Spinning Deer Hair?

[123chris]

I need to find what kind of thread and where can I buy it to spin hair? I have tryed it a few times with some 3\0 thread and had a hard time. It could be I need more practise. I also have a hard time shaping bug after I tie it. Any help would be appreciated.

[William McClendon]

I can get the hair to spin, but I can't pack it tight enough to shape well. I also have a hard time with the hair not being long enough to shape into a big body. Anyway, I use kevlar thread from the Fish Hawk. It seems to work the best, but some people say it will cut the hair. I haven't had that problem yet. The only good way to shape the bug is with a sharp razor...I mean SHARP! I've frustrated myself many evenings trying to make ba$$ bugs. Good luck!

[Frequent Flyer]

123,

Deer hair spinning is tough. I get the impression it takes more experience to make it pretty than to make it effective. I spin caddis, muddlers, and b****bugs a fair amount and struggle each time. A packer will help, I'm sure. I've had better luck with scissors than with blades. Not the prettiest, but they catch fish.

[Frequent Flyer]

Oh yeah, I use flat waxed thread unless it's a small fly.

[Kent]

Definitely takes practice. Here's a couple of things that help me -

Don't spin over heavy thread base. Keep wraps under hair to a minimum. Some even suggest spinning on bare hook (tho I don't).

Pack tightly. First use fingertips/nails to push back, the use packer or my favorite tool - an empty bic pen barrel. Then push back more with a couple of thread wraps, pulling hair back with other hand as you go.

Trim first w/scissors to general shape. Then steam over tea kettle spout. Then use new double-edge razor blade (with one edge duct-taped) to trim.

If the hair doesn't spin all the way around or seems skimpy in spots, you can add additional small bundles in same spot.