cape id please.....if you don't mind so much ta

[lee majors]

heya

I have been given these capes and as i am new to fly tying have no idea what they are!! I think they are not the best quality but would be useful for me to practice with as long as i know what i am meant to be using them for........









thanks guys!

[guest21]

They're hen capes. Dk Brown(?), Ginger / Red, Grizzley Cree and Badger... ish.

They'd be ok for soft hackles on wet flies, tied as a full collar, couple of turns or as beard hackles with fibres stripped from the quill.

The larger hackles would also make good matuka wings if paired - third one down looks good for perch imitations!

[ACW]

They are all indian hen capes,ok quality good for some wets
I some times use them for wings on dun patterns.

[lee majors]

thanks for the replies so far guys, quick id indeed!! i would be looking to tie mainly spider patterns with these and maybe a couple of palmered flies......should be okay on the spiders i think............

[guest21]

Originally Posted by lee majors

.... and maybe a couple of palmered flies..................

Traditionally, palmered flies like the Zulu, Soldier Palmer etc were tied with cock hackle in order to create the maximum disturbance as they were 'dibbled' through the surface on the top dropper.

However, a soft hackled, palmered fly has the potential for a lot of movement - and could be fished almost as an emerger.

[lee majors]

heya

am i right in thinking that the way to tell hen from cock capes by sight alone is the shape of the feathers with hen feathers being more rounded and the cock feathers being longer and more pointy?

[guest21]

Originally Posted by lee majors

heya

am i right in thinking that the way to tell hen from cock capes by sight alone is the shape of the feathers with hen feathers being more rounded and the cock feathers being longer and more pointy?

You've got it ... good cock hackles are pointy, needle sharp and shiny bright with spikey barbs. Hen hackles are rounded, soft and webby.

[thedeadskunk]

Think you'll find those capes will "clog-up" the fly when used for dressing palmer's.Just too soft and webby looking.
You'll also find that the reverse side is very chalky looking, lacks true vibrant colour.