fly fishing tying flies

SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE FLY DUBBING 1 Pk- FLY TYING MATERIAL Gordon Griffiths

SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE FLY DUBBING 1 Pk- FLY TYING MATERIAL  Gordon Griffiths

# **Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE FLY DUBBING 1 Pk – FLY TYING MATERIAL by Gordon Griffiths: Is It Worth the Price?**

As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable fly-tying materials. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE FLY DUBBING** by **Gordon Griffiths**, and I was curious about its performance and value for money. After testing it extensively, here’s my detailed review to help fellow anglers decide whether this product is worth adding to their fly-tying kit.

## **What Is Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE?**

This synthetic dubbing is designed to mimic the properties of natural seal fur, which has long been a favorite among fly tiers for its buoyancy, texture, and ability to create lifelike nymphs and dry flies. However, due to ethical concerns and restrictions on real seal fur, synthetic alternatives like this one from **Gordon Griffiths** have become increasingly popular.

The **Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE** comes in a convenient 1-pack size, offering enough material for multiple fly patterns. It’s marketed as an easy-to-use, durable, and highly effective substitute that maintains the key characteristics of natural seal fur without the ethical drawbacks.

## **Performance and Handling**

One of the biggest advantages of this dubbing is its **ease of use**. Unlike some synthetic materials that can be overly slippery or difficult to blend, this product has a fine, slightly coarse texture that grips well when spun onto a thread. It’s excellent for creating **nymph bodies, emergers, and dry flies**, providing a natural-looking segmentation that imitates insect profiles effectively.

Another standout feature is its **buoyancy**. When used for dry flies, the fibers trap air bubbles, helping the fly stay afloat longer—a crucial factor when targeting selective trout. Additionally, it absorbs water minimally, which is a significant advantage over some other synthetic dubbings.

## **Durability and Versatility**

The **Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE** holds up well after multiple casts and fish strikes. Unlike cheaper alternatives that fray or lose their shape quickly, this material maintains its integrity, ensuring that flies last longer.

It’s also **highly blendable**, meaning you can mix it with other dubbings or flash materials to create custom effects. Whether you’re tying **mayfly imitations, caddis pupae, or midge patterns**, this dubbing adapts well to different styles.

## **Price and Value for Money**

Compared to natural seal fur and other premium synthetic dubbings, the **Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE** is reasonably priced. Given its performance, durability, and ethical benefits, it offers **excellent value for money**. While some anglers might prefer the exact feel of natural seal fur, this substitute comes very close at a fraction of the cost and without the ethical concerns.

## **Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?**

If you’re looking for a **high-quality, ethical, and cost-effective alternative to natural seal fur**, the **Kylebooker SEALS FUR SUBSTITUTE by Gordon Griffiths** is a fantastic choice. It performs well in both dry and wet fly applications, is easy to work with, and lasts longer than many competing products.

For fly tiers who prioritize sustainability without sacrificing performance, this dubbing is definitely worth adding to your collection. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tier, it’s a reliable material that will enhance your fly patterns without breaking the bank.

### **Rating: 4.5/5**
✅ **Pros:**
– Excellent buoyancy for dry flies
– Durable and long-lasting
– Ethical and affordable
– Easy to blend and handle

❌ **Cons:**
– Slightly less natural sheen compared to real seal fur (minor difference)

Overall, this is a **highly recommended** product for any fly fisherman looking to improve their tying materials without compromising on quality or ethics. Tight lines! 🎣

1 dozen (12) – Woolly Bugger – OLIVE – Bead Head

1 dozen (12) - Woolly Bugger - OLIVE - Bead Head

# **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Woolly Bugger – OLIVE – Bead Head: A Great Value for Anglers?**

As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable flies that can improve my success on the water. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Woolly Bugger – OLIVE – Bead Head** and decided to test its performance and value. After several fishing trips, here’s my detailed review of whether this product offers good value for money.

## **Overview of the Product**
The **Kylebooker Woolly Bugger in Olive with a Bead Head** is a pack of 12 flies designed for various freshwater fishing scenarios. Woolly Buggers are one of the most versatile and effective fly patterns, known for imitating everything from baitfish to leeches and even large nymphs. The olive color is a natural choice for many waters, blending well in both clear and slightly murky conditions. The addition of a brass or tungsten bead head adds weight, helping the fly sink quickly—an advantage when targeting deeper fish.

## **Quality and Durability**
One of the first things I noticed about these flies was their construction. The hooks appear to be sharp and sturdy, likely made from high-carbon steel, which is essential for hooking and holding fish. The bead heads are securely attached, and the marabou tails and chenille bodies are well-tied, with no loose threads or weak spots.

After multiple uses, including encounters with aggressive trout and bass, the flies held up well. The marabou retained its movement in the water, and the hackle provided excellent action. While no fly lasts forever, these Woolly Buggers seem durable enough to withstand several fish before needing replacement.

## **Performance on the Water**
The true test of any fly is how it performs in real fishing conditions. I tested these Woolly Buggers in both rivers and still waters, targeting trout, bass, and panfish. Here’s what I found:

– **Sink Rate**: The bead head helps the fly sink quickly, making it ideal for deeper pools or fast-moving currents where fish hold near the bottom.
– **Action**: The marabou tail pulsates enticingly with even the slightest movement, mimicking a swimming baitfish or leech.
– **Versatility**: Whether stripped quickly for aggressive fish or drifted slowly near the bottom, this fly triggered strikes consistently.

I particularly liked using it in olive because it blends well with natural forage in many environments. It worked exceptionally well in slightly stained water where brighter colors might spook fish.

## **Price and Value**
Buying flies in bulk is always a smart move for budget-conscious anglers, and the **Kylebooker 1 Dozen pack** offers excellent value. Compared to purchasing individual Woolly Buggers from premium brands (which can cost $2-$3 per fly), this set provides a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality.

At an average price of around **$12-$15 for 12 flies**, you’re paying roughly **$1-$1.25 per fly**, which is a great deal for bead-head Woolly Buggers. Considering how effective and durable they are, this pack is a solid investment for both beginners and experienced anglers.

## **Potential Drawbacks**
While I was generally impressed, there are a couple of minor considerations:
– **Hook Size Consistency**: Some anglers have reported slight variations in hook sizes within the same pack, though I didn’t find this to be a major issue.
– **Bead Material**: The beads are likely brass rather than tungsten, meaning they don’t sink as fast as premium tungsten-bead flies. However, this is expected at this price point.

## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?**
Absolutely! The **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Woolly Bugger – OLIVE – Bead Head** offers an outstanding balance of quality, performance, and affordability. Whether you’re stocking up for the season or looking for a reliable fly that catches fish in various conditions, this pack is a smart choice.

For anglers who fish frequently and lose flies to snags or toothy fish, having a dozen well-tied Woolly Buggers at a reasonable price is a no-brainer. I highly recommend giving them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

**Rating: 4.5/5** (Excellent value, minor room for improvement in bead weight consistency)

Would you buy these flies? Let me know your experience in the comments! Tight lines! 🎣