" Ralph Heidecke" wrote in message
news:ikurd.390788$Pl.304639@pd7tw1no...

I've found 2 ways to attach cone heads securely:

1) pot them in with glue - 5 minute epoxy works best but hot glue work
fine.
Wrap some thread on the shank before
applying the head will give the glue something to 'key' to.

2) Fit a drilled metal bead onto the hook immediately after putting on the
cone head, Size the bead so it mostly fits
into the concave part of the cone. Put it on so the side with the larger
diamter head goes on first then build a bump of
thread directly behind the bead and apply head cement or CA glue to the
thread.


(This will work for cone heads or bead heads.)

Another method would be to make a few wraps of lead (or substitute) around
the shank of the hook and push it up into the abyss of the cone head, making
a few wraps to secure the lead, and then tie the fly as normal. The wraps of
lead will keep the conehead in it's proper place and add a little more
weight to the fly.

Another idea would be to replace that red thread with a red bead. That will
also keep that conehaed in place. Also, any light that passes through the
bead may act as an attractor.

Another idea would be to allow that conehaed to slide. Put the conehead on
the hook, then place another bead behind that, allowing for a small gap
between the two beads, tie the fly following the tips mentioned above. The
two beads banging together will in effect give you a "rattling" fly.