harrisnmo 0 Report post Posted November 10, 2004 Hi guys, Was wondering if you might be able to help me determine what kind of feather to use on my sculpins... I've got several dozen half tied and sitting on the bench patiently waiting on collars. I've narrowed my choice for collar materials down to some sort of grizzly colored hen hackle, but I'm not sure which wil best suit my desire... a hen neck/cape, or a hen saddle? This batch of sculpins are tied upside down (clouser style) on 4xl size 6 and size 8 hooks,... either mustad 9674's or DaiRiki 700's. The tails and bodies of the sculpin are tied with mottled rabbit fur, making it "breathe" and "undulate" quite well in the water. I'd like to keep this pulsating effect in the collar region, but don't know which of the hen feathers will be best suited? Most product descriptions describe both the hen cape and the hen saddle feathers as "soft and webby", but which is MORE softer and webbier than than the other? I'm wanting the softest, webbiest stuff available for these bad boys... I'd considered wrapping the throats with small marabou, but the stems are just too dainty for me to mess with... I've also experiment with some Schlappen and large spaded rooster saddle but the barbules on both are too still alittle too stiff and just not webby enough for my likes... Given the above, what would you guys suggest... hen cape, or hen saddle? I don't forsee a need for a wide variety of different sized feathers becuase I'll likely only tie sculpins in 4-8's and would like to avoid shelling out the extra dough for the smaller feathers I'll never use... Additionally, is there any particular brand you'de recommend over the others as the better bang for my buck? Sorry for the long post fellas, but I really couldn't figure out any shorter way of explaining my confusion... Would much appreciate you help, Nate H. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 10, 2004 You know Nate On sculpins I have always been parshal to the colors of yellow or olive green dyed grizzly hen necks. I have bought these necks for around 5 to 7 dollars keep your eye on Ebay you just might come across one. OSD. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 10, 2004 Shoe and I were talking about this last weekend. We have been using small brahmas but instead of parlmering we were putting them tied to the side as gills. We found they got tore up pretty quick and the fish still went after the sculpin. I would have to see your pattern but they may not be necessary. If you want a collar give pheasant rump a try too. The tips are pretty fine and are good for collars until you get to the soft aftershaft. You don't want the aftershaft as it will be too much on the sculpin and look more like a sparrow. If you have a photo of your pattern I may be able to offer more suggestions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Nate, you could save time (searching) and money by using the butt-ends off a suitably coloured rooster saddle. You know - the bit you normally throw in the bin. If you leave just a turn of stiffer fibre when you cut off the remaining good bit it will create more ' noise ' in the water and will blend perfectly with the flowing soft barbules. Roy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Hen saddle works dandy fine for sculpins. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harrisnmo 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Thanks for the advice guys, Looks like I'd probably be happy with either hen saddle or a hen neck,... The soft, shaggy, webby junk at the bottom of some of my #2 Metz Grizzly rooster saddle hackles is exactly the effect I'm trying to recreate, only with a hen... I done culled through my rooster saddles and plucked out all the available webby stuff that was properly sized to accomodate these sculpins but I didn't get much. One Rooster product that looks really interesting however, is Whiting's "Soft Hackle with Chickabou." Any of you guys tried it? Do ya think this might be just what I'm looking for? Or do you think the barbs might be too long for this application? Gosh I hate trying to order fly tying stuff over the internet... so much could be answered if I could only lay my hands on something for a few seconds, take it outa the bag and give 'er a good look-see!!! Thanks again for the help gang, Nate H. P.S. I done sent Santa a letter and 3.2 megapixel or higher digital camera with good macro capabilities was at the top of the list! Would love to start posting some pics to the site, and maybe with a little luck, I'll be able to soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 11, 2004 I'm with everyone else on the advice given. Go to Conranch Hackle and check out the hen skins and jv hen skins, you get the cape saddle and the rest of the skin. They're very reasonable for what Denny charges and you'll get an excellent product. Check them out at: Conranch Hackle Denny doesn't sell to shops or distributors but direct to the tiers. Give him a shout and he'll even send you photo's of the skins. I have several and I really prefer them to Whiting. Hope this helps, Fatman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harrisnmo 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Fat, Thanks for reminding about Denny's Birds... I've been wanting to try one of his skins for along time now, but kept forget about him when it came time to buy. I went to his site this morning, took a look a the JV and Mature Hens and gave him a holler... Super freindly fellow, and really fun to visit with. Got an awesome Grizzly Mature Hen Cape & Saddle combo headed my way now. Can't wait to get her! Thanks again for all the help fellas, Nate H. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 11, 2004 Still being reletively new to tying it's just a small payback for all the help and advice I've received here. Enjoy the skins your gonna love em. Fatman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites