How to Dye Rooster Capes

Dye your rooster cape to attract the type of fish you wish to catch.

The color of your rooster capes may be more important than simple aesthetics. Game fish detect prey by seeing how the prey contrasts with the surrounding area, so a fly that contrasts with the water or foliage will lure more fish than a fly that does not. A fish that prefers a certain type of prey animal may also be more attracted to a fly that matches the color of that animal. If your rooster cape is the wrong color for the type of fish you are hunting, however, it is simple to change the color with a waterproof dye.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl of water
• Baby shampoo or liquid dish soap
• Rooster capes
• Pot
• 3 cups water, or amount called for by dye instructions
• 1/2 teaspoon acid dye, or amount called for by dye instructions
• 4 tablespoons vinegar or citric acid, or amount called for by dye instructions

Instructions

1. Place a few drops of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap into a large bowl of water. Swirl the water with your hand to create suds; then place the rooster capes in the bowl. Agitate the capes with your hands to wash them. Cleaning the feathers will help the dye penetrate them thoroughly.

2. Bring 3 cups of water to a simmer in a large pot. Add the dye and stir until the water is a uniform color.

3. Place the rooster capes in the pot. Stir for 10 minutes or until the feathers are the color you want.

4. Add vinegar, citric acid or other acid to the mixture and stir. Rinse the feathers in cold water and allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Your brand of acid dye may call for different proportions of water, dye and acid. Follow the instructions for your specific dye.

• Do not use a nonacid dye. These will not bind with the rooster capes as well and may wash off in water.

References

• MidCurrent: Fish Eyesight: Does Color Matter?