Horsehair Overcoat

[William Anderson]

Ron, way to come through. Is there anything this forum can't answer? That's fairly obscure and you guys never fail. thanks.

w

[Ron Eagle Elk]

William,

I was fortunate to have been given the same information by Darrel Martin, who also supplied me with the horse hair to make a few lines.

REE

[letumgo]

Speaking of Darrel Martin, have any of you guys seen his book titled "The Fly-Fisher's Craft - The Art and History"?

(ISBN 1-59228-722-0/Published by The Lyons Press in 2006)

I picked up a used copy from Amazon and found it to be an absolutely fantastic book, containing loads of fly tying history. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it.

Amazon currently has used copies of the book for just over $10 dollars (US).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/ ... ition=used

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Ray,

I think I have a copy of almost every book Darrel has written. I would love to have his library. Many first editions including one of Pritt's Yorkshire Flies. After seeing so many reprints, seeing the real thing with the hand colored drawings was a real treat.

Darrel is a real historian when it comes to fly fishing. We spent some time in hook making, line making and crafting loop rods. Almost more than my brain could absorb.

REE

[letumgo]

I found his book to be a fascinating read. I have tried a number of methods illustrated in the book, as well as building a number of the tools. Mr. Martin has a love of the craft, which comes through beautifully in his book.

[CM_Stewart]

The horsehair offered by Feather Craft is described as dyed, and natural white is not offered. No way to tell whether the dyed hair will be translucent, but I would doubt you could get the same results with it as letumgo got with natural white hair. If you want just a few strands of natural white hair to try out, send me a PM (I have lots, as I use it to make tenkara lines).

If you want enough to tie thousands of flies (or hundreds of flies and a few lines for your tenkara rod or loop rod) you can get very good quality natural white hair from http://www.eclecticangler.com/categorie ... orse-Hair/ for $6 plus postage

If you want natural chestnut or black hair for a somewhat shiny, somewhat translucent body that does not need an underlayer, you can get it from https://www.lahbows.com/productList.aspx?_categoryID=7 for $8 plus postage

I have purchased from both and can vouch for the quality.

[willowhead]

REE, don't leave out Viola and Contra Bass bows.....same deal. Darrel Martin signed and personalized our copy of his book for us at Conclave in Whitefish, Montana in '08......wonderful book. i bought his book Micro Patterns way back in the 90's. That's a great book.

[letumgo]

Thanks Chris & Mike. Very informative.

Chris - I clicked on your TenkaraBum website and happily spent over an hour reading a bunch of information on Tenkara rods & fishing techniques. I felt myself slipping down another slippery slope, with every word. (my internal voice saying "Look away...Must resist buying another fly rod..."). Great website!

[BruceC]

Hi Ray. Nicely done as usual. Hope all is well.

Bruce C

[tie2fish]

Thanks to all who, as usual, have helped enlighten this tyro.