Fly Feathers & Fur

[nativewiggler]

I am new to all this and was told of the best feather's to use for tieing flies but can't remember the name - anyone?

Also, has anyone tried using rabbit fur? If so, does it work well?

I have some fur left from making native head dresses and was thinking of using the fur for flies... Not sure how it will work though...

[chadk]

most people around here just use road kill. Next time you see a dead possum on the road - grab that sucker and take it home! Good times!!

[seanengman]

I am fairly new to this as well. I'll give a course of action to get you started.
If you don't have a kit get one: Vise, scissors, bodkin (pointy thing), bobbin (ceramic), whip finisher.
Get a good beginners book- My favorite so far is Fly Tying for Beginners by Peter Gathercole, another one I really like is Fly Tying Made Clear and simple by Skip Morris.
Pick out one or two patterns out of the book that are fairly simple that you like and go to your local fly shop (not the ones on the internet). Buy all of the materials you need to make the fly at that one place, sometimes if it is not busy they can give you a quick tutorial. Go home and tie until you are sick of wooly buggers, hairs ears, or whatever it is you will be tying.

[nativewiggler]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Oh wow! Because I am currently in the South and surrounded by all the "road kill for dinner" jokes - that really cracked me up!!!

Rough morning too.... Phew!!! I really needed that!!!

THANKS!!!!:beer2:

[seanengman]

most people around here just use road kill. Next time you see a dead possum on the road - grab that sucker and take it home! Good times!!

Yes and once you figure out what you need, roadkill is the way to go. Just make sure you keep zip lock bags in your truck.:ray1:

[hikepat]

Rabbit is a great fly tying material. It can be used in many diffrent ways. I have a large bag of old rabbit coats that I use quite often. Rabbit fur can be made into dubbing, cut into strips, Cut off from the skin and even the skin without the fur used to tie flies with.

As for the best feathers it really depends on what you are tying, Wets, dries, saltwater, soft hackles etc.

[nativewiggler]

Thanks seanengman... I will definitely check on the kit... I have watched some demonstration videos on tieing but haven't tackled it yet... Been looking at different tools for the craft in a local supply catalog too...

Can't wait to get started with a little guidance from those with knowledge and experience too...

Always cool checking out others ideas and creations, but am eager to see what works best for me...:thumb:

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Native,

Check out the photo gallery of this site. There are sections for patterns and swaps. Usually there are recipes for the flies along with the pictures and are a great reference.

REE

[nativewiggler]

Thanks REE....

Still learning the site - loads to look at here and learn...

I did check out some of the patterns and swaps - really cool!!!

I like how it list what I need to create these myself but am still learning the process... I'll get it in time though...

[Daryle Holmstrom]

I've been tying since 1962 and still learning the craft. So the basic thing you should learn is the hand whip finish.

Daryle

[nativewiggler]

I have seen that on demonstration for a fly tieing video... Really cool! Reminds me of wrapping for native head dresses...

I have seen various materials used and there is a supply company a drive away from me, but was wondering about the rabbit fur...

I have viewed various patterns and have loads of ideas but I still have to learn what attracks what and the basics to get me started...

You could say I am hooked already....:clown:

[kodiaksalmon]

I love rabbit. That, and yak hair are my mainstays in my tying. I use it extensively on pike and salmon flies, and more often than not, in my steelhead flies.

Here's some pike flies, the rabbit is just behind the skirt, and ahead of the tandem hooks and hackle. And my steelhead box-all rabbit.

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=8592&stc=1&d=1175357893

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=8593&stc=1&d=1175357893

[nativewiggler]

WoW!!! Awesome!!!

Thanks for sharing with me... Now I am really stoked about getting there and getting this down...

I still have quite a bit of the rabbit fur and feathers too...

I can't wait to see how this works in the water in person!!!:thumb:

[Davy]

and you'll never go hungry using that roadkill either

[dmoocher]

Hey Native...you got that big flyshop in St Louis...if you're ever up that way...spend an hour or 2 or 5 just talking to the proprietors...they'll most likely demonstrate any pattern you want.:beer2:

[nativewiggler]

Hi Dmoocher, thanks for the suggestion.

I just recently learned about that place, but unfortunately, it is not an option for me to make a trip up that way and I will most likely be in Washington before I am that way.

Honestly, I have this amazing man that I sometimes wonder if he knows how lucky he is, because I completely understand his love for this same passion called fly fishing. He ties as well, and I am hoping once I am settled into my new home that we can do this together.

Also, I am kinda waiting to share this with him when I do this for the "first time". Something about the guy you care about showing you the way when it's something you both love - and he is an excellent teacher. So he gets to "break me in".

Hope you have what I found - I am hoping to make it a lifetime partnership, well if he's smart he will. :p

We will be casting for years to come...