Help With Ribbing For Scud Pattern

[Greg]

Lately I've been experimenting with different scud patterns, dubbing, etc. And I've been having pretty fair results fishing them. But I'm having a problem with the ribbing. Specifically when I use mono for the ribbing - it always seems to come loose at the head after catching 3 or 4 fish. It's not coming loose at the point at which I anchor it down - but at the head. I try to secure it tightly with 4 to 5 + wraps but it doesn't seem to help.

Anyone else have this problem or a solution to this problem? I assume it's because the mono is kind of "slippery". I sometimes use xsmall copper wire and it usually stays put. But I prefer the mono for most of the scuds I tie. Maybe I should try thread for the ribbing?

thanks for any help,

Greg

[Danoinark]

Greg, what size mono are you using?

If the mono is say size .004 or .005 you can make a slight loop and wrap back over the mono after its in place then forward with the thread to make a tight finish. Another idea is to whip finish the mono once its ribbed then make tight thread wraps over it for the head.

[Luke]

If you flatten or disfigure the line with a pair of pliers where the wraps of thread are going to be put, it will hold better.

[Greg]

Dano - it is .006 clear mono. It's on a small spool and was prefabbed for fly tying - not regular mono line although they are probably the same.

I do generally whip finish it at the head - but it doesn't hold.

Luke I may try what you said regarding flattening it. That may scuff it up enough that it holds. I think it is the slickness of the material causing it to not hold.

Greg

[jdmidwest]

Try a few wraps over the mono at the head then fold the mono over that and finish the head out. Or a couple of half hitches over the mono then fold the mono over that and whip finish over that. It should be enough to lock it in unless teeth are cutting the mono.