Tying parachute flies

[Steve]

I need some help tying parachute style flies. When I get to the point of doing the whip finish, I end up tying in a bunch of the hackle as well. I also have problems with the hackle wanting to slide up the "post", while tying/finishing.

[Derek]

It's possible that your hackle is tied too close to the eye of the hook. Try tying the hackle and other materials slightly further away from the eye of the hook. This will enable you to put a better formed head on the fly as well. Also try and hold the hackle fibers down by wetting your fingers and hold down toward the bend of the hook while applying the whip finnish. Hope this helps.

If you are using a strong synthetic material for the post (Z-lon...) try tying a very tight overhand knot in it before mounting it. The knot should be near the hook shank when you tie it in. The lump the knot makes prevents the hackle from sliding up.
To prevent trapping your hackle, try winding it the opposite way you are doing now. I use a whip finish tool and hackle tips simply move out of the way when the hackle is wound in the correct direction.
Hope this helps,
Jack

[Steve]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to go try one now! :)