Dan deBruin

Thanks. I’m going to check out the Hareline. I had someone else recommend Natures Spirit Fish Hunter so ordered a selection of that as well. Gonna give them both a try. Thanks again!

Thanks Canuck 2. Only the single 7/0 treble under the skirt, but have a split ring between the beads to add a smaller treble when fishing. However 90% of the hookups I’ve had are on the tail hook, and when they are on the middle hook it kinks the wire pretty good. There is a 3/4oz egg sinker under the skirt and above the hook and heatshrink. I need to play with the weight, but always have my tools on the boat for bait repair and modifications if needed. Can’t wait for open water… I use a 2” coil to tie on. Picked up a Stinson vise that I have really enjoyed using, makes it pretty easy to tie. As mentioned, coil goes above the egg sinker on the wire and I leave a little extra coil so that is what is in contact with the sinker. The head is a 2 part 5 min epoxy (JB Weld) and I have a couple different colours of Mica Powder. I know exactly what you mean about baits that show a little wear/loss. Have had the same experience. Even with a new bait, I also give the shaft a little bend or curve. It throws the bait a little out of line and makes the blades work harder this creates more vibration. First photo is after fish No 8. Second photo is fish No. 9… she did a number on it and had to be retired. Just means I need to make more! Thanks for the tips, will definitely consider using some of the lesser quality feathers. Dan

Thanks apdriver! I will let you know this year how many. I spent a much longer time tying this one than the feable attempts I made last year… I managed 3 fish last year before feathers started pulling out. This year I made sure they were in solid. Each ‘wrap’ is 8 feathers. Each feather I use the 360 technique (Geek Baits tutorial) and after each wrap a good tight thread covering and super glue. Hoping they stay put this year! Mind you, even my flash bucktails look rough after a few fish. I caught 9 fish on one flash double 9 before it needed to be retired… Dan

Hi Guys, Just an update for anyone who may be interested. I found that the Shor marabou that I can get in Canada (Sail or Latulippe) fairly cheap isn’t the greatest quality. Consistently, about 1/3 of the bag is unusable, and end up throwing a lot away. I placed my last order with flymart for the Wapsi blood quill marabou and have been pretty impressed. Great colours, very little waste, really good quality and consistency in length. It’s more expensive, but with everything, you get what you pay for I guess. Since Jan, I’ve managed to make a few baits, and each time getting better and learning new techniques. The last one I’m pretty happy with, just wanted to share. Cheers, Dan

Hi All, Wanted to respond to this thread in case anyone else is looking for more info. Received the blades from leaders and lures and they’re exactly what I was looking for. Haven’t thrown them yet, but they look to be of really good quality. Went to the local craft store and couldn’t find marabou in any standard colours (black is so hard to find, Bass Pro and Sail in my area have everything else but) so placed an order for the Shor Marabou with Latiluppe. Had a big order with lurepartsonline and pretty pleased with the components I got. Sent some blades back as they were not the size that I thought they were. Then supplemented my order with blades, heat shrink clevises and split rings from luremaking.com. Would recommend any of these places if you’re looking for material/components. http://www.leadersandlures.com Quick shipping even across the border. Quality blades (check Thorne Bros for blade size info) https://latulippe.com/en/search/?keywords=Marabou Best prices I could find for marabou delivered in Canada. https://www.lurepartsonline.com So much stuff it’ll make you head spin. Great customer service as well when returning unwanted blades. Super quick and responsive. 2022 catalogue coming soon, get it mailed out, totally worth it. http://luremaking.com If you’re in Canada, Steve has lots of great components for really good prices. One note, and it’s mentioned on the website, his magnum 8 blades are what some consider 9’s. Likewise, his 7’s are an 8. Sizes vary by manufacturer, so not exactly sure which is correct, but before ordering, measure blades to make sure you know what you’re getting. Have everything I need to get to work, 5 months to season opener, time to get busy. Happy New Year All. Dan

Thanks again for all the feedback! Ended up doing some more research and the Size 9 blades from leaders and lures are the equivalent to the 8’s I got from luremaking last year. The price hurts…but when looking for something specific I guess I should expect to pay a premium. Bought 9’s and 10’s in copper and black nickel so I can play around with different colours and sizes. Going to make a trip to a craft shop to see what I can find for Marabou. I need to practice so that looks like a good cheap option. Once I have it down, there is a fly shop near my office in Toronto, gonna check them out and also give Latulippe a try. Thanks again! Dan

Thanks so much for the recommendations JD and Canuck 2. I’ve emailed leaders and lures for blade sizes (I’ve found out that not all magnums are sized the same) but they look like a good resource for for hex blades. My brother and I had really good results with hex blades in the Kawarthas last season so really eager to get my hands on some. Will also reach out to worth co. Thanks for the heads up. Canuck 2, Steve at Luremaking was my first stop. I ordered from him last year, but he’s out of stock in black nickel and 8’s in copper. Might have to order 10’s and 7’s and mix in some nickel. JD have you used the marabou from hobby stores? Is it the same stuff essentially? I just sort of assumed it was inferior quality, but will have a look. Seems feather is a problem shipping over the border for most retailers, so going to have to find something local. I also got contact info from a colleague for a guy that ties pike and musky flies and will reach out to him to see where he gets his stock. Again, thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Dan

Hi All, New member and first post. Looking for some advice / recommendations. I started making bucktails last winter, mainly flashabou, but dabbled with marabou and feather as well. This year I’m finding it really difficult to locate decent Marabou, especially in black, in larger quantities. Does anyone know of a Canadian supplier? (Tried to order from lurepartsonline but they aren’t able to ship across the border) Also looking for magnum hex blades (size 8,9 and 10) in copper lacquer and black nickel. The company I purchased from last year is out stock and for the life of me and can’t seem to find them anywhere else. I’ve even contacted Lakeland, but haven’t had a response. Anyone who may know of another supplier for Marabou and blades, would love to hear from you. Thanks Dan DeBruin