Net Man Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I would like to tie my own trebles. What is the best feather to use for this? It is for bass baits and I would like to have nice long feathers too. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdman Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 If you are going to tie your own hooks (which is a smart idea) there is no limitation to the variety of feathers and colors. Most commonly used (because of availability) are chicken feathers and crystal flash but you could use pheasant, quail, grouse, etc. Just remember feathers create drag so the bigger the feather the greater the drag. This is great for walk the dog baits but not so advantageous for crankbait. About size-I personally believe natural products far out-perform synthetic material IN WATER. I think originally feathers were used in hardbaits to replicate the tail fins of prey species so if feathers are too long, it will not look natural to fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Take some scissors with you when you test the lures. A 1/4" of length can make a big difference. Generally, the shorter the feather, the less it will affect the walking action of a lure. I generally trim mine to about 1/2" past the treble, but it varies. If the lure won't walk well, trim it a little, and try it again. And remember, a little trim goes a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmokeyJ Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 This is probably the most straight forward tutorial I have ever read on tying feather trebles for bass lures: The Making of the "DOODADS"!!!! (LONG LONG POST!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Net Man Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Thanks. That was really helpful. I have read it and printed it off and will get started very soon. Thanks again!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seafoam Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I know you said you wanted to tie treble hook's,also try tying a few with a Siwash hook,less drag and weight and makes it easy to unhook a fish if you CR them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain Man 26 Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 I use strung neck hackle. It has a natural curl to it. Tie 2 feathers on top of each other curling away from the hook, in each of the 3 slots of the treble. Saddle hackle will lay down the shank of the hook and do nothing in the water. Neck hackle curls back in the water on the pause after forward motion has straightened it. Add what ever flash products to taste, but for abase- 6 strung neck hackle feathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMALLIEHUNTER Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 For tieing trebles I use just the tips of the feathers! Then you can add Flashabou or other tinsel!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...