I can't take all this bragging about feather counts from the saddles
being plucked without sharing a couple of experiences I had with Whiting
hackles.
First, I bought a Whiting 100 pack last year. I used it to tye my flies
for the Caddis 2002 swap and I got 100 plus out of it. I still have five or
six extremely long hackles left. Whiting is VERY generous with their grading
and fly counts on these hackles.
Second, about two weeks ago I was in my favorite fly shop and was
surprised to see some Whiting American hackle necks in Cree on the shelf.
The shop owner said he had just got them in and brought out all six necks he
had gotten. Two of them went home with me. They are gorgeous! Not dry fly
type necks but they will make beautiful streamer hackles and wings. While at
the shop, I mentioned that I would like to get a silver or gold grade cree
neck and saddle. The shop owner called Whiting after I left and in less than
a week I had a silver cree saddle in my grasp. Talk about phenomenal!! I
can't imagine what a platinum looks like. The hardest part is getting it
back in it's package without crushing hackles that stick out the end of the
pack. I'm still on the list for a cape and can't wait to see it.
All my babblings do have a message. For those of you who haven't used
Whiting feathers, you are in for one heck of a treat. They are without a
doubt the finest hackles available. I still have a very well used Hoffman
grizzley grade 1 cape that I got at least 15 years ago and it doesn't compare
to the silver and even bronze grade capes now. I only wish I hadn't been out
of town when the Whiting swap was organized. It was totally full when I got
home. You can bet I'll be in on the next one!!
Enjoy the hackles and time spent at the vise with them! Happy holidays
to all.
Russ Morris
Salem, Oregon
