Ducks Redux

[redietz]

Here's a couple of flies with mallard converts as hackle:

The first is a reject from the Tup's swap:



The other is my favorite application for mallard coverts, they tie nicely down to 18, which this pheasant tail is:



It makes for a great olive emerger.

[letumgo]

Bob - If your first fly is a "reject", then your swap flies must be amazing. These two flies are superb. I am convinced that I need to give the mallard coverlet feathers a try. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Jerry G]

I agree Ray, what's wrong with the Tups?

Regards, Jerry

[Mataura mayfly]

Agreed, fine looking Tups....... makes me wonder what you might think of what I sent over for the swap!!

What hook is the first one tied on? I am liking the wide gape and straight eye.

[redietz]

I agree Ray, what's wrong with the Tups?

Regards, Jerry

Nothing, per se. When I tie for a swap, I tie roughly twice as many of a pattern as I need for the swap -- it gives me some extras for the host, and some for myself. (I did 37 this time). When I select which ones to send, I choose on the basis of consistency, not necessarily quality. This one may not have gone into the box because it has a different amount of dubbing than the rest, or slightly shorter hackle.

[letumgo]

Bob - I like the idea of tying extra flies for swaps. Great idea.

[redietz]

What hook is the first one tied on? I am liking the wide gape and straight eye.

Partridge Class Spider (L3AS) size 14. They're 2X fine, 1X short, which make the gap appear wider. I think I'm going to like them in the smaller sizes, but I was having a hard time getting the proportions where I wanted them on this size (hence the comment above about why this one didn't go into the swap.)

[Mataura mayfly]

Thanks Bob. Wonder if I can talk the local store into bringing some in.
I like the size 16-18 shank with the size 14 gape. I do not know if it makes that big of a difference with hook-ups...... but it makes me feel better!

[CreationBear]

That's a great tie--I have to admit that you've won me over to the dark hackled sulphur theory. Definitely want to get some feedback on how your duck hackle fishes compared to more traditional flies--I know it's not CDC but I've been curious if there is usually a bit of residual preen oil that might keep them in the film.

[Ruard]

Here's a couple of flies with mallard converts as hackle:

.

Very nice flies redietz. I am glad that I tie the amount of flies needed for a swap. 20 feels a bit like work.

What is a mallard convert, where on a mallard can I find that feather??

greeting