Some patterns, such as the Bird’s Nest, call for hackle fibers all the way around the body, which can be a pain. But Tim has a great trick that makes the process ridiculously easy. It’s all in how you prepare the feather and then tie it in. Try it out, and your . . .
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Video: How to Select CDC Feathers, Part II
Last week, in Part I, Tim explained what CDC (cul de canard) is and what distinguishes the two different types. Here, shows the different ways you can use each type. He also shows how you can use CDC fibers as . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Select CDC Feathers, Part I
Here, Tim explains what CDC (cul de canard) is and what distinguishes the two different types. (BTW, cul de canard translates as “duck butt.”) The way the fibers are arranged along the shaft of the feather sets the two apart, which is fascinating to . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Match a Bead to a Hook
Figuring out which size bead to use on a particular hook can be the key to a well-proportioned fly, but there are a tons of options. Here, Tim explains how to choose the right kind of bead and how to match the sizes, as well. Once you’ve got this . . .
Read MoreVideo: Glossy vs. Penetrating Finishes
Here, Tim explains when you want to use a glossy finish–one that stands out from the fly materials, and when you should go with a penetrating fish–one that soaks into the materials. The effects of each are quite different, . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Measure Hackles
One of the keys to a well-proportioned fly pattern is using the correct size hackle. And it’s not just about the appearance of the fly, as most dry-fly patterns depend on a certain length of hackle to ride properly on the . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Dub a Super-Slim Body
Getting the right amount of dubbing on your thread to make a fly body can be tough for some tiers, and the tendency is to use too much dubbing. The result is often a body that’s fatter than you want it to be, or you have to try to get the dubbing off your . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Use Epoxy Resins
Last week, Tim covered UV-cure resins, and here he focuses on the older technology of epoxy resins. As Tim notes, many tiers prefer epoxy resins because they are cheaper and result in an almost indestructible coating. As usual, . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Debarb Hooks Before You Tie
If you like to fish barbless–the value of which is a debate for another day–you’ll find it’s much easier to do a good job mashing the hook barb before you tie the fly. That way, no materials are in the way, and you’re not trying to do . . .
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