finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Been tying for a few years but I've always struggled with dubbing. Tried wax and dubbing loops, but it never looks good.
Tonight I was looking through threads and found mention of the WD-40.
Did a google search and found a couple videos on the WD-40.
This fly looks like it would work on my favorite target (bluegill) so I got out the tying box and got busy.
Improvised (as usual) for material and ended up using Daiichi #16 hooks, olive thread, golden pheasant for hackle, and antron dubbing.
First couple flies looked bad and as I was tying the next one I only got about 1/3 of the dubbing I'd been using when I pinched some off. Oh well, wrap it then add some more. It actually spun on the thread and looked just like the dubbing the experts do!
Found out less is better - much better!

Flies looked much better as I progressed, and I think they might actually catch fish. (Note the one on the top left - the first attempt :icon_redf)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/s..._pics/wd40.jpg

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

I struggled with dubbing for a while too. The I figured out finally that less is more and you can always add more if you need to. Those flies look excellent!

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Looks good Wab, I can certainly see a progression in your ties. They look good man! Here are a few things that have really helped me with dubbing.

Start with clean hands. Sounds silly, but try it.

Like Mr. Bash said, less is more--start with less dubbing than you think you will need. Almost to the point where you'd think "wow this isn't going to be enough". Just a pinch then touch dub it. You can either use wax or even saliva. You can always add more dubbing if you need it. Especially for small flies, a tiny pinch will get the job done.

If you're doing a dubbing brush for really buggy flies, same thing applies, less is more. Make your loop and tease it out with velcro.

Stay with it, that's the best way to get the hang of it. Clearly it looks as though you've started to. :thumbsup:

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Nice work! Isn't it great to be in a Sport/Hobby that allows us to keep learning no matter how long we have been at it!!

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Isn't that the truth Kerry! Fly fishing truly is a journey. There are so many layers of this pastime we all enjoy. I've always felt that in life, you never stop learning unless you purposely try not to. Mistakes are often one's best learning experience. Fly fishing is no exception. I am continuously amazed by the membership on this forum's collective knowledge, experience and willingness to help others.

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Here's a tip for those learning to tie that helped me when I started tying, if you think you have enough dubbing in your fingers pull half of it out hold it up to your light and if you can see through it dub it. Another thing I learned to do with synthetics like super fine, antron and others is take a pinch and then start tearing to shorter lengths. Its a PINA getting the long fibers to wrap the thread evenly, sometimes I'll take a good grip of whatever I plan to use and chop it up so the fibers are shorter. With natural materials like muskrat, rabbit and squirrel, tack wax is your friend, you don't need to lather your thread just give it some traction to grab onto.

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

I couldn't agree more! I have been tying off and on for 30 years and I'm still learning. With the Internet age learning has become much easier with the the advent of YouTube videos and forums like this and the great SBS's that are shared amongst the members. I really enjoy seeing the work of the true masters of tying: Laurie, Trygve, Rasevic, Kelly, Eunan, Hugh, Kevin, JP, Ard, Allan and a host of others on this forum who have posted some phenomenal work.

Larry

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Practiced a little more tonight.
A fly swap on another forum, and I figured it would be a good opportunity to work on my dubbing.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/s...ics/wd40-1.jpg

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

For dubbing tips and just plain material handling have a look on YouTube for Davie Mcphail. I have been tying for 42 years and I still learn a lot from his tying videos, especially his dubbing and wings. Your flies look awesome!

Re: finally solved the dubbing mystery
 

Davie is an incredible tier, I too have learned a lot of techniques from him. I am mesmerized while watching his videos. The end results are just amazing.