large hackle

[John Barker]

I am in need of a VERY large hackle. barbs need to be 2 inch plus. any suggestions? It is for a presentation mayfly. Thanks.

------------------

[Al Beatty]

Hi John,

I've had to come up with large hackle several times for presentation, very large dry flies and have used the following to do so:
1. large Chinese wet fly hackle wrapped and stiffened with hair spray.
2. stacked hair placed in a split thread dubbing loop. Elk mane works well for this application.
3. feather fibers stripped from the stem of the feather often come off with a narrow strip of the stem holding them together. Tie the stripped fibers/strip on the hook and wrap it. Then stiffen with hair spray.
Good luck & let us know how things turn out. Take care & ...

Tight Lines - Al Beatty [url=http://www.btsflyfishing.com:66fbd]www.btsflyfishing.com[/url:66fbd]

[Kerry]

John, with barbs 2" long, you would have a 4" diameter hackle. Is that right? I can't think of any better way than what Al has mentioned.

[Eight Thumbs]

Is Big Bird in grave danger?

------------------
You had better learn to be a happy camper. You only get one try at this campground and it's a real short camping season.