Bumbles

[maharg]

I have noticed in this months F,F and F,T that the bumbles shown are tied mainly with hen hackles. Is this a new trend?

Over to you dribblers, sorry dibblers.

[Scratch]

Hi Graham, I presume you're talking about George Barron's Bumbles? If you keep yer eye on George's patterns in the mags you'll notice that he doesn't much care for cock... unusual for a Scotsman.

[maharg]

Thats the one Rob. It makes sense to use the softer hen. Normally see them tied with cock hackles.
Do you have any insight as to what is coming in the next articles

And stop talking about Wee Jimmy like that.

[Wee Jimmy]

Originally Posted by maharg

Thats the one Rob. It makes sense to use the softer hen. Normally see them tied with cock hackles.
Do you have any insight as to what is coming in the next articles

And stop talking about Wee Jimmy like that.

Hey......I heard that...

[sweenytodd]

Maybe Scratch you could anwser me this please . I understand Hen will move more freely in the water but would Cock not send more vibration through the water being stiffer ??. Something that been bugging me as I know some have a preference for Hen while others have a taste for Cock

[syphogenic]

I can't help but wonder............does scratch like a bit cock in his bumble
I would reckon, cock would be best in a rolling wave,shifting water and hen in a lighter wave with a slower retrieve making use of the hens mobility.

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by syphogenic

I can't help but wonder............does scratch like a bit....

Hi Sweeny, Sypho. I'll tell ye what lads, I don't like cock as much as I used to. I can't speak for Jimmy though.. but I'm pretty sure he's still keen.
The last two or three years has seen a marked increase in my hen usage. Every day is a school day... fishing and chatting with the likes of George, Alex (Midlander) and Jimmy keeps you on yer toes. Sometimes we get really close and fondle each others flies. Paradoxically, that's when I lost my taste for cock. Seeing the things these guys turn out, and more to the point, hearing their convincing sales pitches and seeing the stuff in action kinda has an effect on you. I don't think there's really any hard and fast rules as cock and hen go; it's pretty much common sense and pesronal preference, but mostly it's all about understanding the virtues of the materials at your disposal, and getting the best out of them. I'l let you know when I get there.

[Wee Jimmy]

Originally Posted by syphogenic

I would reckon, cock would be best in a rolling wave,shifting water and hen in a lighter wave with a slower retrieve making use of the hens mobility.

I'm with Sypho on this one, I reckon that makes pretty good sense.Maybe it does make a difference,who knows,...its a difficult thing to measure. I think if you believe in the logic,thats good enough.

However I sometimes wonder about all my fancy theories when I see my pal Stewarty in action...especially on the brownies. I swear they would do somersaults under his rod tip if he wanted them to, some days. I might be selling him short here, but I'm pretty sure he just ties on flies that he believes in......cock/hen....cares not a jot. Stewart does the rest. Its the man behind the rod that really counts...a lot more than whether or not we like a bit of cock.......oo-er Mrs....

[teuchter]

Hi Mr Maharg

Rather cock than cock and bull !

In the bumble article I think you'll find that only the jointer bumbles are 100% hen hackle. I'd never be adamant about hen hackles being the best, I'm only stating what works best for me. I always use hen on patterns that have a seals fur body because the brushed up seals fur supports the hackle. On hard bodies, ie tinsel etc I normally use cock hackles so they don't collapse onto the body. It's all about life and movement really and the fact that there's more mobility in hen hackles than cock.....if you're happy pulling a flue brush, go for it. Who am I to say it's wrong!
Quality genetic hen capes like those now available from Chevron, Cookshill and Turrells have breathed new life into trad flies in my opinion.
Cheers
GB
PS
Didn't say what you thought of the flies ?

[sweenytodd]

Ok so then there is no set rule on this , tye and fish with what you feel most happy with .............