antique fly tying vise

(3) BWO RS2, Size 16 with Blue Dun Wing and Olive body: Emerger, Nymph, Dry Fly

(3) BWO RS2, Size 16 with Blue Dun Wing and Olive body: Emerger, Nymph, Dry Fly

# **Kylebooker (3) BWO RS2, Size 16 with Blue Dun Wing and Olive Body: Emerger, Nymph, Dry Fly – A Comprehensive Review on Value for Money**

As an avid fly fisherman, I am always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable flies that can perform well in different fishing conditions. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker (3) BWO RS2, Size 16 with Blue Dun Wing and Olive Body**, which is marketed as a versatile pattern capable of functioning as an **emerger, nymph, and dry fly**. Intrigued by its design, I decided to test its effectiveness and evaluate whether it offers good value for money.

## **Fly Design and Construction**

The **BWO RS2 (Rim’s Semblance 2)** is a well-known pattern among fly anglers, particularly for imitating **Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) mayflies**, a staple in many trout diets. The Kylebooker version features a **blue dun wing** and an **olive body**, which closely mimics the natural insect in various stages of its life cycle.

– **Hook & Size**: The fly is tied on a **size 16 hook**, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized trout.
– **Materials**: The **blue dun wing** provides excellent visibility on the water, while the **olive body** blends naturally with the aquatic environment. The fly also incorporates a **synthetic trailing shuck**, enhancing its emerger profile.
– **Durability**: The tying quality is solid, with secure thread wraps and properly sealed materials, ensuring it can withstand multiple strikes.

## **Performance in Different Roles**

### **1. As a Dry Fly**
When fished as a dry fly, the **BWO RS2** sits well on the surface film due to its **lightweight wing and buoyant materials**. During a recent hatch of BWOs, I found that trout readily took this pattern, mistaking it for a natural dun. The **blue dun wing** helps anglers track the fly in riffles and slower currents.

### **2. As an Emerger**
The **RS2’s trailing shuck** makes it an excellent emerger imitation. When fished just below the surface or in the film, it effectively mimics a mayfly transitioning from nymph to adult. I had success using a **greased leader technique**, allowing the fly to drift naturally in the strike zone.

### **3. As a Nymph**
Though primarily an emerger/dry fly, the **Kylebooker RS2** can also be fished as a nymph in slower waters. I experimented with a **euro-nymphing setup** and found that trout responded well, especially when dead-drifted near the bottom.

## **Value for Money**

Considering its **versatility and durability**, the **Kylebooker (3) BWO RS2** offers **excellent value**. A pack of three flies ensures that anglers have backups in case of snags or lost flies. Compared to premium brands, this fly is **reasonably priced** while maintaining good quality.

### **Pros:**
– **Multi-functional** (works as dry fly, emerger, and nymph)
– **Accurate BWO imitation**
– **Durable construction**
– **Affordable for a three-pack**

### **Cons:**
– **May require floatant when used as a dry fly**
– **Slightly heavier than some pure dry fly patterns**

## **Final Verdict**

For anglers targeting trout in **BWO-rich waters**, the **Kylebooker (3) BWO RS2, Size 16 with Blue Dun Wing and Olive Body** is a **cost-effective and high-performing option**. Its ability to function in **three different roles** makes it a **must-have in any fly box**. Whether you’re fishing a hatch, emerger stage, or nymphing deep, this fly delivers consistent results.

If you’re looking for a **budget-friendly yet reliable BWO pattern**, this fly is definitely worth adding to your collection. Tight lines!

Hen Mallard Duck Full Skin 2 Wings Fly Tying Fishing Flank Feathers Tenkara

Hen Mallard Duck Full Skin 2 Wings Fly Tying Fishing Flank Feathers Tenkara

**Is the Kylebooker Hen Mallard Duck Full Skin 2 Wings Fly Tying Fishing Flank Feathers Worth It? A Comprehensive Review**

For fly-tying enthusiasts and Tenkara anglers, finding high-quality materials at a reasonable price is crucial. The **Kylebooker Hen Mallard Duck Full Skin with 2 Wings Fly Tying Fishing Flank Feathers** has gained attention in the fishing community, but does it offer good value for money? In this review, we’ll examine its features, performance, and overall cost-effectiveness to help you decide if it’s a worthy addition to your fly-tying toolkit.

### **Product Overview**
This product includes a full hen mallard duck skin with two wings intact, providing a generous supply of flank feathers ideal for fly tying. The feathers are prized for their natural hues, flexibility, and durability, making them suitable for creating realistic nymphs, streamers, and dry flies. The inclusion of wings adds versatility, allowing tiers to use smaller feathers for delicate patterns.

### **Quality and Performance**
1. **Feather Texture & Durability**
Hen mallard feathers are softer and more supple than drake feathers, which makes them easier to work with when tying smaller flies. The Kylebooker product delivers consistent quality, with minimal breakage during handling. The fibers hold well when wrapped, and the natural barring adds lifelike movement in the water—a key advantage for attracting fish.

2. **Versatility in Fly Patterns**
These feathers excel in patterns like the **Mallard Wing Quill, Soft Hackle, and CDC emergers**. The flank feathers are particularly useful for creating segmented bodies on nymphs or adding a subtle pulse to streamers. The wings can be used for wing cases or as a base for more intricate designs.

3. **Tenkara Compatibility**
Tenkara fishing relies on lightweight, precise flies, and the Hen Mallard’s fine fibers are perfect for crafting minimalist patterns. Whether you’re tying **Kebari flies** or imitating mayflies, the feathers provide excellent buoyancy and movement without excessive bulk.

### **Price vs. Competitors**
Compared to similar products from brands like **Whiting Farms or Metz**, the Kylebooker option is notably more affordable. While premium brands may offer slightly more uniform feathers, the cost difference is significant, especially for tiers who go through materials quickly. A full skin with wings provides long-term value, as it can yield hundreds of flies.

### **Potential Drawbacks**
– **Variability**: Natural feathers may have slight inconsistencies in size or color, but this can also add realism to flies.
– **Preparation Required**: Some users may need to trim or sort feathers, though this is common with most natural materials.

### **Final Verdict: Excellent Value**
For anglers seeking a budget-friendly yet reliable source of high-quality mallard feathers, the **Kylebooker Hen Mallard Skin** is a standout choice. Its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned fly-tiers, particularly in Tenkara applications. While it may lack the “premium” label of higher-priced brands, the performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat.

**Rating: 4.5/5**
*Pros*: Affordable, versatile, great for Tenkara, ample supply.
*Cons*: Minor natural variations, may require prep work.

If you’re looking to stock up on durable, fish-effective feathers without overspending, this product deserves a spot in your fly-tying arsenal. Tight lines!

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