Dubbing

[Rob Snowhite]

What is your preferred method for dubbing?

dubbing wax
licking fingers
dubbing loop by hand
dubbing loop by tool
other

I’ve just got back into dubbing (hares ears) and am not sure if I want to invest in a dubbing tool.

[mark s]

I use an old hanger from the dry cleaners, cut down and bent into the shape of a dubbing tool – almost looks like an M, with one part of the M longer so you can hold and spin it.

[dusty montgomery]

I do not recall where I picked this up from, but when applying dubbing that will not cooperate, and in the absence of dubbing wax, you can rub the sides of your nose with your thumb and forefinger. The oils on your nose transfer to your finger, then you use to tame the dubbing. Of course, this is not especially effective if you have just stepped out of the shower.

Mark’s idea sounds like a very effective one, and like he said, free! If I did not already have the tool, that would be my first choice. Also, the kind of dubbing done depends greatly on the bug and desired appearance, so I think all of the methods you mentioned above are used at some time or another.

So, grab a hanger out of the closet for the real buggy patterns, and avoid the shower for a few days if you need to dub a tight, thin body or thorax!

Dusty

[Rich Kovars]

I’m definitely in the less is more camp.

[keith b]

I have heard of the nose trick before (I just need to remember it when I am at the bench).
I too have made an old hanger into a tool, but I need to put some lead on it to help hold it down.

[bill heffner]

I put a very small amounts of dubbing on dry with nothing added. If I need a bigger body I just build it up with dubbing and thread.    If I need to make a smaller, tighter, body, I use a little water that I keep in a cup instead of licking my fingers.
I saw a video once where the tyer said that the dubbing should float in the air and not drop on the table.  Then you have the proper amount of dubbing for the fly you are tying.    

[adam taylor]

I use a touch dub method…picked it up from Loren Williams..

http://www.flyguysoutfitting.com

He has some great tutorials.

[brian barnes]

Charlie Cravens new book “basic fly tying” has a great chapter full of great dubbing advice. Among many suggestions he recommends BT’s wax lightly applied to fingers first.

[Juan Ramirez]

I just place it on dry 90% of the time and it works fine.

[dave nyberg]

I read in a book by A. K. Best that it is not good to lick your fingers.

[krkaloz]

Adam, gave an excellent recommendation here for spiky nymphs

“Touch dub” use Loon High Tack Swax very, very sparingly on the thread simply touch a pinch of dubbing to the thread and spin the bobbin.

This method will allow you to create very buggy nymph with significant less bulk!

By the way LW is am AWESOME tier!!!

[John Williams]

Technique varies with desired end result.
Tight bodied dry flies call for a hint of moistre on finger tips and just enough dubbing to change the thread color.
Buggy nymphs call for touch dubbing loops or ropes all depending on desired bulk.
Wool bodies and heads are always dubbing loops/ ropes.

As for LW I agree 1000% on his tying skills not to mention his on stream approaches.
John

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