Cape and Saddles
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Hackle is one of the most important materials in fly tying. The right cape or saddle gives you better feather quality, more usable sizes and makes tying a pleasure rather than a struggle.
Our range includes genetic dry fly capes and saddles from Ewing, where we're proud to be the UK and Ireland distributor. We also stock products from Metz and Veniard, along with Indian cock capes, Indian hen capes, rooster saddles, Chickabou patches, streamer patches and Woolly Bugger packs.
Every fly tyer has their own preferences. Some patterns deserve the very best genetic hackle, while others tie perfectly with Indian capes or hen hackles. That's why we stock a wide range to suit every style of tying and every budget.
If you're not sure what you need, just get in touch. We'll happily point you in the right direction.
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How Do You Choose the Right Cape for Fly Tying?
Choosing the right cape for fly tying is essential to create effective and visually appealing flies. Capes provide a wide range of feathers with varying characteristics, and selecting the right one depends on the type of flies you intend to tie, the fish you’re targeting, and your specific tying needs. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a cape:
1. Fly Type and Size
- Dry Flies: For dry flies, look for capes with stiff, fine-barred feathers. These feathers help flies float properly and maintain their shape on the water’s surface. Capes from high-quality genetic breeders, like Whiting or Metz, often have the fine feathers needed for small dry flies (sizes 12–22).
- Wet Flies and Streamers: For wet flies, nymphs, or streamers, opt for capes with softer, more pliable feathers. These feathers add natural movement to flies when submerged, mimicking live prey.
- Versatile Capes: If you tie a mix of fly types, consider a general-purpose cape that offers a good range of feather sizes.
2. Neck Capes vs. Saddle Capes
- Neck Capes: Provide a wider variety of feather sizes, making them suitable for smaller dry flies and intricate patterns. They’re versatile and ideal for anglers who tie multiple fly sizes.
- Saddle Capes: Offer long, uniform feathers, making them great for larger flies like streamers or bass poppers. Saddle hackles are often easier to wrap consistently.
3. Colour and Matching Natural Patterns
- Choose colours that mimic the insects or prey in your local fishing waters. For example, grizzly capes (black-and-white barred feathers) are popular for tying Adams dry flies, while olive or brown tones are great for nymphs.
- For creative patterns, dyed capes in bright colours like chartreuse or red can add eye-catching appeal to attract fish in murky or low-light conditions.
4. Feather Quality
- Look for feathers with minimal webbing for dry flies, as webbing can affect the fly’s buoyancy.
- Ensure the feathers have intact tips and consistent barbs for a professional finish. High-quality capes often have dense, uniform barbs that make your flies look natural and lifelike.
5. Budget and Intended Use
- High-grade capes, such as Whiting Platinum or Metz Grade 1, provide superior quality but come at a premium cost. These are excellent for professional tiers or those tying in high volumes.
- If you're just starting out, consider more affordable options like Grade 2 or 3 capes, which still provide decent quality for most tying needs.
6. Brand Reputation
- Brands like Whiting Farms, Metz, and Keough are known for their consistent quality and reliable grading systems. These companies offer capes specifically bred for fly tying, ensuring you get the best feathers for your money.
7. Inspect Before Buying
- When purchasing in person, inspect the cape for feather density, length, and uniformity. Look for clean, undamaged feathers and avoid capes with discoloration or brittle feathers, which indicate poor storage.
- For online purchases, stick to trusted retailers or suppliers with clear photos and return policies.
8. Specialty Options
- Barred Capes: Add natural texture and realism to patterns.
- Streamer Capes: Feature long, flowing feathers for tying large, flashy lures.
- Hen Capes: Softer and more pliable, ideal for creating wet flies or soft hackles.
Choosing the right cape depends on your tying goals and the specific flies you aim to create. By considering factors like fly type, feather quality, and colour, you can select a cape that enhances your tying experience and produces flies that perform beautifully on the water.
Why choose Ewing?
Ewing has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest genetic hackle available. Their capes and saddles are known for excellent feather density, a wide usable size range and outstanding consistency. As the UK & Ireland distributor, we're proud to stock one of the largest selections of Ewing products available.