Question for guys that use saddle hackle for

either a collar or as palmered hackle. I have been doing this for a pretty long time now and I bet most just pitch the fluffy part and stem away, right?

I just tied this while I help off making this post to show what I mean. This is probably a 1/64, but can be 1/32 or even 1/16 with small hook like a #6 regular bend or maybe a #8 Sickle. Anyway this is just one piece of the trash left over from hackle and why I keep this kind of stuff. Just like marabou, but is not and there was probably 2 or more other pieces I could have cut off to make tails. So I stick all the what I see as possible usable stuff in sandwich bags by color just in case I want to use it. Just some ideas I thought I would share.

Skip

Attachment 43502

Skip, good looking jig and thanks for the tip. I saw those zonker jigs you did, REALLY NICE. Very cool looking tails.

Thanks I appreciate that. I just save all my scraps that look like I can use them to make something else and I mean everything. Even the part I cut off neck hackle I think that will also make nice tails for small jigs.

I know lots of guys just throw away their scraps without thinking they can still use what is left. My wife thinks I am crazy, but that little jig sure look like it will catch fish to me and the tail is just scraps. So just thought I would tell you guys what I do with scraps and especially for the guys that are pocket book tight this will kelp them add jigs without adding materials. I even save the pieces of chenille as long as I think it may make a body on a fly or small jig. I keep a box that I throw that in if it's like 2" long or more.

I have used hackle like that a lot, too much left over on a small wrap not to use it. On small jigs it is great and makes a nice tight tail for a leechy pattern where you don't want as much flare and movement.

I have bags of marabou and hackle for this, is a pain because of all the colors in each bag but when you don't need a new feather it is great to go digging and use the leftovers.

Another really good use for left over hackle is for wings on bug patterns. It makes a nice profile that is still soft but holds it's shape in the water really well.

I will have to tie some up on jigs as I have only tied flies doing this. Will post pictures if I remember to tie some.

Skip the Chanel where did you get it or did you twist Chanel together.

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Originally Posted by snake River

Skip the Chanel where did you get it or did you twist Chanel together.

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Bob been getting that almost when I started tying and was one of the first variegated chenille colors I bought. Black & FL Yellow Nylon and I get it from Danville. I know it looks FL Chartreuse, but it's not. It is the same chenille I tied my swap jigs with.

I almost never twist chenille and just order what my little mind comes up with. It has not failed me very often and I like almost ever color I bought. One I am not totally happy with, but only because no one buys jigs with it, but I guess I should sow it first huh, LOL? My next project should be to see what I can tie with this mystery chenille that looks good enough to show. Maybe so, maybe not??

Skip

Great looking jig Skip. Looks like the choice parts of the feather to me.

Im sure you guys do this but when I find a small piece of bou that I want to tie on a jig I wet my thumb and forefingure and run pull the piece of bou through it. This colaspes it down like it looks when pulled in the water and makes it more manageable to tie in. Some days when I don't know what I want to tie I get these bags of leftovers out and use them up. (Always thought that I was just cheap!):o:o

Skip,

Yeah I keep the fuzzy part it makes great tails, and when tying flies if you use it in a dubbing loop it makes a great fuzzy body!!!

Fatman

Looks good Skip. I like recycling!

Glad to see some use all as I just can see throwing away stuff you can use later. I even keep my flash cuttings so later I can combine it with some hair making some dubbing with free flash added.

Skip

I have been doing that a lot. Mainly because a lot of the jigs I tie are larger - they are for saltwater. I save the smaller pieces for crappie jigs.

Pete