Jim_S Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 I just started tying my own bucktails, not doing it as a business, just for myself and my GF (who is also my fishing partner) . I'm not too happy with the bucktails I'm using, they're un-named packages from Cabela's . I bought several packs and am not happy with them. The hairs are really short, they look like the tips from a full bucktail. If I had to guess these are pieces that were garbage and Cabela's gets them at a good price. They sell them cheap too, guess I got what I pad for. I'm not afraid of spendng $$ on quality. Who makes some of best bucktail?? I stopped into a local fly shop and the guy there tried selling me some Rumpf saltwater bucktails. He swore that they are the best for what I'm doing. After wasting my $$$ at Cabela's I'm afraid of wasting more $$$. I'm doing my research first before I buy anything else. If anyone has any suggestions I'm also looking for top quality, hackle and marabou. I see that there are several different types of both. I'm confused. What is the best type for use on in-line spinner baits? Suggestions on who makes premium bucktail, marabou & hackle would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davycrockett Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 Jim, I am a rookie at this myself but I'll tell you what I've found. I have been buying my bucktail from Netcraft and have been pleased with the quality. The guys there usually try to pick the best ones available for me. They run under $4 a piece, cheaper if you buy 5 at a time. As for the brand, I don't know. As for the marabou and hackle I also get that from Netcraft. I would recommend buying the strung marabou and hackle. The strung form is more consistent in length(longer lengths for bucktails) than the bulk. I have tied some maribou musky inlines with decent results. They dont look as pretty as a Mepps but they have great action in the H2o. Back to the bucktails; I plan on aquiring as many tails I can this fall from my buddys and myself if I can shoot a dumb one! We always pitched the deer hide before. Then I hope to dye my own tails for a lot less $$. There are other posts on here that deal with dying bucktail. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VARick Posted August 17, 2005 Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 Saltwater bucktails are usually longer hairs.. they fly shop guy maybe should have pointed to you regular length hair.. I spend anywhere from $5-7 per tail.. depending on the length and quality of the hair.. the shop should let you open the package and inspect it. Good quality is a soft hair from the base of the tail all the way up.. the color should be consistant the entire length. I too have purchased a bucktail package from Cabela's.. simply because it was inexpensive and gave me a good variety of colors. Alot of the hairs are brittle but overall I was happy with the selection, since I only use a bit here and there from that package. I bought good to decent quality tails in the major colors I use (white/yellow/char/blue). Marabou is something I use here and there. I bought a good quality package from Orvis (my local shop) and I also went to a fly fishing show and purchased some from a dealer who have very good show prices. Check the internet and see if you might have any fishing shows coming to your area.. hopefully you can find a dealer at the show who has a good selection and show prices. I can give you some online dealers if you want to go that route too. I went online when my local dealer did not have what I wanted for colors. Rick I'm not afraid of spendng $$ on quality. Who makes some of best bucktail?? I stopped into a local fly shop and the guy there tried selling me some Rumpf saltwater bucktails. He swore that they are the best for what I'm doing. After wasting my $$$ at Cabela's I'm afraid of wasting more $$$. I'm doing my research first before I buy anything else. If anyone has any suggestions I'm also looking for top quality, hackle and marabou. I see that there are several different types of both. I'm confused. What is the best type for use on in-line spinner baits? Suggestions on who makes premium bucktail, marabou & hackle would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim_S Posted August 18, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2005 I appreciate the replies! VA Rick: Your comments are well taken! I went back to the fly shop that I mentioned. I spoke to the owner for a while and really explained what I'm doing. He was helpfull (and hoping to sell some stuff). I asked if I could open some packages and feel the hair on the bucktails - he said that he wouldn't want to sell me something without me feeling it, and if I wasn't satisfied he would gladly return it. I'm sure I drove him nuts for the 2 hours I was there, but I did wind up buying $100 worth of beautiful bucktails, a nice pair of Dr. Slick Carbide scissors and some other odds and ends!!! Next pay I'm buying some marabou and neck hackle from this guy. I see a new vise on my list also! This guy told me he wants to see a couple samples of what I'm making. I told him I'm not selling anything, or hoping to sell anything. I'm just doing it for myself. He told me there's a big market in our local for what I'm making (but only if it's good stuf). I'll take him some samples next week, but just for his criticism not with hopes of selling - I feel that if I started selling things the fun would quickly leave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VARick Posted August 18, 2005 Report Share Posted August 18, 2005 Jim, That is always good to hear that a shop owner will take the time to listen and point you to what you need and not what he wants to sell. His patience was rewarded with your purchase. Good luck on your next purchase as well. I would enjoy seeing some of your work if you can post some pics. Nothing like comparing what you are tying with someone else. Color patterns that work and styles that are innovative are especially appreciated by me. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlippinN'Pitchin Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 I have used the Spro Bucktail with some success. They are good looking with heads painted to match the tails. They have blue shad and dark shad(both of these look pretty good) and of course white and the like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtarpon Posted September 11, 2005 Report Share Posted September 11, 2005 Jim I am like yourself I ty Bucktails only The problem is after spending so much time I fall in love with them and can not part with them I get all my hair @ www.StaminaInc.com They work well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim_S Posted September 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2005 Mtarpon: Yea, I know what you're saying about not wanting to part w/them! I only make bucktails for myself. I do it for pleasure not profit. Problem is, after I bought all the stuff I made about 100 bucktails, enough to last me about 10 years!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtarpon Posted September 11, 2005 Report Share Posted September 11, 2005 JimS: I hear you But you know what? I use everyone Now question I see they are making Bucktails out of Titanium Shafts Do you know where I can get some It might not be a bad idea I am always repairing after big fish bend them Also I was thinking the figure 8 would be great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim_S Posted September 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2005 Mtarpon, No idea about the titanium shafts. Sounds like titanium might be a little bit expensive for me!! If you find a source for them let me know, I would like to see for myself how much they would cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtarpon Posted September 12, 2005 Report Share Posted September 12, 2005 Will keep you posted Hey where you from?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim_S Posted September 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2005 Mtarpon, I'm from NE PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
