I've got several of these masks in different shades, because I like to mix my own hare dubbing. It gives me the opportunity to exactly match the colors found on insects for my nymphs and other wet fly ties.
Although mixing my own hare dubbing is extra work, I feel the effort does pay off, primarily on the smaller spring fed streams that I fish in the Ozarks. These streams tend to be slower moving, there is a abundant forage base, and the trout get wary due to a lot of fishing pressure. But I've found that matching the colors and texture found on insects gives me an edge.
The masks have a lot of guard hairs for that extra buggy look, imitating legs and antenna stemming from a thorax. There's also plenty of fine and light underfur for a smoother look for a nymph abdomen. So I separate the hair primarily by color, and by guard hare or underfur, when I harvest a cape. I usually cut the guard hare off the mask in clumps and and pull out the underfur, and then rake the mask to remove remaining underfur. I store it in clear zip-loc bags for use later.
9 of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Get One
Reviewer: A viewer
from North Tonawanda, NY US
Every fly bench should have one. The natural color has a good mix of colors within the mask. One thing I did notice about the mask I bought is that it kind of stinks so keep that in mind. <i>[J. Stockard replies: Hare's masks do have a stronger odor than other natrual products, and it permeates the zip-lock plastic packaging. This is a result of the tanning process, not a sign of faulty preparation. Keep your hare's masks in a sealed outer container to control the odor.]</i>
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Great product, low cost !!!
Reviewer: A viewer
from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais BR
This mask is awesome, really good quality underfur for dubbing nymphs and dries, highly recommended !!!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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The Best
Reviewer: A viewer
from Sissonville, WV US
Harelines Hare's Mask is the lowest cost and best value for your buck. You cant go wrong with this stuff its the best Hare's Mask that I have ever purchased.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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one of the best
Reviewer: A viewer
from Farmdale, OH US
this is a must have for anyone who fishes trout or steelhead. you can tie lots of hares ears from one mask, great product!!!!!!!!!!!!
