Mallard flank feathers

[JUNGLE JIM 1]

I tie a lot of jigs using mallard flank or gadwall feathers, killer jigs for crappie, bass and about anything else. If you think about it send me some feathers from the ducks you harvest and I will tie some jigs for you in exchange for the feathers.

[Blazerman]

I have never hunted ducks but looking at these jigs makes me want to go out shoot some just to send you the feathers and get some jigs back.

[DADAKOTA]

Do the flank feathers pulsate in the water like maribou?

[JUNGLE JIM 1]

No, marabou has a lot more action than duck feathers. I think it's the natural minnow color that get's the fish to eat them, maybe it tastes like chicken to them. Whatever the reason is they work. Been literally catching tons of fish on them in the 25 years I've been tying them. I caught my PB crappie and bluegill using them. Drake feathers color and barring is the best feather. I tie most on #2- #6 jig hooks.

[tjm]

I think that depends on how use the feathers, the fibers without  rachis do move some, more tendril like than marabou; with  the rachis  tied in the feather can be stiff enough to wobble the a fly as water passes over it giving it a spoon like movement. I've never used them on a jig and so can't say what happens with them. Probably the mottled effect of the barring is an important  part of the attraction they have just as it is with grizzly rooster hackle. I really like the way the green shows through the mallard on those jigs. Woodduck has similar fish catching ability.

[JUNGLE JIM 1]

I tie in the flash under the duck feathers to add bulk and attraction and try to make the body shape like a teardrop before adding the red or yellow hackle to the throat. The flash underneath becomes more prominent as you catch fish and lose some duck feather strands. I've caught over 100+ fish on one jig if I don't lose it first. These are crappie killers.

[Boobie]

consider it done!   I will get in touch soon.

 

[Gavin]

Tom Hargrove had a bunch in Mason Jars.  Stop by in a week or so, he is in Argentina chasing Dorado.

 

[Gavin]

Planning to hunt this year. If I/we kill some will grab the barred feathers and toss them in a zippy for you. Woodie, Mallard, Gadwall.

[FishnDave]

On 10/11/2019 at 8:14 AM, JUNGLE JIM 1 said:

I tie in the flash under the duck feathers to add bulk and attraction and try to make the body shape like a teardrop before adding the red or yellow hackle to the throat. The flash underneath becomes more prominent as you catch fish and lose some duck feather strands. I've caught over 100+ fish on one jig if I don't lose it first. These are crappie killers.

After you posted this, I tied up a couple (this was before you sent me your awesome jigheads).  Fished one....the fish really DID love it.  Thanks for sharing this, Jim!