String leech help.

[Curtis]

I have been eager to tie up some string leeches. My first question is what type of knot do you use to connect the string to the lead hook. Would backing work for this?? Or go for fireline?? Second question, what do you use to cut the hook at the bend?? I tried pliers and the hook is putting divots in the pliers. I think that is all the questions I have for now. I will probably come up with more.

Thanks y'all!

[Ringlee]

Find a hook with a larger eye and thread the Backing through the eye. Keyvlar thread and super glue it down. Wont come apart. Use Dikes to cut the hooks. They are like plier but with only a cutting edge.

If you have any more questions, just ask.
Chris

[Nagasaurus]

While we're on the topic of string leeches I was wondering if folks filed down the cut edge of the lead hook or not. I noticed that the cut surface on the lead hook can have some sharp edges on it and was concerned that it will cut the string and become a weak point in the finished fly. Is there a trick to keep the backing (or whatever string is being used) up and away from the cut edge on the leading hook?

On a test fly I wiggled the string around after it was tied onto the lead hook and sure enough the rough cut edge went right through doubled up 30lb fireline. Maybe I'm just leaving the cut end too short on the lead hook and should leave more of a "tag"...

[James Mello]

While we're on the topic of string leeches I was wondering if folks filed down the cut edge of the lead hook or not. I noticed that the cut surface on the lead hook can have some sharp edges on it and was concerned that it will cut the string and become a weak point in the finished fly. Is there a trick to keep the backing (or whatever string is being used) up and away from the cut edge on the leading hook?

On a test fly I wiggled the string around after it was tied onto the lead hook and sure enough the rough cut edge went right through doubled up 30lb fireline. Maybe I'm just leaving the cut end too short on the lead hook and should leave more of a "tag"...

I take a dremel to mine before I tie... I found that I lost a hook once because of a burr on the hook wore through the dacron I was using for my "string".

[Don Johnson]

True string leeches have no lead hook. These were popularized by Bob Hull and construction techniques can be found in Trey Combs' steelhead book (the bigger, second one). These flies are tied numerous ways one of which involves the string (Dacron backing, Fireline, etc.) being held taught and suspended between two nails.

Articulated leeches (a tandem setup with a harness material joining the two hooks) are easier and faster, in my opinion. To join the string to the lead hook what has worked for me has been 1) lay a base of tying thread on the shank of the lead hook 2) tie on the harness over the length of the shank 3) apply head cement 4) double over the material and lash down again 5) apply more cement and trim excess.

Check the list of articles on this website for info on making articulated flies and the tandem chassis or goto:
http://www.geocities.com/salmn8r/furledstinger.html