Solvent based or water based cement?

[tombowles]

I started out using a solvent based fly tying cement from Barlow's and was having decent results(I think). A fella in the fly tying department at a local sporting goods store, talked me into trying a water-based cement that he said everyone was going to. Actually I really like the way it seems to soak into the thread. Anyone else tried this and had good luck with it. They sell it at Barlow's as well. I really hate to see a jig start to loosen up or come untied after fishing it a while.

[Fatman]

I like the solvent based but as you get to be a better tier you'll find you don't need it.

Fatman

[tombowles]

You don't use any cement at all? On the bigger threads, I've noticed I'm able to pull tighter and tie off tighter. On thread below #210, i'm just not able to get the wrap tight enough with out breaking off alot.

[fish_4_all]

I use water based because now. I like it because I can thin it, let it get thicker or what ever I want to do with it without having to buy thinners, thickeners and whatever else. I also like it because the scent seems to go away faster. Now I need the scent to go away because of what else I fish for. It might not be an issue with crappie or other lake fish. I do know my bite ratio from solvent:water based fishing for steelhead is almost 10:1. Will it make a difference to crappie, maybe, maybe not but I bet someone will try it out and tells us sooner or later. I would do it but I don't have enough crappie here to do a proper test.

As for not needed head cement, a good whip finish will almost remove the need for it on most basic materials. I have done it on some of my flies and yes they did fall apart after a while but I have landed 10-15 trout on an plain no cement jig/fly so it is not always needed.

[skiptomylu]

I use both as some things I have don't hold up to solvent type. I use solvent most of the time though as I like to really thin mine and I make it my self with Lacquer and MEK (don't think anything soaks in faster). I also make my own Flexament type.

Skip

[LedHed]

Clear fingernail polish works really well for head cement - nailpolish thinner is really cheap. Downside - VOC (smell) is usually gone in 24 hours...

[Saline Lake Jigs]

i use the water base and love it. easy to work with and like they say the smell is null. plus i am the type that will tie a jig and run for the boat and try it out. don't like waiting to use a jig.

[smoothlures]

I use the solvent based on my customers jigs but rarely seal my own. I will seal bucktail jigs though, as they generally get a beating in saltwater.