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10 Fulling Mill 31170 Special Grayling Bug Fly tying hooks size 10

10 Fulling Mill 31170 Special Grayling Bug Fly tying hooks size 10

# **Kylebooker 10 Fulling Mill 31170 Special Grayling Bug Fly Tying Hooks Size 10: Are They Worth It?**

Fly fishing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for high-quality hooks that enhance their tying and fishing experience. One such product is the **Kylebooker 10 Fulling Mill 31170 Special Grayling Bug Fly Tying Hooks in size 10**. But how does this hook perform, and is it a good value for money? Let’s dive into a detailed analysis.

## **Overview of the Fulling Mill 31170 Special Grayling Bug Hook**

The **Fulling Mill 31170** is specifically designed for tying grayling bugs, a popular fly pattern for targeting grayling and other freshwater species. The **size 10** variant is a versatile option, suitable for various nymph and wet fly patterns.

### **Key Features**
1. **Premium Quality Steel** – Fulling Mill hooks are known for their durability and sharpness. The 31170 model features high-carbon steel, ensuring strength while maintaining a fine point for better hook penetration.
2. **Specialist Design** – The hook’s shape is optimized for grayling flies, with a slightly curved shank and a wide gape, improving hooking efficiency.
3. **Barbed or Barbless Options** – Depending on your fishing regulations, these hooks are available in both styles, offering flexibility for catch-and-release anglers.
4. **Black Nickel Finish** – The corrosion-resistant coating enhances longevity, even in harsh fishing conditions.

## **Performance in Fly Tying**

Fly tiers appreciate hooks that hold materials securely and provide a balanced foundation for their patterns. The **31170 Special Grayling Bug Hook** excels in this regard:

– **Excellent Thread Bite** – The textured shank helps secure thread wraps, preventing slippage when tying delicate materials.
– **Optimal Hook Shape** – The curved design allows for better presentation of soft hackles and dubbing, making it ideal for spider patterns and traditional grayling bugs.
– **Fine Wire Construction** – While strong, the hook is lightweight, ensuring a natural drift in the water—a crucial factor when targeting selective fish like grayling.

## **Fishing Performance**

When it comes to actual fishing, the **Fulling Mill 31170** performs admirably:

– **Sharpness Out of the Box** – Many anglers report that these hooks are razor-sharp, reducing the need for additional sharpening before use.
– **High Hookup Rate** – The wide gape and fine wire improve hooking efficiency, even with subtle takes.
– **Durability** – Unlike cheaper hooks that bend or rust quickly, these maintain their integrity even after multiple catches.

## **Price vs. Value: Is It Worth It?**

The **Kylebooker 10 Fulling Mill 31170** is priced competitively compared to other premium hooks like **Daiichi, Tiemco, or Hanak**. While not the cheapest option on the market, the **quality justifies the cost** for serious fly anglers.

### **Pros:**
✔ Excellent sharpness and strength
✔ Ideal for grayling and small stream fishing
✔ Corrosion-resistant finish
✔ Good thread grip for tying

### **Cons:**
✖ Slightly more expensive than budget hooks
✖ Limited availability in some regions

## **Final Verdict**

If you’re a fly fisher who prioritizes **performance and durability**, the **Kylebooker 10 Fulling Mill 31170 Special Grayling Bug Hook** is a solid investment. While budget-conscious anglers might opt for cheaper alternatives, the **superior sharpness, design, and longevity** make this hook a great value for those who demand the best.

For grayling specialists and nymph fishermen, this hook is **highly recommended**—just be sure to stock up, as they tend to disappear quickly from the tackle box!

Would you give these hooks a try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🎣

Lot 216, Dyed Blue India Hen Back Saddle Feathers for Fly Tying

Lot 216,  Dyed Blue India Hen Back Saddle Feathers for Fly Tying

# **How to Choose Lot 216, Dyed Blue India Hen Back Saddle Feathers for Fly Tying**

When it comes to fly tying, the quality of materials can make or break your success on the water. Among the essential components for crafting effective flies, **hen back saddle feathers** hold a special place due to their versatility and natural movement in the water. If you’re considering **Lot 216, Dyed Blue India Hen Back Saddle Feathers**, this guide will help you choose the best feathers for your fly-tying needs.

## **Understanding Hen Back Saddle Feathers**

Hen back saddle feathers are prized for their softness, flexibility, and ability to create lifelike movement in flies. Unlike stiffer rooster hackles, hen feathers are more supple, making them ideal for wet flies, nymphs, and streamers where a subtle, undulating action is desired.

**Lot 216** refers to a specific batch of feathers, ensuring consistency in color, texture, and size. The **dyed blue** variant offers a vibrant hue that can imitate various aquatic insects or attract fish in different water conditions.

## **Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Lot 216 Feathers**

### **1. Feather Quality & Consistency**
High-quality hen back saddle feathers should have:
– **Uniform dye penetration** – The blue color should be even throughout, without blotches or fading.
– **Intact barbules** – The fibers should be intact, not broken or frayed, ensuring durability when wrapped.
– **Natural curvature** – The feather should have a slight natural curve, making it easier to wrap around hooks.

### **2. Size & Length**
Feathers from the saddle area vary in size. For **Lot 216**, check if the feathers match your intended fly patterns:
– **Smaller feathers (2-3 inches)** – Best for nymphs, soft hackles, and small streamers.
– **Larger feathers (4-5 inches)** – Suitable for larger streamers and wet flies.

### **3. Flexibility & Softness**
Since hen feathers are softer than rooster hackles, they should:
– **Flare nicely when wet** – This creates a lifelike pulsing action that triggers strikes.
– **Wrap smoothly around hooks** – Stiff or brittle feathers can be difficult to work with.

### **4. Colorfastness**
Since these feathers are dyed, ensure they are **colorfast**—meaning they won’t bleed when wet. Test by soaking a small section in water to see if the dye runs.

## **Best Fly Patterns for Dyed Blue Hen Back Saddle Feathers**
These feathers work exceptionally well for:
– **Woolly Buggers** – The blue variant can imitate baitfish or leeches.
– **Soft Hackle Flies** – Perfect for emergers and wet flies.
– **Streamers** – Adds movement to patterns like the **Zonker** or **Murdich Minnow**.

## **Why Choose KyleBooker’s Lot 216 Feathers?**
At **KyleBooker**, we ensure our **Dyed Blue India Hen Back Saddle Feathers (Lot 216)** meet the highest standards. Each feather is hand-selected for:
– **Premium dye quality** – Vibrant, long-lasting color.
– **Consistent sizing** – Ideal for tying multiple flies.
– **Superior softness** – Enhances fly action in the water.

## **Final Tips for Selecting the Best Feathers**
– **Buy from trusted suppliers** (like KyleBooker) to avoid low-quality batches.
– **Store properly** – Keep feathers in a dry, dark place to prevent fading or damage.
– **Experiment with different sizes** to find what works best for your fly patterns.

By choosing **Lot 216, Dyed Blue India Hen Back Saddle Feathers**, you’ll elevate your fly-tying game with durable, high-action materials that attract more fish. Whether you’re tying nymphs, streamers, or wet flies, these feathers are a must-have in your fly-tying arsenal.

**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣

*— KyleBooker, Your Trusted Partner in Premium Fishing Gear*