1 dozen (12) – Dark Hendrickson
Bob Fournier 
# **Is Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Dark Hendrickson Worth the Money? A Detailed Review**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable flies that can improve my success on the water. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Dark Hendrickson** flies and decided to test their performance. In this review, I’ll break down their **value, durability, effectiveness, and overall cost-effectiveness** to help fellow anglers decide whether they’re worth purchasing.
## **1. Understanding the Dark Hendrickson Fly**
The **Dark Hendrickson** is a classic mayfly imitation, primarily used to match the *Ephemerella subvaria* hatch, which is common in many North American rivers during spring. This fly is highly effective for trout, especially in slow-moving waters and riffles. A well-tied Dark Hendrickson can be a game-changer during a hatch, making it a must-have in any fly box.
## **2. Quality & Durability**
One of the biggest concerns when buying pre-tied flies is whether they’ll hold up after multiple fish strikes. After testing the **Kylebooker Dark Hendrickson**, I found that:
– **Hook Strength**: The hooks are sharp and sturdy, with no bending issues even when fighting larger trout.
– **Thread & Materials**: The thread wrapping is tight, and the hackle is well-proportioned, ensuring the fly maintains its shape after repeated use.
– **Floatability**: The fly sits well on the water, mimicking a natural mayfly. However, after several fish, a light application of floatant helps maintain buoyancy.
## **3. Effectiveness on the Water**
I tested these flies on a **moderate-flow river** during a **Hendrickson hatch**, and the results were impressive:
– **Trout Response**: The dark, natural coloration attracted consistent strikes, especially in slower pools.
– **Presentation**: The fly lands softly, avoiding excessive splashing that could spook fish.
– **Versatility**: While primarily designed for mayfly hatches, I found it also worked well as a searching pattern when no active hatch was present.
## **4. Price & Value for Money**
The **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) pack** is competitively priced compared to other brands. Here’s why it offers good value:
– **Cost per Fly**: Buying in bulk reduces the per-fly cost, making it economical for frequent anglers.
– **Consistency**: All 12 flies were well-tied with no noticeable defects—a common issue with cheaper bulk flies.
– **Longevity**: Since each fly lasts multiple fish, you get more fishing time before needing replacements.
## **5. Comparison with Other Brands**
When stacked against similar offerings from **Umpqua, Orvis, or Hareline**, the **Kylebooker Dark Hendrickson** holds its own:
– **Price**: Often cheaper than premium brands while maintaining good quality.
– **Availability**: Easily found online, making restocking convenient.
– **Performance**: Matches or exceeds mid-tier brands, though high-end custom ties might have slightly better materials.
## **6. Potential Drawbacks**
No product is perfect, and there are a few minor cons:
– **Float Life**: Like most dry flies, they eventually get waterlogged, but this is typical for any non-foam fly.
– **Color Fading**: After heavy use, the dark brown hue may fade slightly, but this doesn’t drastically affect effectiveness.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?**
**Yes!** The **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – Dark Hendrickson** offers **excellent value for money**, especially for anglers who fish frequently and need reliable, budget-friendly flies. While they may not last as long as ultra-premium hand-tied flies, their performance-to-price ratio makes them a **smart choice** for both beginners and experienced fly fishers.
If you’re looking for an **affordable, durable, and fish-catching** Dark Hendrickson, this pack is a solid investment. Tight lines!
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Would you like any additional details, such as where to purchase or alternative fly recommendations? Happy to help! 🎣