# **How to Choose the Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Fishing Fly – Size 12 – Six (6) Fishing Flies**
Fishing flies are essential tools for any angler, and selecting the right one can make the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty-handed. Among the most versatile and effective patterns is the **Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (GRHE)**, particularly in **Size 12**. This fly mimics a variety of aquatic insects, making it a must-have in any fly box.
In this guide, we’ll break down why this fly is so effective, how to choose the right one, and when to use it for maximum success.
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## **Why the Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear?**
The **Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear** is a classic nymph pattern that imitates **mayfly nymphs, caddis larvae, and other small aquatic insects**. The addition of a **bead head** enhances its effectiveness by:
– **Adding weight** for deeper presentation.
– **Creating a subtle flash** to attract fish.
– **Improving sink rate**, making it ideal for fast-moving water.
The **Size 12** version is particularly versatile—large enough to be visible to fish but small enough to match natural prey in most trout streams.
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## **Key Features to Look for When Choosing This Fly**
### **1. Bead Head Quality**
A **tungsten or brass bead** is preferable because:
– **Tungsten** sinks faster, allowing the fly to reach deeper pools quickly.
– **Brass** provides a natural flash without being overly bright.
Avoid cheap plastic beads, as they lack the necessary weight for proper nymphing.
### **2. Dubbing Material**
The **Hare’s Ear dubbing** should be:
– **Natural-looking** with a mix of guard hairs for a buggy appearance.
– **Durable** to withstand multiple strikes.
Some synthetic blends work well, but traditional hare’s mask fur offers the best movement in water.
### **3. Gold Ribbing**
The **ribbing** should be:
– **Evenly spaced** for segmentation.
– **Slightly reflective** (but not overly flashy).
This helps mimic the segmented body of nymphs while adding subtle attraction.
### **4. Hook Strength & Sharpness**
A **high-carbon steel hook** ensures:
– **Strength** to handle larger fish.
– **Sharpness** for solid hooksets.
Cheap, soft hooks can bend or dull quickly, costing you fish.
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## **When & How to Fish the Bead Head GRHE – Size 12**
### **Best Fishing Conditions**
– **Fast-moving water** (riffles, runs, and pocket water).
– **Moderate to deep pools** where trout hold near the bottom.
– **Early spring to late fall** (when nymph activity is high).
### **Recommended Rigging**
– **Euro-nymphing rig** – Use as a **point fly** with a lighter nymph as a dropper.
– **Indicator rig** – Fish under a strike indicator for better depth control.
– **Tandem rig** – Pair with a larger attractor fly (like a stonefly nymph).
### **Retrieval Techniques**
– **Dead drift** – Let it flow naturally with the current.
– **Short strips** – Imitate emerging insects.
– **Lift-and-drop** – Mimic a nymph rising to the surface.
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## **Why Choose a Pack of Six Flies?**
Having **six flies** ensures:
– **Backup flies** when you lose one to snags or fish.
– **Consistency** in presentation across different waters.
– **Long-term value** – A well-tied GRHE lasts, but spares are always useful.
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## **Final Thoughts**
The **Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear – Size 12** is a **must-have nymph** for trout, panfish, and even smallmouth bass. By choosing a **high-quality version with a tungsten bead, durable dubbing, and a sharp hook**, you’ll increase your chances of success on the water.
For reliable performance, check out **KyleBooker’s premium selection** of Hare’s Ear flies—designed for **durability, realism, and fish-catching ability**.
**Tight lines and happy fishing!** 🎣
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