Last week, Stuart Foxall shared with us a nifty fly tying trick for gauging the proper length of stinger loops when tying trailer-hook style flies for steelhead and salmon. Today he continues the topic with step by step instructions on how he attaches stinger loops to create not only tidy looking flies, but flies worthy of handling the big boys.
Stu’s flies have caught some of the baddest freshwater species around the world, so if tying flies for big anadramous fish is in your future, you’re going to want to keep reading.
Attaching Wire for Tidier/Stronger Flies
I often get asked by folks how to tie tidier flies. When it comes to flies with trailer/stinger hooks, many folks run into trouble from the beginning by tying their wire loop onto the shank incorrectly. If you can get your wire on there neatly, then you have a much better chance of tying the rest of the fly tidy, leaving you with a nice smooth body. Here’s my method of choice:
I appreciate your article on attaching wire. I and my fishing and fly tying buddy argue over this a bit but it just seems so functional to me to tie it on a little bit differently. I lay the wire on top and get the loop size right and then about half way up the hook I secure it well for about 1/4″. Then I just put both ends of the wire through the hook eye or the shank and after covering it all with wraps bend the wire underneath and bend it back to cover almost all of the shank length, then wrap that as well. In terms of strength I am thinking it is much stronger. Just my 2 cents. And thanks again for such a great newsletter over the years!!!