Tips for using partridge for soft hackle wets

[blackandgold4ever05]

Hi all, I'd appreciate some advise for using partridge for hackle on soft hackles. I just picked up a half partridge neck. I'm not really having a problem on the bigger flies but am having a bit of trouble on the 18's. Seems that if I am able to even find a hackle on the neck that small, I'm having trouble wrapping it cause the good part of the hackle is limited. I guess I'm looking for suggestions to how to tie it on. I've tried, by the tip, stripping 1 side off and tying in at the stem. Also, where should I be finding these small hackle feathers on the neck? I can try to post a picture of the neck if it will help. Thanks for any tips!

 

[gutcutter]

http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/print.cfm?parentID=97

 

[blackandgold4ever05]

Thanks. I will try that for sure. It's funny, when I started tying, I always did that technique, which was wrong. Now, that I have some experience, it is tough for me to do this. It is explained a bit better in that link than it was on a video I saw the other day. Thanks again for the tips and also the pattern!