HARE’E ICE DUB – Hareline Fly Tying Dubbing – Hare’s Ear & Ice Dub Blend NEW!
# **Kylebooker HARE’E ICE DUB – Hareline Fly Tying Dubbing – Hare’s Ear & Ice Dub Blend NEW! – Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality tying materials that enhance the effectiveness of my flies. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker HARE’E ICE DUB**, a new blend from Hareline that combines the classic **Hare’s Ear** dubbing with their popular **Ice Dub**. The product promises durability, a natural appearance, and added flash—but does it live up to the hype? In this review, I’ll break down its features, performance, and overall value to help fellow anglers decide if it’s worth adding to their fly-tying arsenal.
## **What Is HARE’E ICE DUB?**
This dubbing is a **pre-mixed blend of Hare’s Ear and Ice Dub**, designed to create lifelike nymphs, emergers, and wet flies. Hare’s Ear dubbing is a staple in fly tying, known for its natural buggy texture, while Ice Dub adds a subtle flash that mimics the sheen of real aquatic insects. The combination aims to offer the best of both worlds—realism and attractiveness to fish.
### **Key Features:**
– **Natural Hare’s Ear fibers** for a buggy, segmented look
– **Synthetic Ice Dub** for added flash and durability
– **Pre-mixed blend** for convenience
– **Versatile for nymphs, soft hackles, and emergers**
## **Performance on the Water**
I tied several **Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Hare’s Ear Nymphs, and CDC Emergers** using this dubbing and tested them on my local trout stream. Here’s what I found:
### **1. Realistic Movement & Appearance**
The Hare’s Ear fibers provide a **natural, pulsating effect** underwater, closely resembling real insect larvae. The Ice Dub adds just enough sparkle to catch the attention of fish without looking artificial. Trout seemed to key in on the flies quickly, suggesting the blend effectively imitates natural prey.
### **2. Durability & Ease of Use**
Unlike some dubbings that fray or lose their texture after a few fish, this blend **holds up well**. The synthetic Ice Dub reinforces the natural fibers, making the flies last longer. Additionally, the pre-mixed formula saves time—no need to manually mix Hare’s Ear and flash materials.
### **3. Versatility**
This dubbing works great for:
– **Euro nymphing patterns** (e.g., Perdigons with a touch of dubbing)
– **Soft hackle wet flies** (the flash mimics emerging insects)
– **Scud and caddis imitations** (the buggy texture is perfect for these)
## **Price & Value**
At around **$5–$7 per package** (depending on the retailer), the **HARE’E ICE DUB** is competitively priced compared to other premium dubbings. Considering its **dual-action appeal** (natural look + flash) and durability, it offers **good value for money**.
### **Pros:**
✔ Excellent buggy texture with added flash
✔ Durable—flies last multiple fish
✔ Pre-mixed for convenience
✔ Works for a variety of patterns
### **Cons:**
✖ Slightly more expensive than plain Hare’s Ear dubbing
✖ The flash might be too much for ultra-selective trout in crystal-clear water
## **Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?**
If you’re looking for a **high-quality, versatile dubbing** that enhances both realism and fish-attracting flash, the **Kylebooker HARE’E ICE DUB** is a **great investment**. It’s especially useful for:
– **Nymph fishermen** who want durable, effective flies
– **Tyers who appreciate pre-mixed blends** to save time
– **Anglers targeting trout in slightly stained or moving water** (where flash helps)
While purists might prefer traditional Hare’s Ear for ultra-fussy fish, this blend is an excellent **all-around option** that performs well in most conditions. For the price, it’s a **solid addition to any fly-tying bench**.
**Rating: 4.5/5** – Highly recommended for its balance of realism and flash!
Have you tried this dubbing? Share your thoughts in the comments! Tight lines! 🎣