Mechanically, it would seem that having a pronounced thorax behind the hackle would keep it from sticking to the body when it collapses, and make it stand prouder from the shank when the fly is at rest. Not as much of an issue with a smooth bodied fly like a Color (silk) and Hackle spider, as compared to a dubbed body on a flymph.
Kirk
Fur thoraxes on vintage flies
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Re: Fur thoraxes on vintage flies
Hi Kirk,
Something to remember is the type of hackle you are using on your wet-fly.
We tend to think of hen hackle, which can be very soft, but many game bird hackles
are quite stiff and don't need backing with a pronounced thorax.
Also 'West Country' spiders use cock hackle (stiffish) but have fur thoraxes.
There are a multitude of reasons for a thorax.
Something to remember is the type of hackle you are using on your wet-fly.
We tend to think of hen hackle, which can be very soft, but many game bird hackles
are quite stiff and don't need backing with a pronounced thorax.
Also 'West Country' spiders use cock hackle (stiffish) but have fur thoraxes.
There are a multitude of reasons for a thorax.