This is very much like the old Spey Cock feathers we all hear so much about. At 6-8 inches long, a feather can often do 2 flies. The stems are small and supple so you can tie in the hackle from the big end as in traditional Spey style.
Do not think this is just for Spey flies. If you want an awesome looking Spade or Hairwing fly this is also the hackle of choice.
Natural Black has bronze and dark green iridescent tones. Natural Furnace has thin dark centers with medium brown edges with overtones of red and orange.
Spey Hackles from the Rhea. The web has a similar texture to our Spey hackle but is slightly finer in texture. The feathers offer 3" to 7" fiber length.
These fibers are also awesome for feelers on Prawn patterns and topping on tube flies.
Each feather will tie a multiple of different fly sizes from 1/0 to 5/0. To achieve maximum utilization each feather must be taken individually. The feathers that have thin supple tips are ready to use as is. To use the remaining length of the feather soak in room temperature tap water and strip the feather, peeling a thin layer of the quill with the barbs attached. This is accomplished by holding the top of the feather in one hand and grasping half a dozen fibers in the other and pulling down the feather forming a strip that peels off the shaft. Web that remains or comes loose may be used to tie in in clumps.
Smaller Spey Hackles from the Rhea. The web has a similar texture to our Spey hackle but is slightly finer in texture. The feathers offer 2-3" fiber length.
With these you can fold and wrap right on the fly. Feathers are 8-10" in length so you get at least 10 flies from a feather
