Metz Cock Saddles Micro Barb - Grade 2

Metz Cock Saddles Micro Barb - Grade 2 provide well-formed genetic cock saddle feathers for dry flies where buoyancy and neat proportions matter. Grade 2 offers a practical way to obtain quality saddle hackles for regular trout-fly tying.

Cock Saddles Micro Barb - Grade 2 Key Features and Benefits

• Stiff, fine barbs create an effective hackle footprint for flies fished in or on the surface film.
• Long saddle feathers make repeated patterns practical with less frequent feather selection.
• Grade 2 gives regular tyers a useful balance of hackle quality and cost per fly.
• Traditional natural shades suit a broad range of midge, mayfly and sedge dressings.
• On compatible patterns, one long saddle feather can be used for several flies, potentially as many as ten; a practical economy when tying a box of matching dry flies.

Top Tips for Tying with Cock Saddles Micro Barb - Grade 2

• Match hackle fibre length to the hook gape before selecting a feather section.
• Keep the hackle stem flat at the tie-in point to reduce awkward twisting while winding.
• Stroke fibres away from the head as each turn is made so they remain clear of the eye.
• Use only the turns needed for the intended flotation and silhouette; a light body can still sit well with well-sized hackle.

Fly Patterns and Uses for Cock Saddles Micro Barb - Grade 2

• Adams Dry Fly: Wind grizzly-style fibres into an even collar for a classic mayfly imitation.
• Griffith's Gnat: Palmer a suitably sized cock hackle over a slim dark body to evoke a small midge cluster.
• Palmered Sedge: Wind a long hackle along the body and secure it with a counter-rib for a durable surface-fished fly.
• Elk Hair Caddis: Use a proportionate body hackle beneath the wing for a lightly buoyant skated sedge pattern.

Cock Saddles Micro Barb - Grade 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grade 2 suitable for regular fly tying?

Yes. It supplies good-quality, well-formed saddle hackles and can be a sound value choice for repeated fishing flies.

How should I select a feather for a small hook?

Measure the actual hackle barb against the hook rather than assuming every feather on the saddle fits the same size.

How should I handle the longer saddle feathers at the vice?

Measure the barb length against your hook first, secure the feather at a suitable point and wind controlled turns to build an even dry-fly hackle.

Which complementary fly-tying materials work with Metz Grade 2 Micro Barb Saddles?

UNI Nylon Extra Strong Thread helps build slim bodies, while Metz Grade 1 Micro Barb Saddles offers a premium alternative when maximum feather consistency is required.