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Hi
what’s the best cdc to use to tie the cdc caddis patterns where the cdc is spun in a dubbing loop? Not sure what the flies are called but they end up all bushy. Most of the select cdc looks too short to use?
thanks
michael
The longer feathers work best for dubbing loops or thread splitting. Using a clip to hold and transfer helps.
The longer feathers work best for dubbing loops or thread splitting. Using a clip to hold and transfer helps.
I agree. But what brand of cdc are you using?
I suspect you are after Henry Forks cdc Hackle by Montana Fly Company.
Muzz Willson used it on his cdc messy flies.
If you cant find CDC you like in the local fly shop , Cookshill Fly Tying have really good CDC with long fibres .
Versions of the Petijean magic device ( like a big clip from officeworks ) can be really useful to spin it in a loop , but you can sort of do it by hand too with a little care .
The best quality CDC is select or super select, depending on brand marketing. These are feathers with a higher density of barbs and barbules, which is property that gives CDC its unique floating capabilities. It’s not the oil, because there isn’t any in commercially prepared CDC. The oil is removed when the CDC is cleaned and dyed. However, the select CDC is not cheap. I’ve used various brands of standard feathers, Veniard, Wapsi, Hends, Halfords etc., and all have produced good floating dry flies, although I do throw away a lot of poor quality feathers, damaged or low density of barbs/barbules. In the end, I only need the dry fly to float long enough to be seen, and either be eaten or ignored. I suspect some of the longer CDC feathers, e.g. Polish Quills, are actually goose, cul de oie. Nothing wrong with goose, good feathers.
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