Waterproofing feathers

[DockShootinJack]

What do y'all use to waterproof feathers on jigs? I am looking to have the collar or feather wrapped in the chenille stand out and help slow the fall of the jig.

[txfly]

I would just use a dry fly hackle no treatment needed it will already have stiffness so it will stay spread out. And to added durability to the hackle type in a small or extra small wire and wrap it the opposite direction then you wrapped the hackle it will help strengthen the hackle. It will make it last a little longer. Or u could use another method of wrapping the hackle and chenille together and then wrapping the body that will also help secure the hackle in.

[DockShootinJack]

I wrap the hackle in between the chenille wraps.

[skiptomylu]

Most that do the kind of tie your talking about wrap the hackle over the chenille and not between the wraps as you really do t want space between the wraps IMHO! Also if you want to make the feathers more water proof there is a couple of products that will help that fly tyers use. One would be Water Shed and another is Doc's Dry Dust, but think the first would be better for what you want!

also if you use dry fly hackle its going to be a thin feather which is much shorter than what jig guys use. I have a lot of really nice Dry Fly Hackle, but probably wouldn't use it like this!

[txfly]

I suggested the dry fly hackle because I thought he was wanting stiff fibers so it would stay sticking out. But if he wants it to pulse or have good movement he could use a wet hackle or even a schlappen feather that's on the small side. But that's just my opinion.

[DockShootinJack]

Thanks for the advice.

[STUMP HUNTER]

If you are using long hackle it will not matter if you use a water repellent the long hackle is going to lay over, it will not make it stand up. If you want the long hackle to stand up you will have to use a hardener like head cement of sally henson nail polish. You may want to use a dubbing for your body and it would help trap water to slow the jig down.