DON COLMAN USING THREAD TO COMPLETE A MAR LODGE

Thread of course is the stuff that ties it all together Thread that performs well is a must. It needs to be flat, thin and strong enough to get the job done. I've tried most, if not all, of the threads currently on the market and absolutly love Ultra Thread.

This is the best thread I?ve found to tie salmon flies. Flat tying thread is essential to smooth floss and tinsel bodies. 70 denier is the flattest and easiest thread to work with. I tie the body with White and switch to Black for the wing and head. If I?m not using a Charlie Chute Wing Tool and I?m building a wing with 30 or more barbs in it I?ll switch to 140 Denier black for tying down the main wing only. I switch back to 70 Denier Black for shoulders, cheeks, sides etc. I find the 70 a bit fragile to secure a large wing.

For the right handed tyer every wrap of the thread around the hook results in one clockwise twist added to the thread. When wrapping the under body it?s wise to stop and either let the bobbin hang and untwist itself or give it a little snap with your finger counter-clockwise (looking down from above) and watch carefully and you will see the thread flatten back out. I try and wrap it so it looks more like a layer of paint rather than lumpy thread.

It?s also important to remember thread twist when dubbing bodies. I always twist my dubbing clockwise (looking down from above the hook) so as I wrap it it tightens on the thread rather than loosens.