Essential Fly Fisher P/L ::...

Coq de Leon Hackle
The Coq de Leon is the oldest known chicken strain specifically bred for fly tying feathers. References to these rooster feathers, and the special flies tied with them, are found in manuscripts going back to as early as 1624. Therefore, the strain could even have been in existence for hundreds of years prior to 1624.Historically the Coq de Leon strain of chicken was cultivated almost exclusively in the Northwest region of Spain, called Leon, thus its name; Rooster of Leon. Many beliefs surrounding these roosters attributed the quality of their feathers to climatic, husbandry and even soil characteristics of the region. In addition, even the phase of the moon during which the rooster feathers were plucked purportedly had some bearing on the quality of subsequent feathers. Such folklore may have had some basis in truth, but these beliefs may also have been perpetuated in an attempt to discourage outsiders from endeavoring to produce their own Coq de Leon feathers.
In the early 1990’s Dr. Thomas Whiting, founder and owner of Whiting Farms, Inc., became intrigued with these near mythical Coq de Leon fowl. And so during the mid 1990’s he succeeded in importing Coq de Leon stock from 3 different sources. For the first several generations Dr. Whiting personally kept and cared for these proud birds at his own residence, studying them and their unique feathers. Applying what had been learned from the genetic breeding of the other fly tying feather strains at Whiting Farms, Dr. Whiting embarked on cultivating and developing his own population of Coq de Leon. A new genetic
tactic of selection for the highest quality first nuptial plumage was initiated. This differed fundamentally from the traditional Spanish methodology that relied on periodic, repeated plucking of the desired feathers from only a few elite roosters. The Whiting approach resulted in a much higher rate of genetic progress, due to the larger number of breeder candidates, and more rapid turnover of generations, referred to as genetic selection pressure and generational rate, respectively. In addition the females of the Coq de Leon strain were also rigorously selected, for specific feather characteristics, pedigree information, and particularly for a very complex and attractive mottled feather pattern that makes them uniquely valuable
as a source of fly tying feather. By the year 2000 the Whiting Farms Coq de Leon feather products were ready for market. As with all Whiting Farms, Inc. feather products, these Coq de Leon feathers are scientifically cultivated to optimize the realization of the stock’s genetic potential. The pelts are washed and cured, and then graded as to quality and value by our knowledgeable staff. When dyed, the demanding and
involved dying process is expertly conducted to assure excellent color, dye fastness and consistency. The 6 specific tying products that the Coq de Leon birds provide are:
Tailing Packs
Exceptionally good natural tailing fibers for dry flies. Sold on the skin to provide a much greater size range and value to the tier.
Rooster Saddles
Excellent natural tailing fibers from the center top feathers, sometimes called the “spade hackles”. Provides large size wet and dry fly saddle hackle for Skater, Hexagena, Wulff and other larger flies.

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SKU	SKU16329
Price:	$49.99 including GST

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