Flies

[Chris]

When I tie flies, I always end up with a head that is gigantic, thanks to the large amounts of bucktail and other such materials I am using. However, when I see a professionally made fly (such as a Deciever), the flies have a nice trim head. What am I doing wrong? How can I fix it? AHHHH!!!!

[DougAnderson]

Chris,
Try using a fine thread. I have been using a salt water monofilament thread and it produces a small head with the advantage of being stronger than 6/0. Also, tie your bucktail on 1/3 at a time using a minimum amount of thread with wraps next to each other. Sometimes it helps to start away from the eye a little further than usual. Make the initial few wraps and taper the butts. Now tie the second bunch a little closer to the eye and taper butts. The last tie will be made at the final tying off point next to the eye. You will be making deceiver heads as good as anyone else after a few flies.