peacock?

i like using it for legs on some of the bug jigs i tie...just gotta get some good hurls because alot of them are thin and break very easy...but i have also used them for stripes over the top of my chenille

About the best way to use Peacock Herl because it's so fragil is to make Peacock Herl Chenille. You do that by making a loop in your thread after the Herl is tied in just to where it's caught good and then you twist the herl with the loop of thread and once you get it really tight you wrap it and tie it off. Oh and before you do that you tie in a piece of copper wire and leave it hanging off the back until you have done the chenille Herl thing and you wrap it the opposite direction of the Herl and tie it off at the head with the Herl Chenille. Then you have it stronger with thread all inside it and copper wire holding it down over the outside.

Skip

Skip, sounds like good instruction, but I can't follow. Next time you do one, can you take a couple pictures to go with these instructions?

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Originally Posted by beenfishin?

Skip, sounds like good instruction, but I can't follow. Next time you do one, can you take a couple pictures to go with these instructions?

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I use it more on flies, but the main thing you probably are having trouble with it the loop thing. What you do is get the wire tied in and the herl tied in. Then take and pull some thread pull it away from the hook shank and hold it about the length of the herl and hold it while pulling more thread so you can make a few wraps around the shank to secure it. Now you should have a loop hanging down about as far down as the herl length and hold the herl and thread loop together and twist it until it is really tight (using your hackle pliers). Now without letting it go and holding it all with your hackle pliers make your wraps and tie it off. Then wrap the wire the opposite direction that you wrapped the herl and tie it off.

I have not done this in a while, but will try to remember next time to take a few shots with my camera.

Found this, but not really clear so look very close at the pics and read the steps.
Fly Angler's OnLine "Tying Tips Part 8"

Skip

I see. Use thread and herl twisted together then use that just like you would the chenille. Is that about right?