Reinforcing Peacock Herls

Peacock herls are not as durable as other body materials, and after catching and releasing a number of fish the herls can begin to fray and tear from the body. There are several ways to make them last longer. Here is one that I prefer. 

Step 1

Step 1. Tie in 2-3 peacock herls near the bend of the hook and make a dubbing loop approximately as long as the herls. Remember to forward the fly tying thread after making the loop.

Step 2

Step 2. Place the herls within the loop and grasp it at the bottom with the hackle pliers. Then spin the noodle until a tight loop is formed.

Step 3

Step 3. Wrap the noodle forward to build the body and complete the fly.

An alternate method is to wrap thread, tinsel, copper wire or hackle around the peacock body to strengthen and prevent it from fraying. However, some anglers prefer not to protect the body believing that when the fly becomes ragged and untidy it works better since it looks more like a real bug. My own experiences support the latter. I have had some of my best luck when my fly was ripped to shreds with only a few strands of herl and wing remaining.