Dubbing Tips?

[Jason Rolfe]

Okay,
I'm sitting here with my vise locked onto the table next to my computer. I'm trying to tie a caddis pattern. But I seem to always have a really hard time with the dubbing. I'm using Hare's ear, and trying to twist it onto the thread. Sometimes I can get on there alright. But usually it is just way too loose and so when I try to wrap the body on, it looks like crap and I have to start over. Anyone have any tips? What I do is surround the thread with loose dubbing, Then twist in one direction to attach it to the thread. I can't seem to get it right. Any tips would be fantastic.
Thanks,
Jason

[WT]

Are you using dubbing wax.

[Jason Rolfe]

No, but I'm using waxed thread. Or does that matter? In case you couldn't tell I'm pretty new to this.

[Backyard]

Try using a dubbing loop (http://www.tie1on.net/dubloop.htm).

There is a way that is a bit quicker than the example on the link. I'll try to explain.


I usually just put a little bit of dubbing wax on the thread roll on the dubbing, then clip a pair of hackle pliers or a dubbing twister just at the bottom of the dubbing. Then pull out enough clean thread that runs along the side of the dubbing. Holding the pliers down while i make a couple wraps of thread around the hook. Now you should have a loop with the dubbing inside. Now just twist the pliers or twister until the dubbing is secured between the two lengths of thread.

[steve s]

Try using less dubbing. Whenever I'm having trouble getting a tight body, the first thing that I try is less dubbing, you may have to use a few more wraps. Also, make sure that when you twist the dubbing onto the thread, twist only one way, don't go back and forth with your fingers.
Good luck,
steve s

[Jason Rolfe]

Thanks everyone.
I got a fairly decent X-caddis tied. I guess what it will probably come down to is practice, practice, practice. I'm slowly starting to figure this stuff out and everyone's suggestions are incredible helpful.
Thanks again,
Jason

[SpeyRodBeBop]

When you think you have kept the amount of dubbing to a bare minimum to spin it on the thread, then remove half of it. The smaller the amount, the neater the fly.

[Old Man]

Why do the dubbing thing when you can use just about any yarn that there is out there.Wool is good just as long as you don't try to pull it too hard as it will pull apart. That's what I use.

Jim

P.S......I couldn't apply dubbing on thread to save my ass. Hence the dubbing ropes.

[Wayne Kohan]

You can use dubbing wax, but I think that good old fashioned saliva works well. It gets teh dubbing to stick tightly to the thread. And remember to keep twisting as you wrap the body as the dubbing gets looser if you don't. And try to keep the hare's ear out of your mouth!

Like many other tiers, I tend to have refreshments when I tie, and I wonder if the fish can pick up the scent of Black Butte Porter on my flies??? I would think that would be a fish attractor, but don't tell WDFW.

Wayne:beer1:

[Kent Lufkin]

When you think you have kept the amount of dubbing to a bare minimum to spin it on the thread, then remove half of it. The smaller the amount, the neater the fly.

iagree This is the best advice you'll find for dubbing unless you're picking out spiky dubbing like squirrel for legs on patterns like a GRHE or a scud. Then waxed thread or a loop and lots of dubbing is a better choice.

K

[sixfinger]

I'm sure you have enough info but I use to have the same problem (read, still do) sloppy bodies are my nemisis. When applying to the thread make sure you are only rolling one way. Also mixing the hell out of it helps a bunch. Put it in a coffee grinder and grind away. That works pretty good, just make sure its an old grinder that your wife doesnt use or she'll kick your ass! Oh, and as said before, pinch off just the tiniest bit you can and then split that in half. Sparse is the name of the game.

[flytire]

Do not try to dub the entire bag of dubbing on the thread. Just dub small wisps on. You can always add more.