Ostrich Herl

[oldfox]

Tried a small sample of ostrich herl on a 1/64 jig head in one of my favorite color combos. I like the look, but was wondering what you other jig guys think of this material for jigs. I have heard that it is not very durable for bodies, but there seems to be a lot of fly tiers that use it... Any comments?

One other question is where would I find a good supplier?

 

[CrappieHappy]

Lets see a pic Jerry.

I have seen it at cabelas, bps, orvis, other fly shops online....

 

[oldfox]

This is the sample I used Heath... 3 strands, but I think 2 would have been better. No doubt it will shrink a lot when wet.... Whatcha think?

View attachment 2

 

[CrappieHappy]

That looks good to me Jerry! Nice jig.....

 

[SaltyBuckster]

I believe I saw some on Arts & Flies,if I'm not mistaken while getting some bucktails.Jig looks good.

 

[oldfox]

Thanks guys...

 

[LedHed]

Like that jig - looks great. Might try making a brush with the herl if you want to make it more durable.

 

[quivira kid]

Jig looks good! I have used it before, and my knee-jerk reaction is that I didn't like it. Brittle, and lost its color very fast.

 

[Fatman]

Kinda like peacock herl you have to reinforce it with the thread but it ties in the same way. I tried the cheap stuff from JoAnne's to save some money and Zac is right the colors will wash out quick. Get the good stuff.

 

[AtticaFish]

...I tried the cheap stuff...

I have gotten some as well from a local craft shop and got the same result - color bleeds out. I wouldn't mind having some that is better quality though... it gives the look of a very fine sized chenille, would be good for small flies and jigs. Also ditto on either twisting it with the thread before you wrap or else counter wrap it with wire.

 

[oldfox]

Thanks again guys for the comments and recomendations... I'll have to give the rope and brush a try... Now to find some good quality ostrich herl...

 

[StumpHunter]

Nice looking jig. Have not tried it on jigs but it gives your jig a nice body.

 

[Radtexan]

Its an interesting material,but as others have said doesnt seem to be very durable or colorfast..