pattern your tying.

If you go for an Oliver Edwards style footprint dun then yes, it should support it. You will need to ensure they fibbets are well spread and secured in that position.

Other patterns with more dubbing and hacke do not require support from the tails as much.

That said, if you are using fibberts then it should be for a trigger and therfore they should be in the surface film and so support the fly.

Other materials that give less support but look more attractive (to us or to the trout?) are better choices if you want a shuck style tail.

I generally use cock hackle fibres if I'm not spreading the tail, but microfibbets if I am.

Hope this helps

[neil26]

thanks, the pattern im tying is a paradun from dave wiltshire site- with microfibbetts for tail, i shall try some longer filaments. the dubbing is velveteen- i shall try to take some pictures, thanks

[stormfry]

if your tails are spread enough and your hook is light enough it should be okay

[Chris Reeves]

I see I didn't answer your question properly, Your hackle is probably set too high and the wing post too heavy. This will force the body of the fly down into the surface film.
Look at the fly from the side at eye level. Are the tails level with the top of the body and the middle of the hackle? If they are then they should stick in the film nicely. if they are below or level with the bottom of the hackle hackle they will sink.