Congo Hair Thread

[m_grieb 0]

Hi All,

Over the holidays, I received a couple boxes of materials from fly tyers dungeon as gifts. Although I'm extremely excited to use some of them, others have left me struggling to find ideas for application due to color or texture/thickness, etc. This is particularly the case for congo hair. I understand how it is meant to be used as a baitfish fiber similar to EP fiber, but I have a difficult time getting the same tapered look and action as other popular commercial materials. I also have some odd colors that wouldn't be great on a baitfish pattern, which has made me question how to use some of it (dubbing brush, blended dubbing, etc.). After sifting through threads via search function, there doesnt seem to be one thread devoted to congo hair and its traditional and alternative applications along with pictures of flies tied with it, so here it is.

 

My idea is for this thread to serve as a resource for tyers who are looking for tips on how to tie different types of streamers with congo hair and ideas for alternative uses of congo hair in colors not ideal for streamers. In addition, I think it would be great if we could inspire creativity by sharing pictures of flies you've tied with congo hair. Feel free to share anything else you think is relevant to the discussion!

 

Thanks,

 

Matt

[sandflyx 0]

I use all the colors for bait fish and crab and crayfish patterns. also works in dubbing brushes to.

 

[caloosa bug 0]

I like it for heads on streamers. Used in this way, I don't have to worry about tapering.

 

Also can be used similar to dubbing. I sometimes just tie in clumps where I want it then trim.

[Jaydub 0]

I've used it for parachute posts. Remove enough fibers for a post. Melt one end with a lighter and pinch together. This gives you a long enough hank to tie several parachutes.