Wapsi Ostrich Herl

Wapsi Ostrich Herl consists of selected ostrich feather sections with large barbules that form long, fluffy herl. It is suited to fly parts requiring visible volume and a soft, fibrous appearance. A section can be tied in as a unit, while individual barbules provide controlled detail wherever the pattern calls for it. The material is useful for full, mobile components on a range of fly patterns.

Construction and use

The large barbules create a full profile, making this herl useful for nymph bodies and gills, tails, tentacles and butts on salmon flies. It can also form streamer wings. Wrap it with controlled thread tension and a light touch to preserve the open, fluffy fibres. A shorter section or fewer turns produces a more compact result, while leaving more barbules projecting from the wraps increases volume.

• Material: ostrich herl.
• Construction: large barbules with a long, fluffy character.
• Uses: bodies, gills, tails, tentacles, butts and streamer wings.
• Handling: wrap with moderate tension to preserve the barbules.