I frequently see rat prices referred to by the usual "sm, med, lg, xl", etc, similar to most furbearers. However, I also see "kits". What constitutes a Kit? I assume there must be some size that falls below "small"?

yeah, usually a really FUZZY appearing one with very little true guard hair. Very few of em usually, good for mink bait, worthless in cash value.

I think so, AV. Like that beaver you got with me that wasn’t much larger than a dinner plate. That would be sized as a kit, I am certain.

Don’t think I’ve ever caught one. I have caught many that I had to stretch on coon boards though.

Makes sense. Thanks, guys.
Yeah,M_M, that was a dink. I remember wondering how I caught a muskrat up there, of all places! I still have that pelt!

Actually rats are measured in sizes from xtra small, small, mediurm, large, exlarge. 2xl large and 3xl large with specific inches of length and width at various points. Kits would be the x small and small and probably about 9- 10 inches in length and less. 3xls are over 17.5 2xl are over 16.5 xl and down.

Bryce

Fly tying material

I've caught a couple over the years and are a weird gunmetal blueish fuzz and take for ever to dry. And they were small.

Like Chance said, no guard hair.

According to FHA, XS is less than 10".