As a frustrated fly tier I have always had trouble finding suitable materials for the tails of dry flies.
There are a lot of synthetics out there but for me they are too synthetic, being stiff nylons and usually not quite a natural colour.

Well if you ever wondered what Coq de Leon were, as I did, these are saddles made up of purpose built tailing feathers. Each barbule on the CDL feathers are long, thin, and have a great springiness that makes them perfect for mayfly tails, nymph tails and probably any other fly tails you could think of.

The other beauty of CDL saddles is that they save you from butchering your good fly tying saddles looking for tails.

Coq de Leon rooster saddles are great value when you consider that you can easily tail a dozen flies from one feather.

Saddles retail for around $35.00.