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Rabbit skins - sun dried

Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Freshwater Fishing
Forum Name: Fly Tying
Forum Description: Swap tips and techniques for Fresh and Saltwater fly patterns
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46733
Printed Date: 04 Feb 2026 at 12:43pm


Topic: Rabbit skins - sun dried
Posted By: jmeyerc
Subject: Rabbit skins - sun dried
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 5:24pm

Hi Everyone

I have been extremely blessed with some whole natural rabbit skins sun dried, my question is this please if anyone can help me --- I want to use them for fly tying naturally, but have found that the skin tears very easily without cutting it.


Will the skins keep tearing if I make flies from the pelts? I have a seriously wicked Snapper pattern that is easy to make, and very effective to use. I am hesitating though because of this problem of it tearing so easily.

Is there any suggestions that I can do to strengthen the hide keeping it supple without tanning it?

Please, please can someone help me with this problem.

Thanks so much in advance.

Jeanne


Replies:
Posted By: Xtoad
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2009 at 10:12pm
It don't tear so easily when it is wet Jeanne.

Posted By: jmeyerc
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2009 at 2:16pm
Xtoad,
 
Thank you so so much. I will be making the flies as soon as I get over this dreadful bug that's going around. I am so relieved about your answer - thanks again.
 
Jeanne

Posted By: Onecast
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 6:58am
Hi Jeanne; I have rubbed Glycerine into the hide and left it to soak in to soften it up in the past.  A good wash after and it should be sweet. Messy but it does help.
Good luck.  Jax


-------------
A man is only as big as the things that annoy him

RIP 'Onecast' Jax Murray

Posted By: jmeyerc
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2009 at 1:02pm
Hmmmm...... Jax, now that may just work. I'm going out tomorrow, so will pop into the shops and buy some of that there glycerine. Thanks so much for that.
 
Jeanne


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