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I'm just gettin into tryin some flies, and I'm currently on a tigh budget, but wanna try to tie some midges and some other types of flies and was wonderin where I could get some peacock herl, Pheasant tail? I think that is all I'm needin. I have some dubbin, bucktail, squirrel tail, from tyin jigs.
Thanks,
AC
Any decent fly shop will have that. So will Bass Pro and Cabelas.
For midges, you won't need much material. You can just get away with thread on some of them.
Try a fabric or Craft store if a fly shop isn't close-by' they have tons of stuff we can use for tying.
Bass Pro will have 'em. Those are basic fly tying materials that anyone should have.
I do as much with my local fly shops as possible. Up to and including them ordering things for me. However, there are the things that I just can't get locally. The herl and feathers you are looking for should be available at almost any place you would find fly tying supplies. Perhaps craft stores but I'm not sure as I never looked for these at craft stores. If you have to order your supplies from the internet this is my preferred supplier. Seems they have just about everything and decent prices.
JS Fly Fishing: Rod Building Supplies, Fly Tying Materials
Dan
AC you in probability do not have anything in your area that remotely resembles a fly shop. Head to Hobby Lobby in Tulsa or Owasso. They should have the peacock tail feathers and pheasant tail feathers as well as a ton of other material. One thing I would suggest is learn about dubbing. Dubbing can be made from yarn and a small coffee bean grinder. Yarn is cheap and the bean grinder can be had for 10.00. The number of midges you can tie with dubbing is limitless. It it a easy to acquire and worth the effort. An easy to tie fly in the smaller versions are acetate floss flies. You wrap the body in acetate floss and then dip the fly in acetone and it will melt the floss and make a solid body. Great for ants etc. Go on You Tube and do some research in there also.
Jigtosser,
On the midges, what all is needed? I have some bead heads and cyclops eyes, so is it just dubbin on the thread as the body? Or what is needed for the midge?
Thanks,
AC
The most important thing is sharp eyes. I can't remember the hook sizes but every thing below a 16 is normal. I know several people that use only dubbing, small glass beads and Larva Lace to tie their midges.
K, thanks I lookin thru google tryin to find a place to get some glass beads cheap. thanks,
AC
Ditto. I just got back from Bass Pro. They didn't have a single midge pattern bigger than a #20. You don't need much material for a fly like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by jigtosser
A "zebra midge" is a very popular pattern. Google it to find pics and the necessary materials.Quote:
Originally Posted by ACSooner80
Hey Sooner!
Man, the best place to get GOOD peacock herl is fresh off the peacock - like the ones that walk around shedding at your local zoo! I ain't lying! My two grandsons brought me five eye-stems they had picked up OFF THE GROUND at our zoo and the herls were beautiful. 'Course they come from Cajun peacocks...
Hey DB4D - where y'at!
Pete
Pete,
I would do that but last time I was at the zoo if I remember right the Peacocks in the Tulsa Zoo don't walk around in an open area its behind a wall. But if you want to send me some I would be more the happy to use them!! LOL :)
AC go to Google and type in peacock hearl and you can get that stuff so cheap it isn't funny. You can buy it and have it shipped to your house cheaper than you can buy gas to go to Tulsa. Also check with the vendor's in here.
'
I got some at Hob-Lob already in B'ville its nice stuff! Like usin it!
AC
Anytime you use hearl you want to either bullet proof or rib it. There may be other way and maybe some of the guys can tell you more about how to warp another way.
I have been wrapin wire over it the opposite direction I wrap the herl on the hook.
AC
All work, no fishing. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by sneakypete
When tying the peacock herl in tie them in by the tips; then wrap the thread around the herl. This will make a stronger body. Gently rub the herl from tip to butt; this will make the fibers stand up and will make a neater body. You can apply a little lacquer to the hook first to bond the herl to the hook for a stronger fly.
AC
Package on it's way to ya!!!!!!!!
Enjoy
Hey Sooner -
If there's a zoo nearby, you might pick up some shed peacock tails that are just lying around! My grandsons brought me three last summer, and they were gorgeous.
As for glass beads, check out your local craft store. Cheap, but sizes smaller than 3mm might be scarce.
Try hematite for weight rather than brass or lead. String the smaller sizes on 30-pound mono, the larger ones (4mm) on 40-pound. Leave very little gap between the eyes, and be careful not to cook your fingers while you are burning the ends of the mono! 'Course, all that is for hook sizes 6 and larger.
Bon chance!
Pete