Pheasant tail

[Ray Kunz]

Considering their availability, ease of handling and durability why aren't ringneck tail fibers suggested for dry fly tailing on darker color patterms? I don't recall ever seeing this.

[Hans Weilenmann]

Ray,

I would not consider pheasant tail fibers very suitable tailing material on most dries.

The tips are quite flexible, lacking backbone.
They are not that durable for the purpose.
They are not very hydrophobic.

For darker flies I like to use moose body hair, or if finer strands are needed, mink guardhair.

Cheers,
Hans W


------------------
=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier

[RonMT]

I will agree with Hans here. Plus I feel they are to large in most cases for a good Dryfly tailing. Work great on Nymphs though. for tails and legs. I go through one heck of a lot of tails each year. I dye them in several colors and tie Pheasant Tail nymphs in some other great colors. They work very well. Ron

[Ray Kunz]

I hear you Hans, Thanks.