Ask Charlie #3 - Turkey and Goose Fly Tying Biots Explained

Great Video, I had never paid any attention to the right or left wing and how it changes the natural way the feather wants to lay down. This will get rid my my inconsistent biot bodies.

Would like some help on adding wings that stand up straight and align with the shank. For streamers (multi feather too) and turkey quill wings on a muddler. Thanks

Thanks Charlie for that great explanation for turkey and goose biots. You’re one of the best in the business for describing why detail matters.

Several years ago I figured out that notch down means smooth and notch up means rough or ribbed. Or is it the other way around…each time I use biots for body wraps I usually have to make a couple of trial runs before I get it straight again. Now I can just refer back to your video. A couple years ago I also figured out that curvature of the biot, as you have demonstrated, makes a huge difference in ease of wrapping and the appearance of the finished product.

One thing that I have discovered with packaged stripped biot quills (and sometimes even with supposedly “matched” full wing quills) is that many or most of the quill sections in the package are predominately from one side of the bird. This is annoying because I might find only a section or two in a full package that will produce a smooth or ribbed body with the right curvature. The remainder might be waist unless, as you suggested, you know someone you can give it to who ties with an alternate hand (or who doesn’t care).

Thanks again for the great video.

SR

Nice video. I’ve fumbled w/ biot bodies just long enough to get frustrated, then opted for simpler alternatives. Tying in the tails @ the same time I’ve become fairly proficient @ but the bodies have stumped me til now. Thanks!