Jungle Cock, the end is nigh…

Willie Gunn Templedog with JC cheeks

We’ve been using it since the 19th century on flies but the time has come to an end. I’m afraid it is no longer possible to source these feathers so we’ll just have to get used to living without it.

I can’t say I’m overly disappointed, the price of capes has been rising for some time as they became rarer and harder to source. It’s almost a relief, and it gives me a chance to experiment.

There are plenty of artificial alternatives that tend to be printed on plastic, I’ve tried them but don’t like them at all as I feel they are too stiff and don’t move like the natural feather. Quite honestly I’d rather leave it out altogether.

The question is- Do the fish care? …..

In my opinion the answer is no. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to many people over the years about flies and learning from other anglers, indeed my best selling fly of 2025 so far is the Pearl Cascade, followed by the Gold Willie Gunn. Both have taken numerous fish over the years, neither have Jungle Cock!

Gold Body Willie Gunn

You’ll notice in the shop all the patterns are now Jungle Cock free, and I must admit it’s taken me a while to adjust . But there are advantages, you , and more importantly the fish, can the the dressing better. The body and wing can move more freely without the relatively stiff feathers tied in over the top. But the main advantage for both me and you is cost! A JC cape of good quality casts around 100 pounds and you’ll get maybe 50 flies out of one. As such I’ve reduced the price of the flies that contained it

Please take a look at the new range of patterns in the shop, and as always get in touch with any enquiries you may have,

tight lines!

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Me,Fishing & Bipolar