Spiders

[prof1974]

I'm going to take the plunge and learn how to tie some spider patterns. I'm going to have to order some feathers and some thread and was wondering which threads and feathers would be best to start off with.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers Chris

[North Country Angler]

If you are intending to tie the 'traditional' north country spiders such as snipe & purple etc, then the following will serve you well:

Threads: Pearsall's gossamer silk in yellow, orange, purple, amber and black.
Feathers: Black hen/starling, waterhen, woodcock, partridge, snipe.
Hooks: I like Mustad R50's in size 14 and 16.

The feathers are generally wing covert feathers (the small spoon shaped ones from the leading edge of the wing), although partridge feathers want to be the little ones from the back of the neck (preferably from a male bird).

Hope this helps.....

Matt

[Bopper]

I am a Spider fan too and have ordered from Coockshill, Steve has small bags with lot's of feathers that are listed for Spiders.
It will give a good idea what the materials are, as a start.

Later I will order the complete skins from my favorite patterns.
I am sure he will make a 'Spider Starters packet' for you.

Second, I bought on Ebay.com from Trouthdocter a Matarelli small bobbinholder special for the Pearsall's silk, best ever. (Lakeland list them too, but I have waited a long time, but they are still not in stock).

[Adz]

One of my favourites...

Black and Peacock Spider

[Cumbrian]

Hi Chris

Have a look at Spiders Plus website. All his spiders are pictured with the patterns alongside, very useful for producing you "to buy" list.