Re: [VFB] soft hackle question

[Joyce Westphal]

Do you have the Flytier's Benchside Reference handy..there is a neat
reference to how to tie in the feather, even if the barbs are too long with
the barbs facing towards the hook bend, then pull it forward a bit and tie
it down when the barbs are the correct length. Do this a bit loosely and
don't tie off, then use your fingernail to work the barbs uniformly around
the hook shank and now crank down and tie them tightly. I've used this
method on lots of flies 16 and smaller and it works great. Be careful not to
gett too many barbs if you're tying spiders. Joyce