Evergreen Hand

Step by Step Instructions

These steps are also available on the instructional video.

Step 1: Start out by putting a hook onto the hook holder (the cork at the base).
Step 2: Grab the hook with one of the magnet-based tools such as the alligator clip, and position the clip on the white plate so the vise can grip the hook properly: by the bend, with the point of the hook sticking beyond the jaws of the vise.
Step 3: Grasp the end of the thread in the alligator clip, position it on the white plate, and start your jamb knot.
Step 4: The tail material is gathered and measured using the ring eye. Insert the material (marabou) butt first and pulled it through the eye (to gather it for clipping in the next step ) and pull it to the desired length.
Step 5: Position the tie-in tool close to the hook and set it so that it is in the locked position. Form a loop of tying thread and place over the "finger" of the release tool. Place the tail material into the loop above the hook, and keep it in your fingers.The release tool need to be close the to hook, so the bobbin will weight the thread when released.
Step 6: Holding the material in place on the hook shank, use your middle finger to move the tie-in tool to the left, releasing the lock.
Step 7: The finger of the tie-in tool will rotate down, releasing the thread. Maintain pinch on the fly tying material with the thumb and index finger. The small finger and ring finger grasp the thread and pull it down to begin the tie in. The weight of the bobbin also assists.
Step 8: Tie off the material.
Step 9: Excess tailing material is cut off.
Step 10: The chenille body material is placed between the clamping dowels. The right dowel is rotated to trap the material so it can be prepared for tie in. Strip the chenille to expose the core thread for the tie-in.
Step 11: Grasp the chenille with the test lead tool and tie in.
Step 12: The alligator clip is holding tension on the chenille while the test lead clamp holds a piece of tinsel for tie-in.
Step 13: The body material and rib are tied in. The thread is positioned to tie off the body material.
Step 14: The alligator clip is used as a hackle plier to wrap the chenille and keep it under tension while the chenille is tied off.
Step 15: The rib is wrapped up and tied of in the same manner as the chenille.
Step 16: The hackle feather is clamped so the stem can be stripped of unwanted material.
Step 17: Next the hackle feather is folded.
Step 18: The hackle is placed at the tie-in popsition. The test lead tool will severly crimp a delicate feather stem like a partridge feather.It works fine for this Pheasant rump feather.
Step 19: Notice where I parked the bobbin while I wrapped the soft hackle feather.
Step 20:The alligator clip holds the feather while it is tied off and the excess cut off.
Step 21: The test lead clip is used as a pivot point for the tying thread and bobbin. It does not grip the thread. The whip finisher engages the thread while the weight of the bobbin holds tension.
Step 22: The whip finish is complete and the thread is tied off. One could also use a half tool, ball point pen, finger, or two handed finish.
Step 23: That's all, Folks...Get ready to go fishin!

(first posted February 10, 2009; last updated February 10, 2009)

By Photos by Jesse Scott

Text by Jesse Scott and David Nelson