securing hair on sea witch

[thunderfoot]

I just started tying up a few witches last night. What is the best process for wrapping, knotting, securing, etc. the hair to the head. The witches I tied up last night turned out nice, but my knots, etc really didn't have too much rhyme or reason. I don't want to lose my hair.

[Glenn W]

Although I do tie my own, I am far from an expert at this craft. However, I have been using those tied by some of the best for many years.
First, most Carolina fishermen consider the life of a witch to be very limited. One, two, maybe three trips.
There are a couple ways to finish your witches. One is to leave a decent tag end at the begining and a tag end at the other end and finish the whole thing with a square knot. Another, and better looking way is to simply finish with a couple full hitches. If you use waxed floss and make your wraps as tight as possible (amost breaking the floss), the wax wiill melt into the floss binding everything any way. Use half hitches for every wrap and finish with a full hitch. It will not come undone--- guarantee it. ( assuming you dont try to keep a nasty, skianky, witch for 3 years and assuming your wraps are tight). After a trip or two, cut the now nasty hair off, save the head and tie you a brand new, pretty one. The cost of hair is next to nothing and even for me it only takes about 2 or 3 minutes per witch.

[anthony]

Although I do tie my own, I am far from an expert at this craft. However, I have been using those tied by some of the best for many years.
First, most Carolina fishermen consider the life of a witch to be very limited. One, two, maybe three trips.
There are a couple ways to finish your witches. One is to leave a decent tag end at the begining and a tag end at the other end and finish the whole thing with a square knot. Another, and better looking way is to simply finish with a couple full hitches. If you use waxed floss and make your wraps as tight as possible (amost breaking the floss), the wax wiill melt into the floss binding everything any way. Use half hitches for every wrap and finish with a full hitch. It will not come undone--- guarantee it. ( assuming you dont try to keep a nasty, skianky, witch for 3 years and assuming your wraps are tight). After a trip or two, cut the now nasty hair off, save the head and tie you a brand new, pretty one. The cost of hair is next to nothing and even for me it only takes about 2 or 3 minutes per witch.

Yep...what Glenn said.

[BTH284]

When securing the hitches, knots etc if you are not cutting the creases on the outside of your fingers you are not pulling tight enough. You can use teeth, and your feet as extra hands too.

[thunderfoot]

I have been finishing off with a square knot, but may look into the hitches........that is off course after my index finger lacerations heal.

But seriously thanx.

[Sweet Caroline]

Being from the fly fishing world I would think a whip finish would work with a little glue over the knot.

Where are you guys buying the heads or bodies for the sea witches. I have been been looking for the bodies so I can tie my own bit have not been able to find them.

[jbones11]

Call Capt Joe

Atlantic Beach, NC
(800) 868-0941

He'll get you the hair and heads in a day or two.

[TunaTeaser1]

I've experimented with glue just for the hell of it and it's more work than its worth. If you get ANY glue on the hair then you are potentially ruining the witch you just tied by sticking it together. If you do the half hitches you will be fine.

[bigg09]

I USE COLORED WAXED FLOSS AND A BOBBIN SO THE FLOSS DOES NOT UNRAVEL WHEN ADDING DIFFERENT LAYERS. THEN I DO ALTERNATING HALF HITCHES. I HAVE FOUD THAT ANY WATERPROOF GLUE OR MY NEW FAVORITE HARD HEAD FLY TYING CEMENT. IT COMES WITH A CAP THAT HAS A BRUSH BUILT IN. EASY TO USE. I LIKE USING THE COLORED WAXED NYLON THREAD B/C IT MATCHES THE HAIR BETTER. IT IS CHEAP TOO.

[Marie Maddie]

What about using super glue and sewing thread? How close are you guys trimming the ends of the witches to the heads. Mine seem to have a nice flair-all my heads are from Joe Shutes. Great products and great service, very helpful people.