Photos
and Tying Directions here
By tying sparse, micro currents swim Through and
around and through the fly. The Materials respond and the fly
instantly comes alive with subtle wiggles and shakes! Noted Flyfisherman
and flytyer, Kenney Abrames, has described this in vivid detail
in his writings for many years. His flies breathe and move with
beautiful grace as the fly is positioned into the currents. Much
of his fly's success is due to a designed sparseness. Conversely,
over dressed flies seem to merely take up space in the water relying
on a solid silhouette and transmlltlng vibrations to be effective.
Combining the best of both worlds, achieving fullness with sparseness
challenges flytyers to this day.
Recently, playing with a technique I refer to As "hollow"
tying. I improved my control of bucktail as it left the hookshank.
The technique consists, initially, of adapting the Reverse tie.
At first glance one gets the idea That the tier is going to tie
a "reverse bucktail" in the style of a carrie stevens
classic but the similarity ends quickly. The bucktail is tied
in backwards with the tips facing forward of the hook eye, except,
after securing the butt ends to the shank, the thread is immediately
moved to "in front of" the attach point. Using the thread
to build a wall against the bucktail, The material is forced to
angle rearwards where the tyer can stop at any desired Fullness.
This forms a hollow effect since the bucktail fibers reach fullness
immediately as they leave the hook shank, not having to rely on
previous steps for increased fullness and bulk.
This technique is challenging and knowledge of the
characteristics of materials is very helpful in the Final result.
As always, experience is beneficial but the technique is easily
mastered in just a few flies. Challenging to the end, the hollow
fleye will also test the tyer's ability to create natural tapers
of baitfish. Proper material placement and Spacing of each step
is critical as is the amount of Material. These tying choices
make up the tapers so critical to the fly's unique qualities.
This fleye is not about technique alone rather a blending of technique
with the tyers ability to construct a living taper.
The Taper
Generally, this fly has between 3 to 4 tying Stages
depending on hook shank length. This minimum number of tying stages
is necessary to provide for a tapering effect. The first step
is very important since it starts the taper sequence. If the tyer
wanted a fly that was slim rather than wide, the first step, the
tyer must control the flare to a Lower angle as the next steps
can build slowly keeping the profile on the slim side. A wide
profile fly may benefit from a more open tie at first, followed
by an open second tie and a finish tie that smoothly Continues
the taper. Some flies might be best served if dressed heavier
than sparse and this is in the hands of the flytyer. The amount
of fibers used in each step Will help dictate its bulk. There
is no formula! This is creative tying all the way challenging
the Tier to control the design at all times casting A watchful
eye as the fly's taper developes.
The Technique
Preparing and tying the bucktail facing the opposite
direction is more awkward than it is difficult but the fly tyer
generally adjusts very quickly. The application starts with the
fiber preparation and tying down of the fibers in reverse. To
start, place the fibers, butt ends Facing to the rear and tips
to the hook eye. Tie a few wraps of thread around the fibers.
Let the bobbin weight hold the bucktail in place and position
the fibers around the hook shank all in one step by pressing down
and around on the fibers. The fibers will move under the light
bobbin tension and will distribute evenly around the hook shank.
Tighten the thread when the fibers are in place and treat the
bucktail and thread with head cement before wrapping completely.
Once secured, the tying thread is repositioned to the beginning
of the tie down. With a pen cap or large diimeter straw (a clear
straw helps you to see the fibers), push all the fibers evenly
to the rear, while holding the bucktail in the material hand;
maneuver the thread in front of the bucktail by sliding the thread
towards the hook eye, and wrap onto the shank in front of the
buck-tail. Pay attention to the fibers of bucktail as to make
sure they are paralleling the shank. Do not let them cross over
or angle from the shank. Use the thread to push the fibers backward
to control the bucktail. (do not wrap onto the material unless
you want to severely decrease the-- fiber angle.) By building
a wall of thread against The fibers, the angle of the bucktail
can be controlled allowing the tyer to achieve a "hollow"
effect. The reverse tie and the thread will give the bucktail
some strength and resistance at the shank because they are being
forced in the "wrong" direction. The fibers reach strongly
out from the shank and the tips start to bend back. Wet the fleye
and let it dry completely to
Reveal its final shape. The fibers will look like a bent rods
instead of straight fibers since the fiber strength at the base
is stronger than the tips. Understanding and utilizing this is
the key to hollow tying! This technique is repeated along the
shank. Since the steps are spaced along the shank, the tyer can
play around a bit between steps with optional flash tied in between
steps or a lead bead can be applied to the shank and hidden between
the second and third tie for a jigging motion. I particularly
like spun hair between ties for added density in the collar area.
Placing of additional feathers such as saddles or ostrich her1
can give more accents of color and action. These are all options
and for the individual tyer to decide.
In Summary
A s the fleye evolves on the vise, it's up to the
tyer to blend the right amounts of bucktail or to choose the particular
type of bucktail for the job. Proper spacing and flaring will
provide smooth transitions from step to step that will ensure
taper and profile. This is the challenge of the hollow fleye,
managing all aspects of the construction; it combines the technique
with the individuality of the tier's eye for shapes; the material
and the taper. It's similar to a good cook and a recipe, no measurements
just a little bit of this and a little bit of that! This fleye
will appeal to the fisherman and artist alike. From all angles,
the hollow fleye looks Fishy and beautiful!!!!
