Tying a balanced leech?

[Scott N]

I haven't tied any flies for years, and I recently pulled out my stuff and would like to tie some balanced leeches for stillwater fishing. Can anyone shed some light on what type of pins are usually used for the head of the fly, and where to find them?

[tallieho]

I use what they call sequin pins.[No cutting of,a piece of the pin].Micheals,$$ stores

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by tallieho

I use what they call sequin pins.[No cutting of,a piece of the pin].Micheals,$$ stores

My first thought was Michael's, thanks, I'll check them out.

[pikergolf]

I use heavy mono and a bead, like this.
http://dubbingloop.blogspot.com/sear...&max-results=7

[tallieho]

Her's a link to a SXS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ZUVHh2Qxc

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

I use heavy mono and a bead, like this.
http://dubbingloop.blogspot.com/sear...&max-results=7

That's interesting, thanks for that. Learn something new everyday!

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by tallieho

Her's a link to a SXS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ZUVHh2Qxc

good stuff!

[italk2u]

I've been using those pins they stick in new shirts that keep folded nice and neat. One shirt will yield atleast half a dozen of those pins.

[Mr Flyguy]

Sequin pins are great for the smaller beads but the head is often too small for 7/64 and larger.

So head off to Michael's and get some sequin pins but also a box of sewing pins, say Size 17 1 1/16" or Size 21 1 5/16", will last a lifetime. I have both.

One hint: When you cut the longer pins smooth the cut with a file so your thread wont on the sharp edges, will save a lot of frustration!

[Bjay]

Hi guys
If the head of the pin goes through the bead push the pin through a piece of plastic sheeting then cut around the pin a bit out from the head and that should stop the pin from pulling through the bead.
An old guy tip
BJay

PS You need to make a jig hook so that the eye is above the body material.
Use your need nose pliers to bend the front of the hook up just enough to clear the body material. Grab the hook tight behind the eye till you are bending the hook at about 1/8 to 3/16 inches behind the eye and bend slowly as bending fast can CAUSE SOME OLDER STILE HIGH CARBON STEEL HOOKS TO BREAK.
I have had no trouble with the newer stile of hooks.
Bjay

[Unclerj]

Lots of good tips here.

I just buy the pre-bent hooks because I seem to tie quite a few of these.

The key thing not mentioned yet is to make sure it's balanced. Tie a couple and then thread and hang them to make sure they are level. When I started tying them, I realized pretty quickly that I needed to either cut the pin shorter, use a heavier bead or stick it out the front longer to get the hook to balance.

That's the magic to getting these things to work.

[Mr Flyguy]

The heavier tungsten beads help in the balancing act.