Whip finish

bark284 · #1 08-02-2013, 11:03 AM

The whip finish is a bit confusing is there any other knot I can make to finish my fly ???

cochlan · #2 08-02-2013, 11:12 AM

If you buy a whip finishing tool and then go on Youtube and watch it a few times as you are tying it will make a nicer finish to your flies. I had trouble with it at first as well, but if you watch it a few times and practice up it is pretty easy. Once you get it right the first time, duplicate the process a number of times until you get it down pat.

AdamJ · #3 08-02-2013, 11:13 AM

You talking hand whip finish? or with a tool?

Here's one for hand whip finish that might help you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-WqowBsrBY

pikergolf · #4 08-02-2013, 11:21 AM

the whip finish is almost a must for flies, the tag end is securely bound by it and I can't imagine a knot that does what it does and is easier to do. Watch a few videos on you tube till you get it, try and do a few by hand until you can see what you are trying to accomplish. Once you get it and see what the knot does you'll understand how important the whip finish is.

petew · #5 08-02-2013, 02:14 PM

Before getting a whip finish tool all we did was make a loop of thread and lay it on the hook, loop to the eye, and a suficent length to the tail to geasp. Wind the tying thread over the loop to form a head, hold it tight, cut it and stich the end thru the loop, then pull the tag ends of the loop to bring the end of the tying thread under the head. Trim it close and cement. This is the same as whipping a rope.

kinwahkly · #6 08-02-2013, 09:16 PM

Practice, practice, it takes awhile to figure out, use you tube, whip finish in my opinion is a must for flys to stay intact.

Muskeg · #7 08-02-2013, 10:53 PM

Tried to use one when I first started tying, there was no Internet then and I couldn't figure it out so learned with my fingers and I really can't imagine using a tool, as it is I can whip before you reach for it. Good luck!

Pikebreath · #8 08-02-2013, 11:05 PM

As the others have already said, whip finishing is probably the best knot,,, but you also do a couple half hitches (essentially over hand granny knots). Twist a thread loop around the end of a ball point pen, put it up against the hook eye and slide the thread unto the fly.

Some fly tiers don't even bother with any knots, they use a dab of super (CA) glue and then tug the thread into the head breaking it off or cutting off as close as possible.

Whatever you do to finish your fly, just remember a good head cement is always your best friend.

rycoma · #9 08-03-2013, 05:41 AM

growing up my grandad taught me to tie with out a bobbin so I had to do a lot of half hitches he also never couldnt master the whip finish so he would throw three or four half hitches on the head dab of cement no problem. I now use a whip finish tool and I don't use as much cement if at all. much easier