Fly Tying Tip #116

There are two ways to make bare Peacock Eye quills for quill body flies.  The first is when you want to make just a few.  Take an eraser and gently rub the quill from top to bottom until all the barbuals are removed.

The second and far more efficient way is to use bleach.  Take a disposable tin baking tray and put enough bleach in the bottom to fully saturate the entire Peacock Eye Feather.  Agitate in the bleach for 30 seconds or so and watch the strips become bare. Rinse liberally in cold water to neutralize the acid bleach.  Hang to dry.  Take care not to over bleach as the stems can become brittle.  Wet in spring water to soften when tying.