Subsurface flies which incorporate feathers can create some of the most attractive and effective fishing flies. The Whiting Farms Soft Hackle with Chickabou pelt provides two distinct feathers for these exceptional subsurface flies, each with a multitude of applications.
SOFT HACKLE//
The top portion of the pelt contains two panels of full web, Matuka-type, wet fly feathers. The feathers on either panel are mirror images of one another and so can be paired for balanced opposing sides on the fly. These feathers, when used full, are nideal for Matuka and Sculpin flies. They are also great for shorter tarpon and saltwater flies, full feather bass and panfish flies, and trout flies.
The soft hackle feathers are also excellent in wrapped application. Because of their breadth they can create collars in a hook size range of 10 to 2. Using the whole feather in a wrapping fashion provides full, bold collars on saltwater, steelhead, and salmon flies. Wrapping with only the fluffy inner portion of the feathers can create more delicate throating on steelhead and salmon flies. Either application creates collars and throats that make the fly seem to move and breathe in the water as if alive, particularly when they collapse and flare as the fly is retrieved.
CHICKABOU//
The marabou-like feathers at the narrow end of the pelt are what we named he at Whiting Farms; Chickabou. They are much finer and more delicate than traditional turkey marabou, which tends to be too large and coarse for many flies. And because it’s from a chicken numerous patterns and markings are available to enhance its effectiveness, particularly grizzly and grizzly dyed olives, brown and bright colours.
Chickabou can be used in two basic ways. When tied on at the rear end of the fly Chickabou provides an exceptionally alive appearing tail for damsel patterns, dragonflies, and smaller woolly buggers. When tied onto the body of the fly, either sparsely or generously, and incredibly alive breathing and undulating motion of the Chickabou occurs in even the slightest water movement. Use it for leeches, as throats on nymphs, or pectoral fins on sculpin patterns. Nothing is buggier than Whiting Farms Chickabou.
