Fly tying tips and tricks: The “Slide Loop” technique for those aggravating materials!

The “Slide Loop” Technique

We all have certain materials that have a tendency to drive us a little crazy. Materials that don’t want to cooperate when we attempt to tie them in, and in some cases, the pinch wrap just wont cut it. You may find that flash material, rubber legs and even laser dubbing that are some of those culprits that are giving us a problem.

One minute you’re trying to tie in a few small strands and next thing you know the flash is kinked, the legs are snapped or pulling out and you’ve accomplished nothing but a mess.

I am going to show you a quick trick that will help you get a handle on them.

*A few things to keep in mind*

The way this technique works is that where-ever your thread has stopped, is where your material is going to land when you slide it up; so be sure that you are beginning this technique where you would like for it to be tied in place. One other point I wanted to make is that you will be doubling over your material, so if you are looking for your fly to have two rubber legs in that area; you will only need one piece of material.

Step one: Looping it around

Once you have decided on placement, take your material and loop it around the back of the hanging bobbin. Bring it back around front and grasp it with your fingers. This will create a loop around the thread in which you can now manipulate.

Step Two: The Slide

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Holding the bobbin still in one hand, pull back on the looped material and slide it up into place. Once in place, simply hold tight and bring your thread over to lock it in place.

If you are using rubber legs and want them separated like in “The Beetle”; attach and secure it the same way, but then let go and take another wrap or two IN-BETWEEN to secure it in place.

Remember this technique can be used for other materials, including laser dubbing on the Bass Agitator; so feel free to use it anywhere that it can help you.