Fly Tying for Beginners: How to Tie Perfect Tails on Dry Flies

Hi guys, how are you? Long time no see! :)
I’ve decided to start a small series of short tutorials, especially for beginners. The goal is simple: to help you tie flies easier, faster, and better.

In today’s tutorial, I’ll show you how to fix rooster barbs to create a neat and durable tail for dry flies.

Materials used:
-Champion 8/0 thread - I like it because it lays flat, is super durable, and comes pre-waxed.
-Demmon Supreme #12 hook,
-Coq de Leon for the tails, which I consider the best material for making tails for dry flies.

Steps:
1. First, attach the thread to the hook shank.
2. Fix the rooster barbs between you and the hook shank at an angle.With two or three turns of thread, secure them lightly, arrange them, and then add another 2–3 tight turns to keep them in position on top of the hook shank.

Tricks:
1. To avoid twisting the tail around the hook, always hold the tip of the tail upwards with your fingers.
2. For a very durable fly, make a thread base first—especially on bigger flies where you have enough room to add thread and other materials without creating bulk. It’s just like laying the foundation of a house. Only then should you fix the tail and the rest of the materials.
3. Use wax as much as possible. It gives your thread more durability, reduces water penetration, and provides better grip when adding other materials.

If you’d like to see certain tricks, please leave a comment and I’ll add them to my list of videos to make. :)
If you like the materials used, you can check them online at Trout Line shop or find it in several shops across the USA ( Devin Olsen shop or Eric Poppitz shop) and Europe (LamaFly, Bugshop, Antispinn, Mayfly Sweden, Lafinemouche).
Cheers!