Muddler and Sculpin heads

[Guest]

At one time I could tie a half decent head on muddler and sculpin type flies, but for some reason I've lost the touch.

 

What is the best type of hair to use and who is a good source to use for purchasing the hair, not being close to a fly shop I want to make sure I'm ordering the right hair? How important is the hair selection, I know the hair stacking is the primary trick for most success, but I can't seem to do a very good job?

 

This question seems to come up quite often and mastering this phase of tying can be a challenge, any help would be appreciated.

 

Have a good one

Pat Carroll

 

[Redwings1 0]

As far as I am concerned Pat, the best anyone can do when it comes to hair is to contact Chris Helm at http://www.whitetailflytieing.com/

Tell him what you are wanting to tie and he will hand pick out the perfect patch for your application and get it to you. I guarantee you will never have a problem with what he sends you and his prices are second to none. :thumbsup:

[Inconnu 0]

Northern deer is better than the hair from warmer climate southern deer. If you want some I don't mind parting with a piece of it, PM me your address.

The other thing about sculpin heads is how they are packed. Most heads are packed tight for better trimming and looks, but packing a little looser can help get the fly below the surface a bit, by decreasing the bouyancy(?)

[streamcaddis 0]

Pat, Chris Helm is the deerhairgod!. Here is a link to an article of his http://flyfisherman.com/ftb/chdeerhair/. For the sculpin pattern head I use Rams wool. First take a hair comb so it's as straight as you can get the wool Then stack it on top and bottom, maybe a bit on each side,if it looks sparse.Move the thread ahead and repeat. Then pack it back as far back as it will go.I use the front end of a ball point pen but Chris has a tool that works better.Ayway stack and pack to the eye of the hook and tie off. Remove the hook from the vice. Eyeball the bottom from the eye to the end of the hook and cut it flat. Then with a curved scissors clip the sides and top to shape. Now take it out and FISH IT!. I used to use deer hair for the sculpin but by the time I clipped the hair the fly was balder them I am. Good fishin to ya. :yahoo:

[Ribs1 0]

I also agree. Chris Helm is the best. No one knows more about deer hair and no one is better at procuring the good stuff. Chris personally selects all of his hides and scrapes and treats them himself. The only thing I would do is make sure to buy the bigger patches that he sells. The small patches are pretty small. He will even sell you half a hide if you want it.

 

Thanks

[Guest]

I appreciate the response, thanks.

 

Pat Carroll