Javlelina Hair

[Warren Perry]

I recently came into possession of a large patch of javelina hair and wondered what might be some creative uses for it at the tying bench.

In case you don't know, a Javelina is a small wild pig that lives in the high desert of AZ and NM.

It is more like a quill than a hair. I would describe it as solid (not hollow) and it would make great bristles for a stiff brush. It is mottled white gray and black and the hair is up to 4 inches long.

I think it would be great for ribbed nymph bodies, stone nymph tails, legs or antennae. I will also try to knot it and use it for hopper legs.

Anyone have any ideas?

Pics are attached

[Mike Cline]

I wonder what kind of buoyancy it has?

It looks like it could make for an interesting element of a streamer. If it is pretty stiff it would move more water than bucktail and could be an attractive baitfish pattern.

The tips also look like plausible wing material for bigger dries like Stimulators, Sofa Pillows etc.

I like your idea of grasshopper legs. With it being so long and having a pretty generic color I am sure you will find all kinds of patterns to incorporate it into.

[chadk]

I got some a while back when I was first starting out. Tried a few patterns and liked working with it in general. But I haven't touched it much since.

Dry fly - flatten the fiber first and makes a nice segmented body with naturally shifting color patterns (yes, this fly is ugly... I was done in early days of my fly tying 'career')
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/javelina_dry.jpg (http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12440)

Supposed spinner version (gimme a break, I was just learning....):

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/javelina_spinner.jpg (http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12441)

Legs, Tail, Antennae:
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/javelina_stone3.jpg (http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12444)

It's been a while since I messed with it, but I may have to break it out again and do something like those up right...

[chadk]

Oh, and I've also used it a few times as an underwing (just a few of the stiff fibers are needed) to support marabou for example on a few patterns.

[papafsh]

Warren, I think you already have good ideas for it, you might also try adding different colors to it with permanent marker pens.

LB

[Mike Etgen]

Oh, and I've also used it a few times as an underwing (just a few of the stiff fibers are needed) to support marabou for example on a few patterns.

That sounds like an interesting idea...might use some of it to reinforce the marabou flies I've been tying for sea-runs. Chad, do any of your photos show this?

Also, does it "splay" much when it's snugged down? Seems as though, if it isn't hollow, you wouldn't think so. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it, Warren.

[chadk]

I'm not sure if I have any pics or even any of the flies left, but i'll look.
No, it does not splay much.

[Warren Perry]

Thanks for the replies. I'll tie up some experiments and post some pics

Warren

[Warren Perry]

Here are my experiments.

Nothing new or innovating, just old patterns with a new material

One is a Javelina Quill Gordon, one is a hopper with knotted javelina legs, and one is a Stone Nymph with Tail, antennea and legs.

Warren

[Micke]

Its look like our Badger hair,I think you could use it to antenna or in wings to Wulf pattern or tail.:)

[Les Johnson]

It makes great tails for small dry flies. I've been using it for years on tiny Adams, BWOs and PMDs.
Les Johnson