Spiders

[DaveM]

Simple question I hope with a simple outcome, again I hope.

Do I have to use Hen hackles for Spiders.

I have loads different Cock capes and saddles that were given from a house clearance and don`t really want to spend out on Hens just for the sake of it.
Getting all the different colours for a few dozen of each type just dosen`t seem worth it. Or am I wrong.

I know that a Hen hackle is going to be softer therefore more movement, but are they an absolute must.

Dave

[iamasmith]

Originally Posted by DaveM

...I have loads different Cock capes and saddles that were given from a house clearance...

You LUCKY, LUCKY B'

I tend to use Partridge for mine. Snipe is also popular but would just really try it out if I didn't have a specific match.

[maharg]

Traditionally spiders were tied using mostly game bird hackles from the wing or body of birds such as partridge and snipe
Starling feathers are also used in many patterns, sometimes as a substitute for rare feathers.
Poultry hen hackles are not used that much but they are useful.
If your cock hckles are soft in nature then they could be of some use.
Dont use pin sharp dry fly quality hackles as I doubt they would provide any movement.

You can get some lovely variant hen hackles for about £4.00 from a number of outlets, so no need to break the bank.

[DaveM]

Originally Posted by iamasmith

You LUCKY, LUCKY B'

I tend to use Partridge for mine. Snipe is also popular but would just really try it out if I didn't have a specific match.

You should have seen the tin mate, opened the lid and it was like a Jack in the Box, it just sprung wide open.

All sorts of Hair as well as Squirrel, just trying to sort it is bad enough.
-----------------------------------------------
Thanks for the replies guys.

Dave

[Country Joe]

You can use both, although when i tied, i prefered a hen hackle, as i think it has more movement.

[spidersplus]

Dave,

With respect, a fly tied with a dry fly hackle is not going to perform like a spider, but like a dry fly!

If you wish to fish a Spider pattern as a spider pattern, you do need to tie it with either hen or partridge, snipe, etc, etc.

Kind regards

[North Country Angler]

Originally Posted by DaveM

Simple question I hope with a simple outcome, again I hope.

Do I have to use Hen hackles for Spiders.

I have loads different Cock capes and saddles that were given from a house clearance and don`t really want to spend out on Hens just for the sake of it.
Getting all the different colours for a few dozen of each type just dosen`t seem worth it. Or am I wrong.

I know that a Hen hackle is going to be softer therefore more movement, but are they an absolute must.

Dave

As the other lads have rightly said, the trad north country spiders were - are - tied using game bird feathers such as snipe, partridge, woodcock, grouse etc. It is less common to see spiders tied using hen hackle although I am curious as to their application for fishing right in the surface film (a property afforded by the slightly stiffer hen hackle fibres). I did post something on this last week if you are interested:
Using hen hackle for river wets....

Otherwise, some of the more famous trad spider patterns can be found in the 'Classics' section organised by Maharg.

M

[DaveM]

Originally Posted by spidersplus

Dave,

With respect, a fly tied with a dry fly hackle is not going to perform like a spider, but like a dry fly!

If you wish to fish a Spider pattern as a spider pattern, you do need to tie it with either hen or partridge, snipe, etc, etc.

Kind regards

Thanks very much for the info guys.

Looks like I am going to have to pester the shooting fraternity here for some birds.

Dave