Para help

[Jonny{UTAH}]

How many wraps of hackle should I make on hook sizes 16-20. Ive been doing 2-3 warps on a size 20 and 3-4 on a 18. I hope im doing this right? Also I have problems tying off after I wrap my hackle. Any suggestions? It seems that I wrap down the forward part on the hackle. Do you guys just pull back on the post and then whip finish it?

[Jonny{UTAH}]

I guess I should name the flies im tying: BWOS and Adams

[cheech]

Johnny, I guess there are several ways to answer your question. As to how many wraps of hackle, it varies. Hackle growers rate the hackle by the amount of barbs they have on the stem. For example, you might get the same amount of hackle from 3 wraps of a gold grade cape that you would from 4 wraps of a silver grade cape. The lesser grade capes require more wraps. To give an exact number of wraps for the size of fly would be too inacurate. You should just give it enough wraps until it looks good. As far as finishing the hackle off, I have been using a technique for the last two years that has helped me out a lot. Once you have you hackle tied in, advance the thread back to the bottom of your post. LEAVE THE THREAD THERE! Wrap your hackle clockwise down the post to where the thread is. Hold the Hackle straight toward you and tie it off on the post. Your hackle is now secure. Now take a tiny dab of Zap a Gap and touch it to the thread. Give the thread a few more wraps at the base of the post and you're done! No whip finish, or half hitch needed.

Hope this helps,

Cheech