How to Whip Finish Bucktails

Bucktail flies use the long, stringy hair from the tail of a whitetail buck. The hair is moderately rigid and holds a narrow profile in the water. Bucktail streamer flies are used to catch fresh and saltwater game fish. Whip finishing the flies requires a succession of half-hitch knots on the head of the fly. The knots must be tied in a fashion that maintains a smooth and uniform head. Tools are available to assist with the whip finish process.

Things You'll Need

  • Thread
  • Whip finish tool
  • Head cement
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Instructions

  1. Whip Finish Tool

    • 1

      Tie the fly and make successive wraps of thread immediately behind the eye to form a head. The size of the head is determined by the fly tyer and the amount of hook space available.

    • 2

      Hold the handle of the whip finish tool and hook the thread on each end of the tool. Make one rotation to form a triangle in the thread. Loop the triangle over the head of the fly.

    • 3

      Rotate the handle to make successive wraps over the head with the thread. The position of the tool makes a half hitch with each wrap. Stop at the hook eye and unhook the thread from the tool. Pull on the thread to tighten it on the hook.

    Manual Whip Finish

    • 4

      Place your forefinger and middle finger against the thread. Your finger nails must be facing your body.

    • 5

      Lift the thread to create a triangle in the thread. Rotate your fingers in a clockwise motion and simultaneously lower the thread to create a triangle with a single twist.

    • 6

      Loop the triangle around the head of the fly. Rotate your fingers in the same motion to continuously half hitch the thread around the head. Stop at the hook eye and pull the thread tight to secure the knots.