Hareline Kiley's Crab Skinz

What it is

Kiley’s Crab Skinz are pre-formed crab templates made from a clear, transparent material with an adhesive backing. They’re cut to shape with pre-cut holes, so they lay right over the top of a crab body without you having to trace, cut, and punch everything by hand.

What to tie with it

Use them as the shell/back on crab patterns, sticking the template down in alignment on the hook shank and then building your body materials underneath. The pre-cut holes also give you clean, repeatable mount points for micro chenille legs, so you can keep leg placement consistent from fly to fly.

Flies and the fish they're for

These are designed for crab patterns in general, which are staple flies for redfish and permit on shallow saltwater flats, where a crab profile and a neat, durable shell help the fly track and land right. They also fit into bonefish crab-style patterns in the same flats settings when fish are keyed on small crustaceans.

How it compares

Compared to cutting and shaping your own shell pieces, these save the measuring, trimming, and hole-punching by coming pre-formed with the holes already placed. Compared to non-adhesive shell materials, the adhesive backing lets you tack the shell in position quickly and keep it aligned while you finish the fly.