Mallard & Claret which colour hackle ?

[hares ears]

Fish it without the tail at night when sedges are about its one mighty fly.It a great fly for sea trout.Ive had great nights with it on the point.

[arkle]

t1978d. here's the "off the wall" one for you.

Hook 10/12 b175, Thread purple 6/0 Uni. Butt, 6/8 strands purple glo-brite floss under strands of g.p. tippets dyed deep purple. Rib, gold oval. Body, seal fur mix of med & dark claret 30% each - then purple 25% & some black to finish off. Wing Dark well marked bronze mallard, paired or folded rather than rolled. Hackle, tied false; Balinderry black (the colour of blackberries) or deepest claret.

Can also be lightened up with a flat copper underbody, but both bodies are tied quite slim & well teazed.

[teuchter]

Midlander

Totally agree with you about the dark bronze on most dressings.......
I suppose its still a personally thing what we use. Large bronze feathers in my opinion are far too heavy fibred for conventional size 12 flies and I agree there are better options. On dabblers they're fine but I would still be inclined to use small to medium feathers as they are a lot softer. They also split better in tying because they seem to hold less preen glad oil.
As you say about alternative feathers............ try the sandy brown ones from a widgeon rather than bronze when tying Harry Toms.
Far better looking lifelike fly !!!!!
Cheers
George

[midlander]

.. try the sandy brown ones from a widgeon rather than bronze when tying Harry Toms.

I use a Hen Pheasant tail wing, similar colour properties no doubt.