A different approach

[Soft-hackle]

Hi All,
Last Saturday, during the tying demo, I showed a bit of a different approach to using longer, larger hackles-like partridge. Here is an example of the completed fly:


Partridge and Yellow-size 14.

Not a particularly new pattern, however, the technique used is definitely worth considering. It was shared by a tier from the Netherlands named Sander Bruijne. Take a look at the link below for a detailed procedure.

http://home.kpn.nl/brui2057/PC&H.htm

When I use the technique, I leave a tiny bit of room ahead of the thorax so the shorter butt ends of the hackle fibers will add to the thorax, actually. I use the tying thread, add the wax to it, lay the feather on the the thread, then using a qwik clip on the thread, below the feather, as a folding point, I fold the thread, bringing the bobbin end to the hook shank to take a couple turns. Then, the feather can be clipped, and twisted. As I wrap the resulting "noodle", I stroke the twisted hackle fibers back. I also pull all the hackle fibers back, then overwrap them slightly, to hold them after wrapping. Then i complete the head.

The technique takes some practice, but once you get it down, it's a great way to utilize those larger hackle feathers. As you can see, the result is quite good.

I've not corresponded with Sander for some time, but he has a very nice site, and since Sander shares the technique on his web site, I thought I'd share it all with you.

Happy tying!
Mark

[hankaye]

Mark, Howdy;

That's a neat way to tye in the hackle. I DO appericate the link to the How To page from your freinds site.
Keeps me scratching my head an pondering things in general ...
hank

[Ruard]

Hi Mark,

I knew the technique but has forgotten, thank you for giving the link.

Greeting

[skunkaroo]

I've seen this technique used by Petitjean and others along the side of the feather, but never across the stem. Wouldn't better results be achieved by nipping the centre of the feather out before placing it in the loop? This way you would avoid the stiffness associated with the stem and maintain the mobility that can be so key in these patterns.

Aside from that small criticism, this looks like a great way to get a bit more mileage out of partridge pelt. Thanks for sharing.

Aaron

[Soft-hackle]

Aaron,
That suggestion of removing the center tip might work very well. Will try it the next time I use the technique. It could be the center helps hold the feather on the thread for and during twisting, but your idea is well worth a try.

Mark

[hankaye]

skunkaroo, Howdy;

Would you please be so kind as to dig down deep and explain further the 'other' way of dubbing in the hackle?
It would be nice for rank beginners such as myself. A few pix would be nice also, if not to much trouble

jus' askin' ...
hank

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Mark,

Haven't seen that one before. Must try it out this evening. Thanks for posting that link.

REE

[Soft-hackle]

Hi Ron,
Practice is the key with this. It takes some getting use to, but once you get it, it works great.

Mark

[skunkaroo]

Hankeye,

The "other approach" is to orient the feather stem parallel to the loop, trapping the barbs along one side of the feather (or two if you fold it). Works best for longer stemmed hackles (imho). Sorry no pictures, but you could see it demonstrated in videos on Youtube

Mark: If you did snip out the centre, you might have to work the outside fibres more towards the centre where a small gap would be created. It may or may not be too tricky to pull off, but worth a try.

Aaron

[kanutripr]

Thanks for sharing this Mark. I have a number of very nice larger feathers and this looks like one of the most user friendly (read easy for somewhat clumsy, lazy people like me) ways I've seen to use them.


Vicki