jfinn 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2014 This my 1st soft hackle fly and I'm looking for input and criticism so I can improve. Please let me know what should change. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2014 looks pretty damn good to me! go fish it and see what the fish thinks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2014 oops I forgot. maybe shorten the tail a bit to 1 shank length Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2014 I don't know the criteria for soft hackles ... but THAT looks like a fish catching machine. Sort of spider-y with the long fibers, which usually means movement and attraction qualities in the water. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RCFetter 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2014 That fly looks great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McGnat 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2014 Shank length at the most for the tail and I like the hackle to sweep back just to the barb of the hook, but that is just personal preference. I like the sparse hackle of your fly. I think many over dress the hackle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Beatty 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2014 You've already gotten several good comments. The only thing we can say is "great job!" Take care & ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellgrammite 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2014 Looks way better than my soft hackles... for some reason, these defeat me. Nice fly, go fish it! Longer tails arent always bad, they can give it a bit more life - make it look bigger though! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wschmitt3 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2014 Looks pretty good. As said before the tail and hackle are a little longer than the ideal. I like my hackles to be about 3/4 of the body length and the tail about the length of the hook shank. But it looks well tied and im sure would catch some fish. Good job, -Will Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
add147 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2014 Looks darn good to me! Fishing it and take a picture of what you catch and post it!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stevester 0 Report post Posted November 19, 2014 I like hackle about body length but often end up with them somewhat longer. Most of the time I don't bother with tails, many of the older classic soft hackles don't use them. If it makes you feel more confident go ahead and add them but as noted above, no longer than shank length. Unless you are trying a Trico spinner, those little stinkers go about 3x times the body. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites