two problems

[mickporter]

Problem 1: I am lucky enough to have inherited half a dozen Whiting Farm silver or bronze capes and saddles. The hackles are about 10" long, fantastic short hurl, but enormously difficult to wind without twisting. The length makes them unwieldy, and I find the stems stiff and not so easy to manage as a cheapo normal hackle. Has anyone any tips for me??

Problem 2: In the UK brass beads for goldheads are very very expensive in the fishing shops. The come in small packets of about ten beads. I have searched for a cheaper alternative in craft shops etc., but have come up with nothing so far except for either glass or plastic beads which are available in gold, silver and almost every other colour under the rainbow. Great so far. Their problem is of course the weight. I have experimented with lead wire, but I cannot get the balance right. I can of course wind it down the body, but this nulifys the weighted head. Putting the lead around the bead makes an ugly fly. Again any ideas, or can u guys suggest an alternative heavy option which is cheap and obtainable?? I have concidered brass hexagonal nuts, which are available in small sizes. I haven't tried these yet but don't imagine the fish will be too fussy about the odd shape, or will they?

Regards
Mick Porter

[Jax]

Hi Mick; Lucky you for getting the capes. I have not experienced the twisting you mention while using Whiting Hackles.
I feel that perhaps the feathers have dried out some and this has made them stiff.
I have in the past soaked some Andelucian capes in water overnight and found that the whisks dry out quickly and the stem stays reasonably pliable.
Another trick that is frightening until you try it. Is to grip the hackle at each end and pull it over a rounded edge about 1/4 of an inch Dia to flatten one side a bit. Starting at the butt end and pulling slowly down with a good angle between the two ends
make sure you flatten the correct side of the hackle so you dont end up with the hackle facing back instead of forward or visa versa. Have fun and I hope you can get over the problem. If you can. A Cigar Humidor can be of help to condition the capes. Jax

[This message has been edited by Jax (edited 29 July 2005).]

[ashbourn]

The stiffness should not affect the winding. Some necks not matter the brand will have stems that have 3 sides when most have 4. This causes the hackle to twist no matter how careful you are. Soaking them may help is will soften the corners making them more rouded and giving you more control.
Another thing that might be causing is if you are it happen when you put a 2nd hackle on and does it when the 2nd is being wound up. Whiting Farm's necks tend to cup, this cupping of the hackle fibers tends to get in the way when the 2nd 3rd or 4th hackles are being wond on, this can cause the feather to twist or make the hackle bunch out making it look very messy. I hears that winding from the eye back will solve this problem though I have not tryed it.

Sry for the spelling
Joe

[flyangler]

You mention that you've tried craft shops. You might also try beadwork and jewelry making shops. These are more specialised than craft stores and may have what you're looking for. However, craft beads are seldom counter drilled the way that fly tying beads are. I make do. The counter drilled ones are easier to get around the bend of a hook.

The jewelry shop I went to here offers classes in making jewelry and had everything from sterling silver beads to copper. It's a rare kind of shop, I think. Most jewelers are the type that sell ready to wear items and don't offer classes.

Mail order is, I'm afraid, a more likely option for you. Maybe ebay.

Brilliant luck on those capes, though!

[ducksterman]

Why not try Hook & Hackle...a sponsor here...I have found their metal bead prices to be reasonable.

Mick;
I've steamed my hackles to get some moisture in them. A big pan of boiling water and a "Spatter Guard" for a frying pan. Bring the water to a boil and place the hackle(s) on the spatter guard. I let them steam for about an hour turning them over after a half hour I store them in zip-lock bags to keep the moisture in.

Another tip found in FOAL, I keep No Pest Strips in the storage drawers to kill any insects.

I buy all my beads from H&H. Bob has a wide selection and very decent prices.


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I feel more like I do now than I did when I got here!

Cactus AKA "Lucky Dog (Pirate Name)"

[AScott Trout Flies]

Mick,
Rutland Fishing ( [url=http://www.rutlandfishing.com:e8cb4]www.rutlandfishing.com[/url:e8cb4] )does several sizes and colours of beads, at around ?2.95 per 100.

Hope this helps??

Andy