Fashion is fickle. There are reports that apparently the craze for feather hair extensions might be ending. Some people are glad, some are sad, others just bemused.

Link: http://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=51424

For me I guess my main feeling is that it's been interesting to sit back and watch the craze unfold and run its course. Now .. back to my vise and tying flies.

-Jack

They are showing up in discount stores locally. A good sign as I'm just getting into tying and need to build a base supply.

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Tenkara Redi

YAY!

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My blog: Tenkara Talk
Tenkara USA Rods: Amago, Ayu, Ayu Series II, Ebisu, Ito, Iwana 11', Iwana 12', Yamame
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I actually don't care that much that it's back. In the time that the hackle was unavailable i learned to substitute things and use different styles of flies. I use much more CDC and about half my flies use deer hair and no hackle. I will probably start using hackle again for some flies such as parachutes.

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Loften
テンカラの子 Tenkara No Ko

I've learned to make do with hungarian partridge feathers. I think it'll take some more time for the hackle market to normalize to acceptable levels (e.g. the farms start realizing there are no more crazy hairdressers paying $60/cape and bring down the prices back down to earth-level).

- Albert

I just checked several fly flishing shops and the price of hackle is falling. For example, at one fly shop that I prefer not to name:


That's a BIG difference between $200 and $99.

-Jack

I think the best way to find them if you do need them is locally. I was able to get a silver saddle cream in September when it was the middle of all this mess for $15. (I also got a hen saddle for $3) If you ask people at your local fly fishing club you will normally be able to get what you need for a nice price.

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Loften
テンカラの子 Tenkara No Ko