September Swap of the Month

[RGP759]

Being #9 on the list, September is my month to host the swap.

For this month's challenge, let's go back to the "classics", but this time the type of fly is to be a feather winged wet fly.

To give an idea for some patterns, see the following link:
http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/bergman/

I'll PM my mailing address to the group in the next day or so.

Participants are as follows:

1. John - Last Chance - received
2. ibrb - Wickham's Fancy - received
3. Texfly - dropped out
4. bdesavage - #14 Dark Hendrickson - received
5. FISHNFOOL9 - received
6. Gigmaster - Royal Coachman - received
7. Sjo - Blue Dun - received
8. branhap - received
9. RGP759 --- Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear
10. RickZ - recieved
11. hugefish 80
12. billhouk - The McGinty - received


Bob

[John R]

Thanks for getting us going Bob! I'll have to think about what to tie now.

John

[billhouk]

"Challenge", I guess! I too will have to think about this one. I don't have too many of these in my list so it may be something new. This may bring the mallard wings out of the freezer.

[texfly]

This months swap has reminded me of a question I have meant to ask for some time. These are great flies to tie but I have had trouble finding the right feathers for the hackle. If the feathers are supple they are always to big. If the feathers are the right size , say #12 or #14 , the feathers are to stiff. Maybe I have been trying the wrong feathers. Which type and brand do you prefer?

[billhouk]

Hen feathers are softer than rooster so you might try a hen neck. Conranch capes come with the side feathers (sorry Denny can't remember the name for these feathers) and they are softer than the hackles. I also read that the Indian necks are softer than genetic hackle but, I have not been impressed with the over all quality of the Indian product. I used up an entire Indian neck and have found Conrach, Whiting, and others to be superior (even though more expensive). Starling also makes a good wet fly hackle and is inexpensive.

[bdesavage]

Hmmm,
Never tied one of these I'll have to think on this for a while and let You know what I will tie.

[branhap]

This one is definitely going to be new for me. I have this beautiful orange rooster... Any thoughts about using that? I think it could work quite well in this case with some of the softer feathers on the wings or lower back.

I'm in new territory with this one!! Gonna have to order hooks and possibly more feathers (darn!!)

Paul

[sjo]

That's a real challenge for me too! I will have to think awhile before announcing a pattern.
Sjo

[Rick Z]

I am going to have to expand my skills, if I have any.

Rick

[John R]

LOL... I'm with you, Rick. I've never tied a feather wing. And I'm never too sure about my skills.

John