Looking at Hen Necks/Capes with Davie McPhail

Hi Everyone,
I do get asked a lot about the materials I personally use so in this video I show the type of hen necks that I have and used over the many years of tying flies...I hope this helps you in some way..
All the very best Davie..

[@randellgribben9772]

a neat way to store you necks.capes is with a large 3 ring binder with clear plastic sleeves that you normaly put a sheet of paper into

[@waynenew9778]

There's nothing better than getting a notification from Davie! THANK YOU!

[@user-mb1hg4qu9f]

Thanks, Davie! 👍🏻

[@fliesbychris]

According to my better half "you don't need any more of them things" but you can never have enough! Really enjoyed that Davie!!! ATB Chris.

[@metubewot]

Hi Chris, I laughed when I read your comment. All wives must be the same, as that's exactly the attitude of my wife. One thought though stays with me. The biggest wild brown trout I ever caught from the Liddle, a fish just under three pounds, I caught on one of my first ever flies. A wet Greenwells, with dodgy wings and too long a hackle, and dipped in permaflote to make it a dry fly. A really long , wind assisted cast that was still not far enough, and it came over and took it. Fishing's a funny old game.

[@MrAlamo1957]

Not only do we learn how to tye but the instructions on tools and materials is fantastic, thanks Davie.👍

[@mikekuczynski1552]

Great information for people getting into tying so it gives them an idea on what to look for . Fortunately I lived in Colorado for 40+ years and was able to go to Delta and visit the farm and hand pick most of my capes and saddles and see the operation. There are other breeders as you have mentioned but Whiting in my opinion has the best selection for all your feather needs . I actually still have a Hoffman grizzly neck from around the mid 1980 . Thanks for you videos

[@lodoviconapoli9749]

Thank you so much Mr McPhail for the huge knowledge and teachings that you generously and friendly shared to everyone. In which is so delightful pickup the immense passion and experience that you shine on this beautiful hobby.

[@Weestuart81]

Ur videos are brilliant very informative with flies and materials cheers big yin

[@jimbolt5170]

Thanks for making this video. I really appreciate this series you’re doing on materials. To a newcomer, the sheer amount of materials available for tying flies can be overwhelming and you have a way of making the choices manageable. I’m hoping you continue, covering dubbing types, synthetic stuff, and so on. Thanks again.

[@jdy5556]

So nice to see videos like this. I tied for many years (way before the internet) before realizing that there were different types of hackles. I just tied with whatever I could get my hands on, as I'm sure many people do. It's a great time we live in. Thank you Davie for sharing your valuable knowledge.

[@williamparadis3058]

I'll join the chorus of gratitude for the informative and humble videos you have been making for so long. Few of us will ever match your skill and knowledge, but your generosity in sharing them makes it possible to aspire. It is truly a priviledge to see the respect you have for the materials, and your understanding of how to make the best of what you have. Not everyone is willing or able to drop $250 or more on a Cree saddle, and I think most of us know it's not necessary - I think Kelly Galloup shares that opinion, but he might still sell you one. Like you, he has an appreciation for all of the parts that might be used - there's a purpose for every feather if you understand how they function. Thank you again for another excellent video.

[@kentw.897]

Thankyou for making this video Davie. I enjoy watching all of your videos. Aloha🌴🎣🏄‍♂️🐓🐓 Happy Thanksgiving🦃🦃🦃

[@wingman8447]

Very practical insight into necks/capes. Quality feathers are good investment. I’ve got some old Keough in Dun, Brown and Grizzly that are still producing flies. Thank you.

[@michaelshaw8370]

Davie in the field of tying flys you are one of the very best. Your love of the craftsmanship involved. With a presentation style that equally appeals to newbies without overwhelming them and seasoned ole gits like myself. The two people I most respect on UTube are yourself and Lindsay Simpson. His combination of tying/fishing and camera skills are good. Plus I did know him back in the day when Ronnie Christie started his love of fly fishing. He was the depot Master Taylor. I was the depot barber. At Albermarle Barracks near Newcastle

[@catonfarm9757]

Davie , would love to see you do a series on Appalachian flies

[@catonfarm9757]

Your quality and experience in tying is so great

[@jcb202]

Much appreciated as these videos are great instruction. Thank you, Davie.

[@duderoony]

Great video Davie. I often wonder what the more advanced tyers use in their material arsenal so it’s good (and educational) to see some. Thank you for another great piece dude. 😊😊😊

[@jackreeves3001]

Thanks for sharing Davie. A delightful way to spend the morning! Thanks for sharing! KANSAS USA

[@tehBadboy09]

Work with what you have got 👍 great advice davie. So easy to buy a single Cape for one pattern.

[@harryjoesather6539]

great info thanks again

[@derekcunningham9993]

Thanks Davie. Great info again. Good to see a natural black. Most are dyed these days

[@crs1321]

Great video Davie. Thanks for the tips. 👍👏🎣

[@handcannon1388]

Davie, you just reminded me that I never did take that field trip to Keogh Farms, which is about an hour away from me. Perhaps I'll do that before spring, if America is still recognizable by then.

[@kenelliott6458]

Great video mate. I’ve got a few of the ones you showed. Always enjoy and learning from the Master. Thanks for sharing another one with us all. Best Regards from West Virginia, Ken

[@adrockmike262]

I recommend Whiting Hebert Miner, Davie.

[@krallmi48]

That was fun, Davie... thank you. Mike

[@rareaussie6960]

Fantastic David as usual 👍 I love using whiting when I can afford them ! I used to do my own when I was on the family farm that was I could grow what I wanted over the years! Anyway enough of the rant love everything you do 👍🇦🇺👍

[@tsurimanabu]

色々な種類が一度に見れて勉強になりました！

[@moonstarer55]

Great info in this video just what a new flytier would want to know. Thanks

[@neilandrew961]

Great video again sir as you say you don't have to spend the large amount of money on capes the cheaper ones have there place and you get plenty of flys out of them for the ordinary tyer

[@scotttulloch6097]

Another great video, thanks Davie. Would be interested to see how you use the larger hackles on smaller flies.

[@davidkerr2285]

Brilliant video and very informative.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Trying to find Chinese Hen saddles or capes is a lot of work. I think Whiting and Metz has found a way to over price a lot of hen capes without justifying it. I have bought quite a few, but not the very high end ones. I still have quite a few capes from the old days. The quality isn't perfect but they do what needs to be done. There is a lady in British Columbia who is trying to create natural undyed cape's and saddles. We'll see how it goes for her. I hope she gets there.

[@kevincounihan6197]

Thanks Davie this was so useful. I have lots of cheap capes and want to get some Whiting capes but not sure which ones!

[@davidprice5707]

very interesting Davie, thanks

[@grahamlonergan8964]

Thank you Davie

[@Rustyboyyy1]

Very interesting

[@graemebrown1191]

Thankyou

[@ballzblue22]

Really enjoying these types of videos. I was always intrigued by your desktop. What shade of blue is that and do you have a protective cover of some kind over it? What type of light source are you using and how do you store your materials/tools/threads? I'm sure many others have the same questions.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi W D, I would say it's a sky blue, I bought it from a craft shop many years ago to take photos with some other colours that came with it..I lay a piece of clear perspex on top to protect it and every couple of years I replace it..I'm glad you enjoyed the video..I will be filming my tying room when I get a chance so I'll show everyone how I store my materials and so on.. All the very best Davie..

[@ballzblue22]

@@DavieMcPhail excellent, looking forward to seeing that. Thanks for the information, appreciate you taking the time.

[@jimfisher4639]

Loving this theme of video Davie. So interesting. Many thanks. Question: I love the look of the natural black Indian cape but have never been able to source anything of that quality in an ordinary cape. Any clues on a good source? Many thanks.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Jim, I think I got the small cape from a friend in Ireland who bread chickens, many of the others like this I have bought from shows and if I remember right out the £1 bargain bucket..I have also bought many from Veniards over the years too as you could buy a mix of 10 natural colours.www.veniard.com/indian-cock-capes/p/708 I'm glad you enjoyed the video.. All the very best Davie..

[@stevegoodchild409]

Thanks Davie, These are brilliant mini tutorials - would you buy online or would you want to see the expensive capes Davie ? Cheers steve

[@DavieMcPhail]

Morning Steve, Whiting capes are very consistent so I would buy online although I have to be honest I really do like to look at them if I can...I'm glad you liked the video.. All the very best Davie..

[@coasterbrookie]

Curious about your Jungle Cock capes. A short tutorial would be pretty neat. I'm in-search of one now and would like your opinions on these. Thank you for the wonderful presentations.

[@thefella131]

Hi Davy . Just got back into tying after a few year's of not doing any. Noob here and have been trying to match the buzzers you have shown on your channel. Now going to try and do some dry fly's. Can you suggest what kind of feather's I should be buying to keep them afloat. I have kamasan b160 hooks size 12 to try my hand at them but have no knowledge of what is best feather to try for the hackles to use. Thanks again for your great video's. 👍👍👍

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi The Fella, I have attached a few links to some Whiting saddles which are great for many dries and will tye you many flies, even one hackle would tye you a few flies..It is getting hard to find a good source of cheaper capes at the moment so if I can find a link I will send it to you.. All the very best Davie.. www.lakelandflytying.com/capes--and--saddles/rooster-capes--saddles--and--packs/rooster-hackle-packs www.lakelandflytying.com/capes--and--saddles/rooster-capes--saddles--and--packs/rooster-saddle www.lakelandflytying.com/capes-saddles/rooster-capes-saddles-hackle-packs/whiting-prograde-rooster-midge-saddles__41362?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=245578912&gclid=CjwKCAjwyryUBhBSEiwAGN5OCE6VuB6o4UuvTIWNj6GPGGylkhAVYS93W33caot7EyMSxRHdYvau0BoCmvAQAvD_BwE

[@thefella131]

@@DavieMcPhail Thanks Davy. 👍

[@richardc6932]

As a beginner fly there I am a little uncertain as to when and where to use capes, saddles, hackles and whatever. I have never had the opportunity to take lessons so I gather info from your videos as well as others. Is there a general practice for where and when each type of feather to use, such as cock saddle hackles for dry flies and tails and hen capes for wets, etc. 🤷‍♂️ Any advice is appreciated. Is there such a thing as a reference chart for beginners? 👍🇨🇦👨‍🦳

[@vesas5214]

Well a good rule of thumb is that hen is for wets and cock for dries. Hen is softer so the fibres are more lively and cock with stiffer fibres floats the fly better. But obviously you can and should break this rule. For example cock is used in many classic wet flies and it works great. Between saddles and capes there isn't much difference in use (as a hackle or tail for example). If you go for those expensive dry fly hackles, cape usually has a wider variety of different sized feathers so it might be better for a beginner. You can tie hundreds of flies from a single cape/saddle anyway so the quantity usually isn't the issue. Happy tying and I hope this helped =)

[@rabc6481]

Davie I am looking to dye for colour won't to dye a balck&white cape to get march brown Colour what dye is the right colour for march brown I mostly used veniard-dye thanks In advance Rab c

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Rab, I would have tried a few dyes but cinnamon would have been my first choice but you would have to use a tiny amount of dye as it would go too dark if you used too much..I would recommend dying a couple of feathers first before you do the whole cape..Let me know how you get on.. All the very best Davie

[@stingray43550]

very interesting how you use the hen hackle for dries, I tried to get away with that once when tying some small chuck caddis imitations and they would float for a single drift then break the surface every time afterwards, are you sure you don’t have a little magic up those sleeves???

[@griffjones9841]

Davie do you wash and condition hair and feathers before use or use them as they come? Thanks in advance.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Griff, If they need it dew to being greasy or dry I'll give them a wash and condition but most times they are fine to use as they come.. All the very best Davie

[@metubewot]

Did you once do a Tying demo at John Norris of Penrith Davie. ?

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Ian, Yes I did two or three times if I remember right, it was over a long weekend and I had a great time and well looked after by John and the staff.. All the very best Davie..

[@metubewot]

@@DavieMcPhail Thanks for the reply Davie, I thought that I remembered you from there. Unfortunately for me, I had no idea who you were in them days, and so I missed out on the opportunity to meet you face to face. Take care Davie, kindest regards ian.

[@stuartpeden6070]

What do you mean by rolling the feather or fibres to get the impression of a full hackle.

[@aurelienlinnenkamp9885]

GREAT ! A collection beautiful, you have for 5 millions of feathers.👌 🪶