More on micros

[tntjigman]

Tried wrapping with hackle feathers for the first time. Do you choose a narrow feather to wrap? Do you trim afterwards? These look too long. Also attempted the weave, need more practice. I need something to catch some gills. Tired of buying curly tails for the kids! I like to catch them too.

[skiptomylu]

Use saddle hackle and it will not be as long of barbules. That is what is used when palmering hackle which is what you are doing.

Skip

[deathb4disco]

Do you trim afterwards? These look too long.

They look a little long, so trim a couple and experiment. Let the fish decide. There's one member on the site (Flyrod Man) who buys woolly buggers and cuts off all the hackle. He says it's a much better fly that way. I've tried it myself with good results.

Also attempted the weave, need more practice. I need something to catch some gills.

The weave is eye candy, IMO. It looks cool, but I don't think it matters one iota to the fish. I think you're overcomplicating a simple thing. Almost any small woolly bugger-type fly or nymph will catch bluegill.

I heard a trout guide say one time that 99% of what a trout eats is 5/8" long and brown. It's about the same for gills.

[fish_4_all]

Saddle hackle will help for sure and if you can find it for a descent price they have micro saddle hackle that works great. I got lucky and got a bunch off Ebay when it was still an auction site.

Try tying some up with a regular body and put the hackle at the top or use some peacock herl. Most patterns I've been finding for gills are done like that. Maybe add a couple legs and you should have more than enough pattern variations to kill a gill or two.

[Illinoisgiller]

tntjigman- You have PM Illinoisgiller

[tntjigman]

Thanks for the tips guys. I thought hackle was hackle. Necks and saddles produce different feathers. Had to find out from Ship where marabou came from. I think I am up to date on my feather terms now! Thanks again.

[grubfarmer67]

Also try some whitings #14 thru #18 for shorter barbels"
They should produce happy thoughts my buddy"!

[shipahoy41]

Thanks for the tips guys. I thought hackle was hackle. Necks and saddles produce different feathers. Had to find out from Ship where marabou came from. I think I am up to date on my feather terms now! Thanks again.

You are getting pretty good at it. Don't "sweat the small stuff." Throw it in the water and see if the fish like it. If you want it smaller use some "Saddle" Hackle like Skip suggested. I am proud of you. Keep up the great work. The fish will see your lure and run to get it!