fly tying deer hair

1 dozen (12) – Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear – Dark – Bead Head

1 dozen (12) - Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Dark - Bead Head

# **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear – Dark – Bead Head: A Review on Value for Money**

As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable flies that can improve my catch rates. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear – Dark – Bead Head** and decided to test its performance and value for money. After several fishing trips, here’s my detailed review.

## **Overview of the Product**
The **Kylebooker Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear** is a bead-head nymph fly designed to imitate various aquatic insects, particularly mayfly nymphs. The dark coloration and gold ribbing add realism, while the tungsten bead ensures a quick sink rate—ideal for deeper pools and fast-moving currents. Sold in a pack of 12, this fly promises durability and effectiveness at a reasonable price.

## **Performance on the Water**
### **1. Realistic Imitation**
The dark brown body with gold ribbing closely resembles natural mayfly nymphs, a staple in many trout diets. The bead head adds weight and flash, mimicking the air bubble of emerging insects. During testing, trout and panfish readily took the fly, especially in moderately stained water where the gold ribbing provided extra visibility.

### **2. Durability & Construction**
One of the biggest concerns with budget-friendly flies is durability. However, the Kylebooker Hare’s Ear holds up well after multiple catches. The thread wraps are tight, and the bead is securely fixed, reducing the risk of unraveling. While not as robust as premium hand-tied flies, it performs admirably for its price range.

### **3. Versatility**
This fly excels in various conditions:
– **Fast water:** The bead head helps it sink quickly, making it effective in riffles and runs.
– **Still water:** When retrieved slowly, it mimics a swimming nymph, attracting both trout and bass.
– **Different seasons:** Works year-round, particularly in spring and fall when nymph activity is high.

## **Price vs. Quality: Is It Worth It?**
At around **$8–$12 per dozen**, the Kylebooker Hare’s Ear offers excellent value. Compared to individually sold premium flies (often $2–$3 each), this pack provides a cost-effective solution without sacrificing too much quality.

### **Pros:**
✔ Affordable bulk pricing
✔ Effective fish-catching pattern
✔ Durable enough for multiple uses
✔ Good sink rate due to tungsten bead

### **Cons:**
✖ Slightly less refined than hand-tied alternatives
✖ Hook sharpness could be improved (may require occasional honing)

## **Final Verdict**
For anglers looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable nymph fly, the **Kylebooker Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear – Dark – Bead Head** is a solid choice. While it may not match the craftsmanship of high-end flies, its performance-to-price ratio makes it a great addition to any fly box—especially for those who lose flies frequently to snags or aggressive fish.

If you’re stocking up on nymphs without breaking the bank, this dozen-pack is definitely worth considering. Tight lines!

Mustad Fly Tying Nymph Hooks 3906 Sz 20 Hollow Point Sproat Qty 100 New in Box

Mustad Fly Tying Nymph Hooks 3906 Sz 20 Hollow Point Sproat Qty 100 New in Box

# **Kylebooker Mustad Fly Tying Nymph Hooks 3906 Sz 20 Hollow Point Sproat Qty 100 New in Box – Are They Worth It?**

As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality hooks that offer both durability and performance. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Mustad Fly Tying Nymph Hooks 3906 in Size 20, Hollow Point Sproat design, sold in a pack of 100, new in box**. The question is: **Do these hooks provide good value for money?** Let’s dive into a detailed review.

## **Overview of the Mustad 3906 Nymph Hooks**

The **Mustad 3906** is a well-known model among fly tyers, particularly for nymph patterns. These hooks feature a **Hollow Point Sproat bend**, which enhances hook penetration while maintaining strength. The **Size 20** is ideal for small nymphs, midges, and other delicate patterns, making them a great choice for selective trout.

### **Key Features:**
– **Hollow Point Design** – Ensures better penetration and reduces fish escape rates.
– **Sproat Bend** – A classic shape that balances strength and sharpness.
– **Size 20** – Perfect for tiny nymphs and midges, especially in clear water conditions.
– **100-Pack Quantity** – Great for bulk tying sessions.

## **Performance & Durability**

One of the biggest concerns with small hooks is **strength**. The Mustad 3906 delivers a solid performance—it’s **sharp out of the box** and holds up well against aggressive strikes. The **Hollow Point** technology means the hook penetrates quickly, reducing the chance of fish shaking free.

However, **Size 20 hooks are delicate by nature**, so they may bend if you’re fighting larger fish. That said, for their intended use (small to medium trout), they perform admirably.

## **Price & Value**

When buying hooks in bulk, **cost per hook** is a major factor. The **Kylebooker listing offers 100 hooks new in box**, which is excellent for frequent tyers. Compared to other brands like Tiemco or Daiichi, Mustad hooks are generally more affordable while still maintaining good quality.

### **Pros:**
✔ **Affordable bulk option** – Great for tying multiple flies without breaking the bank.
✔ **Reliable sharpness** – Ready to use straight from the box.
✔ **Good penetration** – Hollow Point design improves hookup rates.

### **Cons:**
❌ **Not ultra-premium** – If you prefer high-end brands like Gamakatsu, these may feel slightly less refined.
❌ **Small size risk** – Size 20 is fragile, so handle with care when tying and fishing.

## **Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?**

For **budget-conscious fly tyers** who need a reliable, sharp, and well-designed nymph hook, the **Kylebooker Mustad 3906 in Size 20 is a solid choice**. The **100-pack offers great value**, and the Hollow Point Sproat design ensures good performance on the water.

If you primarily fish small nymphs and midges, these hooks will serve you well. However, if you frequently target larger fish, you might want to consider a slightly heavier hook model.

### **Rating: 4.2/5**
– **Value for Money: 4.5/5**
– **Sharpness & Penetration: 4/5**
– **Durability: 3.5/5**

Would I recommend them? **Yes**, especially if you tie a lot of small nymphs and want an affordable, dependable option. Tight lines! 🎣