Richard Zieger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
"A very interesting point for the dry fly man, founded on solid facts, is that trimmed rooster hackle will float longer than untrimmed. It will stand more abuse and will take as many fish as the untrimmed: chances are such hackle will take more. First, larger, stiffer hackles can be used and trimmed down to size. Second, an insect's legs really are not sharply pointed like the ends of untrimmed hackle. Thirdly, trimmed ends do not absorb any water, as you might think they would. Fourthly, you can use a heavier hook with them if you desire, because they will carry additional weight. The best test is to try the trimmed hackle flies yourself. There is one serious drawback to trimmed hackle flies. Fisherman do not like their appearance. although the fish do.""Professional Fly Tying, Spinning and Tackle Making"by George Leonard HerterRickWhat are your thoughts on this?******************************************************************************************I don't care if that qoute is from George Herter of Herter's fame. I do not recommend trimming hackles to size. first off with all the generic hackles out there nowadays, even the 100 count packages there is no excuse not to have the right size hackle to tye with. Yes, some of the Genetic Hackle necks cost alot, but you don't have to buy the Gold series, you'll do just fine with the Bronze series...which have hackle as good as the Grade 1s from say 10 years ago..Also, if you start trimming Hackle to fit a certian Hook size, where do you stop??? I can see folks trimming Elk hair, Deer hair on wings for caddis flies or Humpies...just because they couldn't stack it right or get it lined up correctly....attack of the butchered, ugly flies.....That is why we tye as often as we can, to get better at the construction & perportions of our flies, we must always have a critical eye towards our own tying. As I've stated before I'm my own worst critic about my tying, others have said the same on this list.Never settle for second best & don't short change your tying or your Flies. I have never trimmed & will never recommend trimming of hackles to any tyer, it's just bad practice...DEAN....
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