Golden Pheasant body feather

[gadusmorhua]

I liked the look of the Cripplers featured in this month's T&S, and although I feared I would be over-stepping my skill levels, equipped myself with some Veniard's G.P Body Feathers.I have tied up some passable patterns on a size 10, but can't find feathers small enough to use on a size 12 (let alone the 14 he ties Hares ears down to), without them looking ridiculous.Whilst I appreciate that the G.P is meant to look long and leggy but there are limits.Could I perhaps tie in a few fibres rather than winding? I can't imagine G.P varies much

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by gadusmorhua

can't find feathers small enough to use on a size 12 (let alone the 14 he ties Hares ears down to)....

Could I perhaps tie in a few fibres rather than winding?

Hi Gads, You're right, there is little variation in the feather sizes with GP skins. You will notice though if you have a good rummage there are a good few feathers emmimently suitable for 10's and 12's. A lot of it boils down to how long and leggy you want them to look. I usually go for something like a hook length or so past the bend. As far as 12's and 14's go, the trick is to identify the centre stalk (which by the time it gets to the end of the feather has morphed into a red, or yellow fibre) on a small feather and stroke the other fibres backwards (as you would for tying any other feather in) and strip the rear two thirds from the stalk. This should leave you with the 7 or 8 (on each side) shortest fibres on the stalk, suitable for down to a 14.... it will be 'leggy' though

Tricky to get the right effect tying individual fibres in, and also tends to bulk up the head.

[gadusmorhua]

Thanks for that Rob, I'll have another go with the smaller sizes tomorrow.I'm sure the 12's will be of more use to me on the reservoirs.
Gads

[benlikestofish]

Rob, have you tried inserting feather fibres in a split thread using a Marc petijan tool to control fibre length?
If I ever get a minute I'll give it ago with GP, I've tried it with other soft fibres and it's worked before.
Cheers
Ben

[dabhoy]

Originally Posted by benlikestofish

Rob, have you tried inserting feather fibres in a split thread using a Marc petijan tool to control fibre length?
If I ever get a minute I'll give it ago with GP, I've tried it with other soft fibres and it's worked before.
Cheers
Ben

Never tried that way Ben.
I have at times used longer fibres by pulling of a section and placing them to length and using the rolling method using the thread so it rolls around the hook, as this prevents the bulking of thread.

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by benlikestofish

Rob, have you tried inserting feather fibres in a split thread using a Marc petijan tool to control fibre length?

Wot? Do you think I'm made of money? Never thought of it Ben, let alone tried it. I'm a simple soul... split threads, Petitjean tools etc etc aren't really for me. Besides, I'm reasonably happy with the range of feather and fibre sizes on offer on the GP skin.