T.U. Fly Tying Material Swap

[hankaye]

DUBBN, Howdy;

Your shamrocks are workin' for ya !!!

hank

[tie2fish]

Nothing like new "stuff" to prompt a tying spree. Props on the big score, Wayne.

[DUBBN]

I have been at my desk tying for the past three hours. I have been using the hen hackles I bought. They remind me of the early days of my tying experience. These hen capes are not Whitings by any stretch of the imagination. They remind me of the barnyard fowl I started out on many years ago.

I am so use to using a 4 inch Whiting Hen feather that I can get 3 flies (3 wraps) out of for a size 16 pattern. The feathers on these "India" Capes are so short that I can only get two wraps from one feather. While I know the fish will not care how pretty the fly is, I am not satisfied with my current tying skills to photograph and share any more of these patterns. I have come to appreciate those of you who still use these hen hackles, and make them look so dog gone good!

I am practicing, and having fun doing it. Perhaps in the near future I will feel confortable enough to share some pictures.

Thanks for all the kind words all. I do appreciate them very much.

[hankaye]

DUBBN, Howdy;

Picky, picky,picky



hank

[Mataura mayfly]

Heck.... all the photos I post here are of just good honest fishin' flies, I don't do pretty!
If I tried for that you would never see a photo from me!!!

You are discovering, or re-discovering that you get's what's you pay for. The cheaper hackles don't go as far.... but you don't feel so bad experimenting and practising with the lesser priced hackles (and they don't come much cheaper than 10 per $1). Great way to tie some new patterns and have some fun.

[DUBBN]

I am kicking myself in the backside right now. I should have thrown down 10.00 and picked up a hundred, then split them with the forum.



Live and learn.

[Johnno]

. Indian hen capes are in MHO some of the most underrated hackles out there. And they are often so cheap!! Marvelous for wets and nymphs. And the larger hackles good for Matuku styled streamer wings. Their size does not bother me one iota, as generally a couple of turns are all that's required anyway. They seem to be making a comeback as it was not so long ago they were as rare as the proverbial hens teeth. Or it seemed that way.

[letumgo]

Wayne - you should have grabbed every white hen neck you could get your hands on. They are easily dyed other colors. I love Indian hen. One of my favorite hackle feathers. Very soft and versatile. If you cut and fold the hackle, they also make terrific wet fly wings.

[hankaye]

DUBBN, Howdy;

Not yet a member of TU.....
Did ya have to use a 'special' handshake,
show your Capt. Midnight magic decoder ring,
or any other hoops to jump thru to get in ???

hank

[DUBBN]

No Hank, it was open to the public. I'm not a member of TU either. The swap was held at the B.P.O.E. so there was a full bar and buffet. I didnt partake of either, as the boss (wife) was with me.