Shmang 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2020 I routinely tie my Sott Hackles in 14 and 16 - does anyone go smaller or larger? My new Whiting Brahman Hen Cape has a myriad of sizes and I got to thinking of expaning my world view and experiementing with different sizes. I have an upcoming trip this weekend and the streams are running low and clear so perhaps an 18 or 20 might be the ticket. Thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2020 I’ve had quite a bit of luck with 18 s in the fall. Don’t think I’ve tied or tried a 20 yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandan 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2020 Go for it. I've had success with size 20 soft hackle Pheasant tail nymphs. Just be "gentle" winding the hackle. 2 turns is usually plenty Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Philly 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2020 I've tied soft hackle PT Nymphs down to size 20. Don't do it to often these days. I tied some up for a CFR retreat that were size 6 or 8. I used Guinea Hen for the hackle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishinguy 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2020 I've tied em from 6 down to 18. The big ones I tied on glo bug hooks sink quite quickly, as they're still very sparse. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j8000 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2020 16 to 6, but prefer the range of 14 to 8. Jeff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shmang 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2020 Thanks for your contributions. I have knocked out several in 18 and 20 already and they are not too bad in my mind. Every thread wrap counts when you start going small so I have had to slow my roll a bit to ensure a quality effort. Cant wait to fish them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2020 By the way I had a friend today out fishing and he hook and landed an18in rainbow on a Partridge & Orange sz 22 !!! God bless him ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DFoster 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2020 On my local waters in central Mass a size 14 seems to be the sweet spot, for myself anyway. I tie and use #12's through #16. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandan 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2020 15 hours ago, Mogup said: By the way I had a friend today out fishing and he hook and landed an18in rainbow on a Partridge & Orange sz 22 !!! God bless him ! I saw that just before I write this. I tied some 22's Charlie Craven's soft hackle emerger last night Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2020 1 hour ago, Sandan said: I saw that just before I write this. I tied some 22's Charlie Craven's soft hackle emerger last night 👍 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DarrellP 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2020 I just got some magnifiers. I need them below a 14. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shmang 0 Report post Posted September 28, 2020 My trip this weekend saw success with a size 18 soft hackle behind a size 16 bead head flash back nymph. Nothing huge but pretty steady action - many took it on the swing at the end of the cast - man that thump is exciting. My 12 year old son outfished me by a wide margin - I dont know who was smiing more me or him. Brahma hen hackle + ice dub mixed body = success. Can't wait to do it again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted September 28, 2020 Congrats Shmang. How could ur day be any better? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted September 28, 2020 Speaking of soft hackle. First time I’ve sat down at the tying desk since I broke my ribs. The hackle is a Furnace Metz hen that I just pu at a very nice price. Look at those black tips ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites