GG34 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 Anybody have any tips on how to trim EP fiber baitfish patterns? Here I'd my first attempt. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
agn54 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 For starters, I would tie it a lot sparser, sometimes so sparse you can see light through it. Then, lay it flat on its side and brush it out. Long full size scissors work best but you can use regular fly tying ones if needed. It depends on the shape you want (bluegill, mullet, etc) will dictate how you trim it. I usually trim the tail to a point so it looks sort of like a triangle and then round off the top and bottom near the hook eye. You can also used curved scissors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fish For Life 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 Ya i agree with agn54, alot sparser. I use curved scissors and cut the tail to a point, but not to fine. Honestly, what you got there will probably look pretty good when wet. what i always do after i tye an EP bait fish is hol it under the sink for a few seconds, so you can get an idea what it will look like wet. I do it with all my EP flys to see what they look like and am always impressed with the results. Give it a go and i bet that that fly will look rather good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GG34 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 Thanks guys. That photo is actually post sink. It didn't look bad. I think it is a bit thick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
utyer 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 I would suggest taking that one apart, and tying two or three flies with those fibers. I use a set of tapering scissors I got from Sally Beauty Supply on sale for $10.00 to thin mine out near the tails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saltybum 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 If you go to "From the Saltwater Bench" and scroll through the pages you will see some good examples of bait fish flies. kimjensen has a sequence of one showing the full untrimmed fly and the finished product. Less is more with baitfish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GG34 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 Second attempt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 I'd trim this one here. Â Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GG34 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 Thanks Mike. It should have been obvious to me. Looks a lot better now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saltybum 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2015 Some guys also use those fancy thinning shears to lighten the pattern. And again look at kemjensens post #29 and you will how he trimmed a bulky start ( similar to yours ) down to a nice baitfish in the "From the saltwater bench" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grassonfly 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2015 Tie very sparse and use a comb to brush fibers out. Hair spray and long scissors really helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GG34 0 Report post Posted February 21, 2015 I think part of the problem is I start tying fibers in around the hook bend. Maybe start mid shank? Seems most examples have a lot more hook exposed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saltybum 0 Report post Posted February 21, 2015 I find too that short shank hooks keep me from wanting to tie on more than needed as well. If I get time this weekend I'll try to do an SBS on a baitfish. Personally I think it would be great to see more SBS on some of the exceptional salt water flies some of our guys tie in our salt water section. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
saltydancindave 0 Report post Posted February 22, 2015 These make short work of trimming EP or any other materials: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
August9999 0 Report post Posted February 22, 2015 I posted this picture on the last thread about EP baitfish. This is how I like to tie them, very sparse. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites