A decent toppingwing YOU created (I am sure YOU knows allready after this 'one' ...where the nipple hangs to come to even better results in the future (those words are a Belgium experession)...but I repeat again a good toppingwing
I had love to see a bit more 'herlhead'....or or or still better a more advanced head ...as it looks to long...but I know that finding the exact spot on such flies and 'herlhead flies' is better said by 'us' (who stand on land) than for the tyer at the decisif moment !
Geert
Geert,This particular pattern didn't call for the herl head but after I got to the throat I realized that I left way to much room at the front. I had stopped like I was tying on a married wing fly with an underwing. As a result I had way to much room and there was no way to fix this without starting over. As you know when you cut the tinsel thats it. I actually like the herl head on this fly but as stated I have tied better ones. The head is ugly I think if I was so inclined I can fix that but the fly is just not worth it to me. I will keep it for a while then get that crow and my hook back.
Bob, you hit the nail on the head I think four feathers top and bottom would have made a difference. That toucan was a real pain to mount on its side like that, I think next time I will try and get more of that yellow bishop. That looked so much better....to me.
Speyfly89, Francis Francis also calls it the "goldfinch" and claims there are several and lists this one;
gold tinsel and gold floss
a topping and toucan feather, herl butt. (black)
gold tinsel in two joints butted with black ostrich herl with short yellow toucan feathers tied in at the joints for hackles, as in the fashion for a popham. Increase in size at the brest.
A herl head with 5-6 toppings with blue macaw ribs (horns)
I hope this helps a bit.
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