[Guy]

I can do both but use a tool for 99% of my flies. I have too many callouses, nicks and cracks on my fingers that usually catch the thread.

Guy

[FlyGal]

I was first taught with a half hitch tool, then went to fingers and finally the whip finish.

Whip for me is by far the most versatile when applying head cement to the thread to finish a head and a number of other hand tips I can't seem to recall.

[HuronRiverDan]

I can do a whip finish either way but usually use the tool. On a lot of my personal patterns I do two whip finishes and forget about using head cement.

Dan

[Pocono]

I use a whip finish / Matarelli tool. I wax the last 2-3 inches of the line after I'm done forming the head; that's what goes into the whip finish. It seems to hold well with one whip finish and no discoloration of the tying thread; which is usually Pearsall's tying silk. I start my whip finish from towards the back of the hackle and run it towards the eye of the fly. I don't use head cement.

When I get to the point where I'm catching tons of fish on each outing and multipe fish on the same fly, I'll know if the lack of head cement is an issue for me of not. Unfortunately for me, right now I'm flush with files and in a bit of a drought with regards to fish. Hopefully, this will pass.

[Pocono]

I meant from towards the front of the hackle; not from the back.

[WANTONJ]

Whip finish,I use two sizes small for 24 hooks to 14 hooks and large for 12 hooks to 2 hooks,then glue the heck out of them.

have a good and safe day.

Captain Wayne Valley Fire Service,Valley Springs Calif.