The Booby Long Tail Damsel is widely regarded as one of the standout stillwater patterns in modern fly fishing. Combining the natural silhouette of a damselfly nymph with the buoyant lift of foam booby eyes, this fly delivers consistent results across a wide range of conditions. Its extended marabou tail creates fluid, life like movement, while the buoyancy adds a distinctive rise and fall action that trout find difficult to ignore.
Exceptionally versatile, this lure can be fished throughout the season on large reservoirs, small lakes and commercial stillwaters. It performs effectively on all fly line densities, from floating lines to fast sinking setups, allowing anglers to cover every level of the water column. Whether trout are feeding high, mid-depth or close to the bottom, the Booby Long Tail Damsel adapts to suit the situation.
When trout are hunting damsels or reacting to motion rather than exact detail, this pattern consistently produces confident takes.
Please note all of our fishing flies are barbless unless otherwise stated.
Booby Long Tail Damsel Specification
Tail - Marabou Olive & Pearl Flash
Body - Blob Olive
Head - Yellow Booby
Hook - Barbless, Mustad of Norway
Target Species - Trout
How To Fish the Booby Long Tail Damsel
Floating Line and Long Leader Approach
Fish the lure on a floating line with an extended leader to allow it to hover just above submerged weed. Retrieve steadily with measured strips, pausing occasionally so the head lifts the fly naturally in the water column.
Washing Line Rig Setup
Use the Booby Long Tail Damsel on the point of a washing line rig with smaller patterns positioned on droppers. The buoyancy creates continuous subtle movement, often drawing trout toward the flies even during slower retrieves.
Controlled Sink and Lift Retrieve
Allow the fly to descend to the desired depth before retrieving with smooth pulls and deliberate pauses. As the line slackens, the head causes the lure to rise, imitating the upward movement of a swimming damsel nymph and frequently triggering takes from following fish.
