Fly Tying Hook. 50pk Hayabusa FLY 751 Short Shank Special. BLOB／NYMPH. 3 Colours
**Kylebooker Fly Tying Hook. 50pk Hayabusa FLY 751 Short Shank Special. BLOB/NYMPH. 3 Colours: A Comprehensive Review on Value for Money**
For fly fishing enthusiasts, the quality of hooks can make or break a successful day on the water. The **Kylebooker Fly Tying Hook (50pk Hayabusa FLY 751 Short Shank Special)** is a product that has garnered attention among anglers targeting species like trout and grayling with blob or nymph patterns. But does it offer true value for money? Let’s break down its features, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
### **1. Key Features & Design**
The **Hayabusa FLY 751** is a short-shank hook designed specifically for tying compact, weight-optimized flies like blobs and nymphs. Its key attributes include:
– **Short Shank**: Ideal for creating dense, lifelike patterns that sink quickly—critical for stillwater or deep nymphing.
– **3 Colour Options**: Typically available in black, red, and gold, catering to different water conditions and fish preferences.
– **Sharpness & Strength**: Hayabusa hooks are known for their chemically sharpened points and high-carbon steel construction, ensuring solid hooksets.
– **Barbed or Barbless Variants**: Some packs offer barbless options for catch-and-release compliance.
### **2. Performance Evaluation**
In practical use, the **FLY 751** excels in several areas:
– **Durability**: The high-carbon steel resists bending, even when battling larger trout.
– **Penetration**: The sharpness ensures minimal effort is needed to set the hook, reducing missed strikes.
– **Versatility**: While marketed for blobs/nymphs, its short shank also works well for small streamers or emergers.
However, a minor drawback is the **corrosion resistance**. Unlike premium brands like Gamakatsu or Daiichi, these hooks may require drying after use in saltwater or highly acidic environments.
### **3. Price vs. Competitors**
Priced at **$15–$20 per 50-pack**, the Kylebooker Hayabusa hooks sit in the mid-range tier. Comparatively:
– **Budget Hooks** (e.g., generic Chinese brands): Often under $10/50pk but suffer from inconsistent sharpness and brittleness.
– **Premium Hooks** (e.g., Tiemco TMC 2487): Cost $25+ for 25 hooks—double the price for marginal gains in refinement.
The **FLY 751 strikes a balance**, offering Hayabusa’s reputable quality at half the cost of elite brands. For tiers who go through hooks quickly (e.g., guide services or competitive anglers), this is a significant advantage.
### **4. Who Should Buy It?**
– **Beginners**: A cost-effective way to practice tying without sacrificing hook quality.
– **Stillwater Anglers**: The short shank is perfect for buoyant blob flies used in reservoirs.
– **Bulk Tyers**: At ~$0.30–$0.40 per hook, it’s ideal for mass-producing nymphs.
### **5. Final Verdict: 8.5/10 for Value**
While not the absolute premium option, the **Kylebooker Hayabusa FLY 751** delivers **90% of the performance** of top-tier hooks at **50% of the cost**. The 50-pack quantity and colour variety further enhance its practicality. For anglers prioritizing affordability without compromising on reliability, this hook is a **smart investment**.
*Pro Tip*: Pair it with UV resins or tungsten beads to maximize sink rates for deep-nymphing scenarios.
Would you try these hooks? Share your experiences in the comments! 🎣