This post severely needs photos.

. . . my wet fly / spider fishing is virtually all done with cane rods as I firmly believe that there's a distinct difference in the feel when trout fishing with a cane rod . . .

Versus graphite?

What about fiberglass?

Great, well-marked feathers, and nice fly.

You didn't indicate a hook size, so thoughts went toward mini-mouse impressionist pattern.

It could also be a sophisticated alternative to a bluegill or bass popper.

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http://theriaultflies.com/fishingflies.html
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I learned to tie this fly from the originator of the fly, Jack Gartside. I was new to the demo tying gig at fly fishing shows, maybe my second or third show. They put the newer guys at the back wall near the exit doors. I showed up for my three hour shift and found I was seated next to Jack. I was ...

Instead of fussing about whether this one or that one is available, use other stuff.

Wisdom.

Anything in number eight
Is something to celebrate.

Great colo(u)r.

Why not scale the top one up to a salt-friendly size 2 and see how it flies as an improvisational shrimp/crab pattern?

I’m surprised that no one has brought this up yet (unless I missed it). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_hunt Probably better known than the actual fowl . . . which makes it harder to discuss hunting the real birds. They should've named the joke version "unicorn hunting" or something.