Soft Hackles

[jtwest]

I have heard of a method of tying soft hackles that is great for bigger feathers with longer barbers. Supposedly, you tie them forward and then push them back using a ballpoint pen casing or something similar.

I've Googled this until I'm blind. Does any body have any information that shows how this done?

[jdmidwest]

I would think you would use this in case you don't have an correct sized feather for the project. You would just wrap the feather a little farther away from the eye of the hook, then lay the feathers back and wrap over them. You could use a hackle guard tool, straw, empty ball point pen to hold them back as you wrap over them. They will probably look more scraggly than if you had wrapped it on.

I am not sure of your desired effect, are you looking to use longer feathers to make them "leggier" looking? Normally I just pick thru and find one that matches the size of the fly I am tying.

[eric1978]

I'm with JD...what's the point? If you have a full partridge or hen or whatever, there's no need to worry about it. Just grab a hackle gauge and find the right size. Technically you should be stroking the barbels back as you wrap your hackle so they're not sticking up every which-way, thus allowing them to breathe more naturally in the water. If you have to use additional thread wraps to hold the barbels back, you're not hackling correctly...at least according to Davy Wotton.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I just saw that show Eric. I record it every week.

Did you see tha previous show on dubbing? He had a cool trick of spinning the dubbing after running it up to the hook and it tightened it up nicely.

SIO3

[bent]

Sometimes this is done to create a minnow shape to the lure. Might be able to post some pics in the next few days.

[bent]

Hear a pic . I didn't spend much time or it would look better. But it will give you a general idea of whether or not you wish to pursue this method. Given time I can generally answer any questions you have.

[eric1978]

I just saw that show Eric. I record it every week.

Did you see tha previous show on dubbing? He had a cool trick of spinning the dubbing after running it up to the hook and it tightened it up nicely.

SIO3

Yep, I saw it. No doubt he's a top-notch tyer...too bad he's such a pretentious douchebag. I learned that dubbing trick from the other Davie (McPhail). I really like the Kelly Galloup parts of the show, especially the streamer tips section. A friend of mine has fished with him and says he's a riot.

They need to work on that intro though...yikes.

[jjtroutbum]

I have heard of a method of tying soft hackles that is great for bigger feathers with longer barbers. Supposedly, you tie them forward and then push them back using a ballpoint pen casing or something similar.

I've Googled this until I'm blind. Does any body have any information that shows how this done?

There is a method in where the hackles are pulled to their length just before binding. I'll look for the link but might not find it.

You cut the top out of the feather, lay it on top of the hook make a couple wraps that are to keep it in position when in place and properly flared over the thorax bind down and whip finish.I could show it easy but describing it is not easy.

[Trout Commander]

I just saw that show Eric. I record it every week.

Did you see tha previous show on dubbing? He had a cool trick of spinning the dubbing after running it up to the hook and it tightened it up nicely.

SIO3

Is said show a television show or an internet show? If it's online does anyone have a link?

[snagged in outlet 3]

I hear ya Eric. Yikes is right.

It's TV show. I believe it's on today. I don't remember the name off hand. Flyfish TV or something. Probably google Kelly gallup and it will come up. When I check my DVR I'll confirm the name for you.

SIO3