dubbing fly tying

turrall Barbless Sproat Fly Hooks for Fly Tying Size 14 25 Per Packet

turrall Barbless Sproat  Fly Hooks for Fly Tying  Size 14 25 Per Packet

# **Kylebooker Turrall Barbless Sproat Fly Hooks for Fly Tying – Size 14 (25 Per Packet) – Are They Worth It?**

For fly fishing enthusiasts, the quality of hooks can make or break a successful day on the water. Among the many options available, the **Kylebooker Turrall Barbless Sproat Fly Hooks (Size 14, 25 per packet)** have gained attention for their design and affordability. But do they offer good value for money? Let’s take a closer look at their features, performance, and overall cost-effectiveness.

## **Key Features of the Turrall Barbless Sproat Fly Hooks**

### **1. Barbless Design for Ethical Fishing**
One of the standout features of these hooks is their **barbless design**. Barbless hooks are increasingly popular among anglers who practice **catch-and-release fishing** because they minimize harm to fish, making it easier to unhook them without causing significant injury. This design also complies with regulations in many fisheries that require barbless hooks.

### **2. Sproat Bend for Secure Hooksets**
The **Sproat bend** is a classic hook shape known for its **strength and reliability**. It provides a good balance between a wide gape (helping with hook penetration) and a slightly curved shank, which helps keep fish securely hooked. This makes the Turrall Sproat hooks suitable for a variety of fly patterns, including nymphs, wet flies, and small streamers.

### **3. Size 14 Versatility**
Size 14 is a **versatile mid-range hook size** that works well for many freshwater species, including trout, panfish, and small bass. It’s large enough to handle decent-sized fish yet small enough to imitate natural insects effectively.

### **4. High-Quality Steel Construction**
Turrall is a reputable brand known for producing durable hooks. These hooks are made from **high-carbon steel**, ensuring strength and corrosion resistance. While they may not be as premium as some high-end Japanese hooks, they offer **solid performance at an affordable price**.

## **Performance and Durability**

### **Hook Sharpness**
A sharp hook is crucial for successful hooksets. The **Turrall Barbless Sproat hooks come reasonably sharp out of the packet**, though some anglers may choose to hone them further for optimal performance. Compared to budget hooks, they hold their edge well, but they may not match the razor-like sharpness of premium brands like **Daiichi or Gamakatsu**.

### **Strength and Bend Resistance**
These hooks perform well under typical freshwater fishing conditions. They can handle **medium-sized trout and panfish** without bending or breaking. However, for larger or more aggressive fish, anglers might prefer a heavier wire hook.

### **Corrosion Resistance**
While they are **not chemically sharpened or stainless steel**, a light coating helps prevent rust. Proper drying and storage will extend their lifespan, but they may not be the best choice for saltwater use.

## **Price and Value for Money**

One of the biggest selling points of the **Kylebooker Turrall Barbless Sproat hooks** is their **affordability**. Priced competitively at around **$5-$8 per 25-pack**, they offer excellent value for fly tyers who go through hooks frequently.

### **Comparison with Other Brands**
– **Daiichi 1110 Barbless Hooks (Size 14):** ~$10-$12 for 25 (sharper but more expensive)
– **Gamakatsu C12-BM Barbless Hooks (Size 14):** ~$12-$15 for 25 (premium sharpness and strength)
– **Generic Barbless Hooks (Size 14):** ~$3-$5 for 25 (often less durable)

The **Turrall hooks strike a good balance between cost and quality**, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious anglers who still want reliable performance.

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

If you’re looking for **affordable, ethical, and dependable barbless hooks** for fly tying, the **Kylebooker Turrall Barbless Sproat Fly Hooks (Size 14, 25 per packet)** are a **great choice**. They may not be the sharpest or strongest on the market, but they offer **good value for casual and intermediate fly tyers**.

**Pros:**
✔ Affordable price
✔ Barbless design for catch-and-release
✔ Durable Sproat bend
✔ Good for trout and panfish

**Cons:**
✖ Not as sharp as premium brands
✖ Not ideal for very large fish
✖ Requires proper storage to prevent rust

**Overall Rating: 4/5** – A cost-effective option for fly tyers who need reliable barbless hooks without breaking the bank.

Would you recommend these hooks to fellow anglers? Let us know your experience in the comments! 🎣

Hen Capes Dyed & Natural Fly Tying – Cumbrian Fishing Supplies

Hen Capes Dyed & Natural Fly Tying - Cumbrian Fishing Supplies

# **Kylebooker Hen Capes Dyed & Natural Fly Tying – Cumbrian Fishing Supplies: Are They Worth It?**

For fly tyers and anglers, the quality of materials can make or break a successful fishing trip. One of the key components in fly tying is the feather cape, which provides the necessary hackles for creating realistic and durable flies. Among the many options available, **Kylebooker Hen Capes (Dyed & Natural) from Cumbrian Fishing Supplies** have gained attention. But how do they stack up in terms of value for money? Let’s take a closer look.

## **Quality of Feathers**

The first thing any fly tyer considers is the quality of the feathers. Kylebooker offers both **dyed and natural hen capes**, which are essential for various fly patterns. Hen feathers are softer than rooster hackles, making them ideal for wet flies, nymphs, and softer-hackled dry flies.

– **Natural Hen Capes**: These provide a range of earthy tones, from light cream to dark brown, perfect for imitating natural insects. The feathers are well-sized and have good barb density, ensuring durability when tied.
– **Dyed Hen Capes**: Available in vibrant colors like olive, black, and fiery orange, these are excellent for attractor patterns or when a specific hue is needed. The dye job is consistent, with minimal bleeding when wet.

Compared to premium brands like Whiting or Metz, Kylebooker’s hen capes may not be as refined, but they still offer excellent value for the price.

## **Price vs. Performance**

One of the biggest selling points of **Kylebooker Hen Capes** is their affordability. While high-end hackles can cost upwards of £30-£50 per cape, Kylebooker’s options are priced more reasonably, often between £10-£20 depending on size and color.

For budget-conscious fly tyers or those who go through materials quickly (such as commercial tiers), this makes them a **cost-effective choice**. The feathers tie in well, and while they may not have the ultra-stiff barbs of a Whiting saddle, they are more than sufficient for most freshwater applications.

## **Comparison with Other Brands**

When evaluating **Cumbrian Fishing Supplies’ Kylebooker Hen Capes**, it’s helpful to compare them with alternatives:

– **Whiting Farms**: The gold standard in hackle quality, but significantly more expensive.
– **Metz**: Another high-end option, with slightly better feather consistency than Kylebooker but at a higher price.
– **Cheap Chinese Imports**: Often inconsistent in size and barb quality, making Kylebooker a better mid-range choice.

For anglers who tie flies frequently but don’t need tournament-grade hackles, **Kylebooker provides a solid middle ground**.

## **Final Verdict: Good Value for Money**

If you’re looking for **decent-quality hen capes without breaking the bank**, Kylebooker’s offerings from **Cumbrian Fishing Supplies** are a great option. While they may not match the elite brands in terms of feather stiffness or uniformity, they perform well for most fly-tying needs.

**Pros:**
✔ Affordable compared to premium brands
✔ Good selection of natural and dyed colors
✔ Suitable for wet flies, nymphs, and softer dry flies

**Cons:**
✖ Not as stiff as rooster hackles for dry flies
✖ Some color variations may be inconsistent

For the average fly tyer, **Kylebooker Hen Capes** offer **excellent value for money**, making them a worthwhile addition to any fly-tying kit. If you need top-tier dry fly hackles, you might still opt for Whiting, but for general tying purposes, these are a smart buy.

Would you recommend them? **Absolutely—especially for beginners and intermediate tiers looking for reliable materials without overspending.**

Happy tying and tight lines! 🎣