2torial #0958:
Learn2 Tie a Fly (continued)

Attach the hackle

To create the appearance of legs, arms, and a tail, wrap a feather--called "hackle"--around the dubbing.

Start by tying only the tip of the feather's stem at the spot where you applied the finisher cement. With the dull side of the feather facing you, make five wraps of thread around the feather's stem.

Wrap the feather to splay it open around the dubbing. Make three wraps, each immediately behind the last, then begin spacing the wraps apart. You want the hackle to reach the back of the hook shank. Secure the hackle in place by making five wraps with your bobbin thread around the feathers closest to the fly's head. Make several half hitch knots to finish it off.

Cut the bobbin thread, put a drop of finisher cement on the fly to seal the knot, then use a needle to poke a small hole in the eye after the cement is dry (in case cement seeped in and closed the eye during the tying process). It may take a few tries to get the flies looking good, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be the one who's hooked.

-end-

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