Dyed wet fly capes/ saddles

[midlander]

OK lads, there's plenty of yous out there that consistently tie wet flies with dyed cock and hen capes/ saddles. Here's a question for you...

Given that the feather size is OK for the fly that you're making what would be the most important criteria?

a) Rich, deep, lustrous colours.

or

b) Size and suppleness of the skin.

So, in short, are you too bothered whether you get a cape where the skin cracks as long as you get the colour of feather you're after?

[weight_forward]

Just out of interest, have you tried Neats foot oil? I've read on a few American sites that it works quite well keeping the skin patch supple - I was planning on tracking some down for a try and wondered if it was worth the hastle?

Cheers - Steve

[midlander]

I've not tried it Steve, or saddle soap or similar. I have used a mix of surgical spirit and glycerine which keeps things supple for a while.

Personally though, I couldn't give a monkeys if the skin shrinks/cracks, it's the colour I'm after, the skin can go hang.

I just wondered what others thought on the subject. I think I know the answer but a few opinions from the boards talented wet fly contingent wouldn't go amiss.

[A. Fluker]

The colour - with you all the way.

Is this leading up to a sale?

If so can I have one.

[weight_forward]

Originally Posted by midlander

I couldn't give a monkeys if the skin shrinks/cracks, it's the colour I'm after, the skin can go hang.

Agree totally with that, it is a pain when a cape breaks into 3 or 4 pieces though. If i can find some which is easier said than done when you have to speak 'foreign' I'll let you know how it goes.

Originally Posted by Loopy

Is this leading up to a sale?

I reckon there's a gap in the market!

[midlander]

Originally Posted by Loopy

The colour - with you all the way.

Is this leading up to a sale?

Ha, no mate, just seeing what folks think.

[oakham orange]

I think the colour mate. Especially in Ireland.

[itchybeard]

colour all the way!! especially none- fading. I remember bying a Sunburst yellow cock cape from a well known shop, it had been in the shop for a while as it was covered in dust and had an old price tag on.

The owner was surprised he had one but the point I am trying to make is that the colour was as bright and vibrant as the day it was dyed. It was not kept in the dark either!! this is what was most important to me as I knew it would hold its colour.

[seanie]

Colour by a mile for me

[sightbob]

Colour for me,but it does help if you can flex the cape
to pick a suitable feather.