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dawgvet

Coating quill wet fly wings?

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So after 20 years of tying trout flies, I've finally got around to trying quill-winged wet flies and have some questions. Do y'all coat the quills with something (Flexament, etc) to increase the durability of the wings? Do they hold up to catching multiple fish? What are the best way to prevent them from splitting? Does anyone even fish these things much anymore (I love their looks and the challenge of tying them)?

 

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So after 20 years of tying trout flies, I've finally got around to trying quill-winged wet flies and have some questions. Do y'all coat the quills with something (Flexament, etc) to increase the durability of the wings? Do they hold up to catching multiple fish? What are the best way to prevent them from splitting? Does anyone even fish these things much anymore (I love their looks and the challenge of tying them)?

 

I still fish Quill Gordon wets. Yes, if you tie them right, they'll hold up. (See my answer to your other post.)

 

EDIT: Sorry, thought you were asking about bodies again. No, don't ever coat wings -- you'll turn the fly into a real leader twister. It doesn't matter if they split, they fish better that way.

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quill wings whether coated or uncoated will eventually become separated with extended fishing

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I don't think fish care when they come apart. In fact, Dave Hugh is more into hen feather fiber wings. Sometimes I substitute Calf tail. I don't coat mine because of the possibility that the wing might act as a rudder.

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We don't coat the quill wings and yes they do come apart but for fishing that seems to make no difference. Optional wet fly wings from mallard flank fibers are easy to tie and attractive to fish. Take care & ...

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Wow, thanks for the responses guys! Will continue to practice quill wings and post some pics soon.

Thanks Again!

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