Hello folks, I'm still fairly new to fly tying so need some assistance, is there a cheaper alternative to buy soft hackle? Few place I stopped by did not carry smaller packages and they are quite pricey. Can't afford 50$ or more... Now I'm just tying wet flies like the prince nymphs variation. Any help would be appreciated thanks!
Your best bet would be to find someone who bird hunts. A grouse or partridge skin will last you several years of tying. I skin one every few years just for that. I don't have any extra and am not going hunting for a few weeks yet, but I imagine there are others who may be able to help.
Go online and find yourself a cheap Indian or Chinese cock cape in furnace. About 10 bucks and they are usually quite soft. Cabela's Canada carries them but they are on back order.
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Partridge and pheasant are # one for soft hackles. BUT your local fly shop should have soft hen necks for 8 to 12 bucks. Dark and light colors. My hen hackles are from Fly ANGLER and are $10.00 They are called a Saddle Patch and are excellent. Good for about a size #14 to a #6 hook. A partridge can cost a small fortune. $20.00 bucks or more but a pheasant skin is pretty inexpensive from Fly Angler. I think I paid someware around $12 to $15 bucks.
Bjay
Not sure if you have buddies that tie but you can always split the cost since you get so much anyways. I used to get all mine cheep from a A buddy that was a hackle farmer but they sold their birds this year and are out of the hackle business
Partridge and pheasant are # one for soft hackles. BUT your local fly shop should have soft hen necks for 8 to 12 bucks. Dark and light colors. My hen hackles are from Fly ANGLER and are $10.00 They are called a Saddle Patch and are excellent. Good for about a size #14 to a #6 hook. A partridge can cost a small fortune. $20.00 bucks or more but a pheasant skin is pretty inexpensive from Fly Angler. I think I paid someware around $12 to $15 bucks.
Bjay
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