I am looking for information on doing Feather Inlays. I am building my first flyrod for my brother a 5wt. I would really appreciate any links to how-to's or what not on the web. I would like to get some good feathers too. I recently ordered an 8wt CTS!

Hi Jeffrey,

Search feather inlays on the board. You'll find a lot of good information there. Also check the back issue index for Rod Maker Magazine. There was an article not too far back on doing inlays.

Basic tips:

Jungle cock nails and black & white grizzly hackle tips are easy to start with. These are available at most any fly shop where tying supplies are sold. Until you can picture in your mind what you want, I would lay out your pattern on the bench top and see how it looks.

Use CP as your "wetting" medium. Brush on the area you plan to do the inlay, then place the feather on the blank, the apply more CP with a soft brush on the feather. You can brush the feathers around until you have them in place. It's pretty easy, just a little practice.

Unless you are underwrapping with light thread, don't use dark colored feathers as they will not show up on dark blanks.

A wider range of feathers are available from Siskiyou Aviary. Link is on the right.

Done well, this is a really cool way to set apart your rod from everyone elses.

Good luck and shoot me a mail if you have more questions.

Terry

Jeffrey, I just sent you a great illustrated tutorial written by Terry Henson

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike-

Thanks!!!
Jeffrey

RodMaker Volume 2 #1 had the in-depth article by Russ Gooding. Quite a good piece.

............

Mike

Would you also mind forwarding me your illustrated guide to feather inlays--I followed the instructions in Fodmake Volume 2 #1 and my first one turned out great but am trying another and would like all of the information I can get--

Thank you==Brenda