Is ostrich herl and plume the same? Can one be substitued for the other?
I may be wrong but I beleive the plume is the whole feather, and the herl is the indiviual branches on the plume. I use it a lot on different terrestrial flies that I tie for legs. John
If this is not right, someone will correct me, but, my opinion is that the “plume” is the entire ostrich feather and the “herl” is just one of the units coming off the side of the feather stem.
I could be wrong because God knows I usually am.
Fritz, herl is generally the longer barbules on the side of the stem and do not include the eye. Plume generally refers to the whole “big” or “prominent” feather on the bird. In other words, the plume is the whole feather and herl is one the sides.
Also, I use the term “generally” because some people, even those who work with feathers for a living, disagree.
Ron
yes
ostrich “herl” is the individual feather that is plucked from the ostrich “plume”.
dont think youll get “eye” feathers from an ostrich as you do from a peacock!
Yes, you can usually substitute peacock herl for ostrich plume herl and visa versa. The fibers on ostrich herl are typically a little longer than the peacock, resulting in a more bushy look. You can find ostrich with short herl fibers if you look through the various packages.
However, nothing matches that metallic iridescent shine of real peacock herl. It just seems to be an especially effect fish attractor.
I agree with everything that’s been said so far.
An effective but very simply nymph is made from ostrich and peacock herl. Wind peacock up to about 3/4 of the hook shank (standard nymph size hook) and the remainder is brown or black dyed ostrich herl. You could even add a gold bead head to it if you wanted.
Hey Jdubach:
Interesting response since my question originated from looking at the recipe for Mr. Wiese’s four feather nymph. His dressing calls for the same body materials in reverse order. Thanks.