Hen and Squirrel

[chase creek]

Here's one using small gold wire for the loop. A bit more difficult to spin than thread, I'm gonna have to work on this, but I like the idea, as shown in William's previous post. As was said in that thread, it might be good to use a dedicated block for wire brushes
Hook - TMC3761, #14
Thread - Griffith's Sheer, cinnamon
Body - SLF Squirrel (Light Olive) in a fine gold wire dubbing loop made with the "Clark's block"
Thorax - SLF Squirrel (Brown Olive)
Hackle - Badger Dyed Hen Neck

IMG_2317_edited-1.jpg (103.87 KiB) Viewed 3605 times

[hankaye]

chase creek, Howdy;

Shows much more promise than it does disappointment.
I like it.

hank

[William Anderson]

Rodger, this should get you started. After I tried a couple I was determined to make a habit of tying these. I think Lance really landed on something with his dubbed wire "rib" which progressively becomes touching turns for the thorax. I haven't revisited that technique yet, but plan to.

Did you create this sparse dubbing brush on the block?

W

[chase creek]

Rodger, this should get you started. After I tried a couple I was determined to make a habit of tying these. I think Lance really landed on something with his dubbed wire "rib" which progressively becomes touching turns for the thorax. I haven't revisited that technique yet, but plan to.

Did you create this sparse dubbing brush on the block?

W

Yes. The gold wire is very fine, maybe a little too fine. Was fairly awkward trying to spin the loop, something I'll have to work on. I have another block I made a while back that I think I'll use for wire brushes, and maybe try to come up with some sort of tool to attach to the tag (open) end of the loop to make it less awkward. I've been using English style hackle pliers attached to the tag end when using thread, but that really doesn't work well with the wire.

[William Anderson]

Rodger, I can see where the English style hackle pliers would be difficult. I have a rotary, clip style hackle plier that I've used and it works okay, but the best solution is probably a hybrid of my current rig and Ruard's version where he allows the loop end of the brush to extend toward him and using a sheppard's crook or winding crook like Ruard's to do the twisting. For me, I want to be able to manage and manipulate the dubbing with the same degree of OCD on the wire that I attempt with the silk. It's fun to play with and I have to complete a few pages of boxes that need ticked before I get to it. I can't seem to catch up with any of it.

I still like what Doug did with the block of including a Clark block on one end and a Ruard block on the opposite. Such a cool tool.

w

[crazy4oldcars]

You might try a curved pick. I looks like a pointy shepherd's crook.
You can hold it just above the handle and twist surprisingly fast. I used to use one for twisting dropped loops.
A set of 4 can be had for $5 or less, and their handy for other things as well.

Kirk

[Roadkill]

I wouldn't worry about "improving" this fly until after you try getting a fish seal of approval. I think this buggy looking fly will perform well as tied! Since it is wire you might try twisting the tag ends together and fold it back on itself before grabbing it with the English pliers. I protect the jaws on mine with some tubing to keep it from cutting through thread etc.. I twist many things with various hackle pliers by hooking them with a my crook based on a Cal Bird Dubbing tool.