Collins Hackle Farm

[CTobias]

First off I must say that I will purchase all my hackle from Collins Hackle Farm from here on out! I contacted Mr. Collins to let him know I would be home at or around a certain date and asked if I could come down to purchase some hackle from him. He had no problem with it, and upon meeting him, he was the most friendly no BS person I have met in a very longtime. He definitely knows his shit when it comes to hackle (and many other issues, but we won't discuss politics). The only thing I ever knew is that the higher grades were more expensive cause some how they were better quality. He explained to me why they are rated higher and what makes a pro grade hackle. I am poor so I only purchased a commercial grab bag and one grade 3 cape and saddle.His capes and saddles are amazing. Mostly I've only ever boought the Whiting's 100's and some of those cheapo 10$ small "dry fly" capes that are crap and aren't good for dry flies.With his prices and quality I can't see why you would purchase from anyone else. Plus you get a saddle when you buy a grade 3 cape or higher! AND he doesn't sell to those schmucks in the hair industry!! Mr. Collins is a great business man and American and he will always have my business.Thanks to all of you who pointed me in the right direction on purchasing hackle from Mr. Collins. He even spoon fed me a little on a creek near him that has big browns in it. I will be stopping down for a few days when I return to try and locate a few.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Collins hackle has come along nicely over the years. I have used whiting necks and saddle, same with metz, collins, and keough. Whiting is still my preference.

 

[Trout Fever]

collins is guaranteed if the hackle doesnt rap true send it back and they will give you another.... good american company that knows where their bread is buttered chris glad you had a good visit with them

 

[danme]

First off I must say that I will purchase all my hackle from Collins Hackle Farm from here on out! I contacted Mr. Collins to let him know I would be home at or around a certain date and asked if I could come down to purchase some hackle from him. He had no problem with it, and upon meeting him, he was the most friendly no BS person I have met in a very longtime. He definitely knows his shit when it comes to hackle (and many other issues, but we won't discuss politics). The only thing I ever knew is that the higher grades were more expensive cause some how they were better quality. He explained to me why they are rated higher and what makes a pro grade hackle. I am poor so I only purchased a commercial grab bag and one grade 3 cape and saddle.His capes and saddles are amazing. Mostly I've only ever boought the Whiting's 100's and some of those cheapo 10$ small "dry fly" capes that are crap and aren't good for dry flies.With his prices and quality I can't see why you would purchase from anyone else. Plus you get a saddle when you buy a grade 3 cape or higher! AND he doesn't sell to those schmucks in the hair industry!! Mr. Collins is a great business man and American and he will always have my business.Thanks to all of you who pointed me in the right direction on purchasing hackle from Mr. Collins. He even spoon fed me a little on a creek near him that has big browns in it. I will be stopping down for a few days when I return to try and locate a few.

CT -- Im so glad you you took my advice and looked into Collins Hackle -- Im even happier that it worked out for the best for you -- I agree his knowledge and quality are very comparable to what METZ NECKS used to be 25 years ago -- In reality his necks are the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK -- He also will not sell necks or feathers to hair dressers which says alot for his integrity as a "FLY FISHING SUPPLIER OF FINE NECKS AND SADDLES"

Good Luck with your purchase -- I Know you will be pleasently surprised as to haw nicely they wrap -- Yep I said it -- They wrap GREAT and thats a big part of making flies that not only catch fish but are pleasing to the eye of a human.

Peace
Dan

 

[JeffK]

More kudos for Charlie Collins. I haven't bought to many dry fly necks from him since I have plenty and don't go through tehm, but really like his hen necks for wets. All the necks have a nice color variation that I think makes a better fly. Plus they are a good buy.

 

[Broadheadscreek]

Glad you like Charlie Collins hackle Chris ! I have been tying with his necks now for 8 years and have to say they are a fantastic deal. He has a great range of colors his barred gingers and dunns are awesome. I can't wait to see him at Somerset as he finally has two birds in a specific bronze dunn that I like and has saved them for me, as they don't come often in his flock. Your going to love tying with these capes for sure!

 

[Johnny Utah]

Allen when you say bronze dun. Do you mean dun center with a bronze(brown) outside, similar to how a badger or furnace is? If so i hope he has more, i have been looking for that hackle. Its beautiful.

 

[Broadheadscreek]

Yes JU I got one several years ago from Charlie and have asked every year since,this year I was surprised when he said he had one for sure and possibly two . So I asked him to save them for me and he said he would . I have to give him a call in the next few weeks he said they may be ready for the Fly Fishing Show. Can't wait as this bronze dunn is the best I have ever had and I'm about out of the remaining hackle in this color that I had gotten from him.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Your a lucky duck Allen, Those hackle are NOT an easy find especially in with well marked feathers.

I like his "greenwell" hen necks. Great ginger furnace necks. Perfect for the greenwell glory. (duh) His hen necks are comparable to whiting hen necks, They both can be used as soft dry fly hackle. Both companies necks and saddles are a pleasure to wrap with.

 

[narcodog]

CT, I'm glad to hear that you took my advise before anyone elses. Charlies stock goes back more years than anyone's. Being in business for over twenty-five years he has learned a thing or two. His cock and hen capes are the best. I'll put them up against anyone's.

 

[Andy]

I think I have more Collins necks and saddles than Charlie has and tell him that every time I see him! They are the best value for the buck. Enough said!

 

[theartoflee]

JU

Are you speaking of the Ginger Dunn from whiting? Dun in the center ginger on the outside?

Is that what you are looking for?

 

[Trout Nazi]

I was really lucky to get all of the full capes that I need before this hair craze took off. I got all Whiting bronze grades, and frankly, some of the them should be silver. I get a least 3-4 flies out of each feather, more when tying smaller sizes. And you can't blame the guy for selling to hair dressers to make a buck. Any independant business owner would do the same in his position. He's not a fisherman either, just a crazy PhD geneticist obsessed with feathers.

 

[Johnny Utah]

One of those would be nice to. But i was referring to a more of furnace brown dun. But i wouldnt mind a ginger dun.

---------- Post added at 05:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 PM ----------

I was really lucky to get all of the full capes that I need before this hair craze took off. I got all Whiting bronze grades, and frankly, some of the them should be silver. I get a least 3-4 flies out of each feather, more when tying smaller sizes. And you can't blame the guy for selling to hair dressers to make a buck. Any independant business owner would do the same in his position. He's not a fisherman either, just a crazy PhD geneticist obsessed with feathers.

I totally agree with the bronze necks being great. The even the pro grades are really nice.

Have you tried the "high and dry" necks? I was thinking about picking some up.

I was fortunate to find some midge saddles just before the hackle craze kicked in and drove the prices through the roof.

 

[Lonewolve]

Charlie Collins is a first rate class act, i remember driving up to his place14 years ago to buy several sets or different duns an a few grizzlies an a pair of cree.I couldn't believe it was tucked up in that lil hill in Pine City.He really helped me understand what a good neck an saddle were an what to look for a really great day i had visting him.
Tight Wraps & Tight Lines
Rick Wallace

 

[theartoflee]

JU

One of the RRTU tying nights I will try and remember my ginger dun neck and let you pluck a couple feathers from it.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Sweet! i will be at the one on the 20th for sure.