new to flatwing

[jo53mo]

Hi all, a few questions about the flatwing. Does the fly foul much? Also i would like to start tying them, are there any books on them? Also if you could recommend 3 good color hackles to start with.

Thanks Joe

[DbleHaul]

For books, any of the volumes by Kenny Abrhames are a very good start. They not only give the pattern, but the theory behind tying and fishing them.

Good luck.

[boarmountain]

Joe,
The fly can foul. You have to slow down and open up your casting stroke. You can check out my tying articles here on reel time ,on the fly tying page. I sell saddles for flatwings custom dyed.I offer half saddles so you can get more colors for your money. As far as colors, I would say white, yellow and olive to start. Add a pink or LT purple and you are in good shape to copy most baitfish. If I can help you any other way, just ask.

[jo53mo]

Boarmountain,

What are your prices for whole and half? Also how do you accept payment?

Thanks Joe

[boarmountain]

Joe,
I have two grades of saddles. My Gold grade sells for $40 a whole or $20 a half. My lower grade sells for $30 And $15. Email or pm me for payment instructions.
boarmountain@hotmail.com

[calebsb]

Fouling is definitely something you want to plan around. I have been adding flexible head cement copiously to the first two inches or so of my flatwings (and anything else that's got especially long parts). The first few were butt ugly and I was concerned they might not catch fish for lack of flow action but my first weekend out with them I caught a 26" bass and the rest were chewed off by blues. The stiff mono loop works pretty well too but I haven't quite gotten the hang of tying them so they swim right. The only hitch with the cement coating is it can be hard to keep the hackles spread for your profile. A gentle cast is of course much better insurance against fouling but with winter coming and winds picking up I just can't see my cast getting much gentler.

[iacas]

I'm new, so please forgive this interruption: what's "fouling" mean? The hook or fly itself catching the fly line or something?

I know what foul-hooking is, of course. Thanks.

[calebsb]

Fouling in this case refers to the feathers or other material wrapping around the bend of the hook midcast and spoiling the appearence unbeknownst to you. It can be a problem for any long fly but is especially common with flatwings, as if you didn't have enough to worry about already. Most flatwings have some bucktail or other stiff material strategically placed to give the hackle feathers some spine.

[TerryH]

I add some softex or soft body to the first 1/2 inch or so of the butt of the hackle. It seems to work just fine both in appearance and lack of fouling.