Fly Tying Question

[Ryan Miloshewski]

So I have recently gotten back into tying my own flies. I started with jigs, and am now tying egg flies that look pretty good. I am attempting scuds and sows now, but I cannot seem to get it down with the amount of dubbing.

How much dubbing do you use for, say, a #12 scud? And what is the trick on getting it wound around the thread nicely so it doesn't go everywhere when winding? I have dubbing wax. I feel like I am just missing one little cog in the wheel.

Any help appreciated! 

[ness]

For a #12, I'd use 1/256,000 ounce of dubbing  

Seriously -- get the thread a little tacky with the wax, and add just the tiniest amount of dubbing in as even a layer as you can for about an inch. Kinda roll it between your thumb and index finger. Wrap it and unwind/repeat if necessary to get the thickness you want. A little trial and error and you'll get there. I wouldn't mess with a loop, because I'm not too fussy.

[Flysmallie]

You really don't need much at all. Spin it on the thread in one direction and you might have to give it a little twist after each turn to keep it on there. I never use wax but sometimes a little saliva. 

[fishinwrench]

 

[tjm]

"A little dab'll do ya"    Not very much at a time and start with the same small amount whether the hook is size 20 or size 2.  Add more as needed as many times as needed. Some threads and dubbings work better with wax for me, but  many times I skip the wax. Dipping finger tips in water will soften your skin and add friction to the mix, it will also reduce/eliminate static when using certain materials. If the noodle wants to keep rolling around the thread simply slide it up til a turn around the hook secures it and you can twist it tighter.

[ness]

Has anybody ever used monfilament tying thread? I didn't like the way that was laying down on the hook and sliding around. Kind of a sloppy tie too, IMO. 

[fishinwrench]

16 minutes ago, ness said:

Has anybody ever used monfilament tying thread? I didn't like the way that was laying down on the hook and sliding around. Kind of a sloppy tie too, IMO. 

I do for TC's.    No problems at all.  I'm always concerned that the whip finish is gonna come unraveled ......but it never does, and I don't use any kinda glue either.

The stuff I use is Uni-thread clear nylon 8/0. Plenty strong and lays down fine.  No twisting around on the hook.

[snagged in outlet 3]

41 minutes ago, ness said:

Has anybody ever used monfilament tying thread? I didn't like the way that was laying down on the hook and sliding around. Kind of a sloppy tie too, IMO. 

I use 6X fluoro all the time.  I never glue my whip finish either.  Never use wax either. 

[Flysmallie]

1 hour ago, ness said:

Has anybody ever used monfilament tying thread? I didn't like the way that was laying down on the hook and sliding around. Kind of a sloppy tie too, IMO. 

I never use it. Totally unnecessary. 

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Cool, learning already. I think I am just going to have to waste a lot of dubbing and thread to finally get it down. I also have the problem of the dubbing coming undone as a wind. I assume it's just a product of not wrapping i tightly on the thread. I'll tie one and it looks good, then the other I immediately cut everything off the hook and start over.