My nephew and I are fishing the Bulkley River this fall and are tying some large steelhead flies. We are looking for a legitimate source to purchase jungle **** necks. Any suggestions?
My son purchased me some packages from Feather-Craft Fly Fishing. They were Spirit River brand. They had a limited supply so I am not positive if they still have them.
I think - unless you continue to tie these type flies for many years - you probably don't want a neck, just singles. I bought a neck years ago and have barely made a dent in it and I tie a fair number (dozens) of fancy streamers every year for display. I'd check some of the companies or call a local fly shop and see if they sell the little packs with ten or fifteen "nails" in them.
but a neck gives you the choice on sizes and quality. and at 25.00 to 60.00 each they are worth it. I go through a neck a year on average.
you can also paint on starling feathers with craft paint to make a fake nail.
from the guy in Estonia on ebay. when he first started selling you get them for that. for my flies that I fish I don't mind splits, a little lacquer fixes that. prices are up now but if you watch you can pick up a few cheap.
John McClain, the feather merchant not the cowboy who blows up skyscrapers and East German terrorists, sells loose bags off his website:
http://www.feathersmc.com/products/Loose%20Jungle%20Cock
Having bought from him at a show once, I can confirm he's legit, as well as a friendly guy. I liked him enough I'm plugging him on a website years later.