Whiting Brahma Hen Cape

[texfly]

Has anyone used and have an opinion on the Whiting Brahma hen capes? I'm thinking of trying them for wet flies.

[ScottP]

Got one to tie up some Tabou Caddis http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/taboucaddis/

Haven't had a chance to use it yet but I like the markings on it.

Regards,
Scott

[FishnDave]

Bearsden.com has a half-dozen or so colors of the Whiting Brahma Hen capes. $12 each + shipping.

[ScottP]

Bearsden.com has a half-dozen or so colors of the Whiting Brahma Hen capes. $12 each + shipping.

I was going to suggest Bearsden, too, but I think restrictions make importing any tying materials into Australia a difficult process.

Regards,
Scott

[Gandolf]

Hi all,

How small is the fly size that the Brahama hen will tie down too?

Thanks and regards,

Gandolf

[Steven]

Doesn't Jim Slattery post here?

Check out Jimsflyco.com. If it's Whiting, he knows about it.

[FishnDave]

Hi all,

How small is the fly size that the Brahama hen will tie down too?

Thanks and regards,

Gandolf

Good question! There are ways to tie soft hackles that allow you to use even large feathers for small flies. I've seen a link on FAOL that explains at least one way to go about doing that...maybe someone can post a link or give a better description on the method than I could? I was thinking it was like wrapping the feather around the hook, putting a soft loop or two of thread over it, and the pulling the feather forward over the eye of the hook until you get the fiber length you desire.

[ScottP]

Good question! There are ways to tie soft hackles that allow you to use even large feathers for small flies. I've seen a link on FAOL that explains at least one way to go about doing that...maybe someone can post a link or give a better description on the method than I could? I was thinking it was like wrapping the feather around the hook, putting a soft loop or two of thread over it, and the pulling the feather forward over the eye of the hook until you get the fiber length you desire.

Wally does it like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-dfs...1&feature=plcp

Craig Mathews does it like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DCYT7NR-m4


More than one way to skin a grouse/partridge

Regards,
Scott

[FishnDave]

YES! Thanks Scott, those are both excellent tutorials!

[Jayatwork]

Brahma hen comes several different ways. One is just the saddle, which includes the beautifully mottled soft hackle feathers. Another has the neck with some mottled feathers along the sides. The neck part is more like a regular badger or furnace hen neck. You can also get the saddle with chickabou.