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Although I have been tying for several years, I consider myself a novice from the lack of knowledge I have fail to acquire. I see Snowshoe Rabbit Foot Fur, CDC and deer hair all used for wings on dry flies and emerger patterns. I have always taken it they were used because of a resistance to absorbing water and their natural buoyancy. I have CDC and deer hair in my materials, what are the advantages of one over the others?
Hi Uncle Jesse,
I am also one who just accepted the use of snowshoe rabbit fur because of its water resistance and buoyancy. I love Fran Bettar's patterns namely the Usual mainly because I catch fish with it. It is difficult (for me) to use because it is so slick to get tied in. Several years ago I made up my mind to tie that particular pattern repeatedly until I mastered control of the material. The flies still look like hell but they do float very well and they do catch fish but I am convinced that Mr. Bettar used the snowshoe rabbit because it was probably readily available to him.
Uncle J.
These are my choices for those (and one more) winging materials in order of preference:
Snowshoe Hare -best floating hair material there be...
CDC - I like it's ability to trap air bubbles in the barbules and by using the tip below, followed by a dusting with desiccant, I keep 'em floating after sliming. I also use it on many sub-surface patterns:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOPDH6E1zOY
Elk -Each individual hair holds more air than deer but it gets problematic with small patterns...
Deer - for smaller patterns when Elk just does not work...
PT/TB ;)