[VFB] trimming hackles part 2

[Chris Broomell]

1)  After tying the obscenely HUGE cheap hackle on the fly...whenever you look at it from THEN ON....hold it at arm's length and SQUINT.  The appearance of the hackle to your eyes should diminish considerably (note...those with good eyesight may need to do this in a darkened room)...this method may be difficult to practice while tying the fly to the leader... 2)  Bend the hook tip AWAY from the shank until the barb is at the proper width...thus making the hook fit the hackle.  I don't know of ANY past or present ethical dilemma on straightening the hook to "properly" size a hackle...although I would like to see what Herters has to say about this!! 3)  Size doesn't matter.  And if it does....just deny the proper size of the hackle!  I mean...come on, guys, you do this ALL THE TIME in your lives!!!  With your fish....how many times have you caught an 18 inch 12-inch fish?   So...stop arguing and get tying/squinting/bending/lying.   Chris