tube fly hackle

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Martin

Fly tying - Tie Better

Hi There,

I started to tie tube flies again. When I started tying, I used streamer hackles from a roosters neck, but they seem too stiff to me. Which feather is the best to use? I think its hen, but I don't want to buy capes that I don't use then. So if anybody could help me, it would be nice...

Tobsn

Tobias,

You might consider the type of saddle hackle used for saltwater flies. These are generally large and long enough for tubes and soft in the fibers.
Hen hackle is rarely long enough to really do any good on a tube other than for front hackles.

You can also work your way though a bunch of rooster saddles in a shop. Some are very stiff, shiny and brittle while others are webby and soft. So called Chinese necks and saddles are usually quite stiff. I have rooster feathers from my own backyard birds, which are very soft and perfect for large flies.

Martin

Tobias,

You might consider the type of saddle hackle used for saltwater flies. These are generally large and long enough for tubes and soft in the fibers.
Hen hackle is rarely long enough to really do any good on a tube other than for front hackles.

You can also work your way though a bunch of rooster saddles in a shop. Some are very stiff, shiny and brittle while others are webby and soft. So called Chinese necks and saddles are usually quite stiff. I have rooster feathers from my own backyard birds, which are very soft and perfect for large flies.

Martin

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