Size 20 Soft Hackles

[jjtroutbum]

Well Its was mentioned that they were a challenge so I figured. Try it out and well, it is!

Figured this might be a place to show a few. At this time I only seem to have success with starling the partridge at these sizes seems way brittle, but Ill get there.Those that know me know that I am a self proclaimed "bull in the china shop."

Enjoy! Any and all tips and or Observations welcomed. I have decided on checking into a new pair of hackle pliers/ midge scissors as well as some much smaller thread all these were done with Danville's 110 waxed thread.

The green butt

And a Orange

Ill post more as improvements are made.

Thanks for looking,

JJ

[Crippled Caddis]

JJ:

I assume you want a critique so here goes-----

In general good results for first attempts at tiny S-H. The hackling on the P&O looks pretty darn good! Can't say the same about the green butt.

Both bodies are too bulky. Slim & trim bodies are one of the hallmarks of classically tied S-H patterns. That said---try 'em! The fish you're trying to catch may not be classicists.;o)

FWIW, I detest tiny hooks with turned-down eyes! With hook gapes already measured in thousandths TDEs just further block the chance of getting penetration on the strike. For flies tied on anything smaller than a # 16 I like to tie on straight eyed hooks that are 2X Short. That way I can tie a #20 fly on a #18 hook with a gape wide enough that I might actually stick something. HTH, CC

[Danoinark]

JJ

Here is a site I posted once before during a similar discussion. I use this technique when tying real small SH's. You can easily control the size of the hackle by using this means called the distribution wrap.

This little video explains it.

http://www.troutflies.com/tutorials/nest/13.shtml

[Greg]

Those look great.

I've found soft hackles to be problematic. You're doing a great job with the hackle which is always the hardest part for me. I just can't get the partridge to look right for the most part. But starling works great for me.

I agree with CC that most soft hackles I've seen have a slim body/profile. But I'll bet your flies will fish just fine.

Greg

[Crippled Caddis]

Greg wrote:

<most soft hackles I've seen have a slim body/profile. But I'll bet your flies will fish just fine.>

Spot on Greg!

The unadmitted truth, which I was guilty of with my original comments, is that we all too often tie for our own artistic sensibilities and that of others, slavishly following currently accepted style by rote. I try to keep reminding myself that the only arbiter with a valid opinion is the fish yet I remain guilty of spreading accepted stylistic opinion. I hope I'll eventually learn that not my own opinion, that of others or accepted standards have a darn thing to do with the validity of a fly but at this stage it ain't looking too good.;o(

So---JJ, pay no attention to me---present the product of your eye and vice to the fish and let them be the only proper jury in the case! CC

[jjtroutbum]

No offense taken actually. Because the critiques and tips to tying them is what I am looking for. I'm no Sally I can handle it.

As far as the turned down eye. I can also see were your coming from. These are tied on on Dai-Riki #135 Scud/Pupa hooks because thats what I had on hand. Usually used for small scuds an zebra midges.

However I am getting together a list of things to take to feather-craft. And it keeps growing.

Keep it thin. "Check." Add another style of hooks to the arsenal. "Done"

And no worries! I'm not afraid to fish anything I tie as they all work "eventually."

Dano I have a PC that takes forever with its dial up conection to load a video no matter how small it is , but Ill take a look at it hopefully. If the Pc doesnt lock up. lol

[Danoinark]

JJ

Something just occurred to me, and at my age that's surprising, but are you using partridge from one of those loose bags you can buy or from a skin. Those cheap bags of partridge are basically useless for tying anything smaller than 12's or maybe 16's. You will find many smaller feathers with the proper hackles on a full or even half skin. They are not to bad in price, normally around 15 to 18 bucks.

Dano

[jjtroutbum]

Nope bought a Partridge skin (paid $24 ) after going threw one of those little bags in one sitting.

Really bites buying any part of a bird with as many skins, wings and such. As I have thrown out since age 10.

[Danoinark]

Good deal then. Well, that distribution wrap sure works for me on those lil itty bitties...and something else that will work, since they are tied so sparsley, you can just cut yourself 8 or 10 barbules and wrap a few on top, flip it over and wrap a few on bottom. This does the same thing and you can also control the size of the hackle that way.

Dano

[jjtroutbum]

Theres another one got this body very sparse and the hackle a little long...

this is turning into a practice of inperfection.

However I have recently found pictures else were of a sweet royal coachman on a size 32 talk about crazy.