Usage of hooks..

[LoneRider 0]

Hi guys,

 

I know this has probably been discussed before but typing "hook" into the search function threw up a gazillion results. I'm a newbie from Singapore who tie flies but don't fly fish (hope to change that soon). Anyway, fly tying (for that matter flyfishing) isn't that common around here so as you can guess materials are difficult and expensive to come by.

 

While browsing at a tackle shop last month I saw some fly hooks on sale so grabbed a couple of packs. I need some info on Mustad no. 7948A, what hooks are they? are they dry hooks or better off for streamers? I'm thinking of using them for foam flies to target peacock bass and other cichlids (even the occasional arowanas).

 

The one hook I use often are the C70S D, the're great for tying Charlies and Clousers for saltwater and they last a long time as long as wash and dry them out well but they're quite expensive here, I picked out what seems to be a close match (size and gauge) to it, cost less than half of the Mustads). they're bait hooks but I know from experience the brand is reliable, having landed a 10kg stingray on their hooks. Are there any problems with using baithooks for tying flies? Will there be any issues during hookups cos of the different bend and barb shape?

 

Hope to hear your comments..

 

Regards Azad

 

[flytire 0]

bookmark this chart for future reference

 

http://www.killroys.com/hooks/hookchrt.htm

 

the mustad 7948a is a nymph/dry style hook

[utyer 0]

I see no problem with using "bait" hooks for flies. If they suit the purpose, tie away. I have used many different style "bait" hooks for tying various flies. There only bait hooks if you hang bait on them.

[arkfisher 0]

I've tied on both bait hooks and fly hooks. The biggest difference that I see between the 2 is usually hook setting. Generally, hooks that are made for fly fishing/tying are sharper than regular ol' baithooks. This means you have to set the hook a little harder to get good penetration. If you're fishing for panfish...not that big a deal, but when fishing for white bass or trout...I want my hooks as sharp as I can get them. Especially for those finiky trout where you are using 1-2 lb tippet....not much room for "yanking" to set the hook there.

 

Just my 2 cents

[Philly 0]

I use a lot of different hooks for tying flies. For trout flies, I use hooks that are designated "fly hooks"

For warm water and salt water, whatever fits the fly I'm tying. From your pictures, I don't see any problem with using the hooks in them for tying flies. The fish certainly don't care what kind of hooks you use.

Got a question. Do you need any sort of license or permit to fish either fresh or salt water in Singapore. I was there 5 years ago for work, but didn't bring any fishing gear with me, and I'll probably be heading over either sometime later this year or early next year and will probably throw my fly rod and some flies in my luggage and hope I don't get sick like I did last time and be able to get out and see some of the country.

[LoneRider 0]

Flytire

Thanks for the link, that chart is sure useful...

 

Thanks arkfisher and utyer..

I've the same thoughts too, at times I can't fathom any reason to use an expensive fly hook when a bait hook costs so much less, the Pioneer hook costs SGD$2.50 per pack as compared to the Mustads that costs SGD$5.50. Some hooks would probably have no substitutes, dry fly, natural bends.. I agree on the importance of fly hooks being more sharp though but I think that can be easily fixed with a nice diamond file.. A sharp hook will penetrate really well, especially if the fish has bony jaws like the peacock bass. One alternative is to use a thinner gauge hook, though changes have to be made in hook setting and drag setting. I've had opened hooks on Daiichi thin gauge (barramundi) but that hook cuts through bones and scales like a hot knife through butter. Now, one more question, if you guys think bait hooks are ok, how about hooks with offsets (not offset eyes), suicide hooks?

 

To Philly..

Theres no need for permits for both fresh and saltwater fishing in Singapore. There are however some regulation with where you can fish (some areas are off limits, mostly military bases and some water catchment areas) and no use of organic bait. Have to warn you though, the fishes here are far and few but once you get used to the conditions here you should be hooking up in no time.. PM me if you need anymore info.

 

Azad

[utyer 0]

I have quite a few offset hooks in my colleciton, and I have used many of them for eggs, caddis, and streamers. Haven't had any problems. I sometimes straighten out the offset on the long shank hooks when I put it in the vise.

 

You right about the diamond file for sharpening your "dull" hooks. Many bait hooks are on a little heavier wire than extra fine dry fly hooks, but streamers and other sinking patterns will be no problem. I find that I have to sharpen most of the standard mustad hooks, The only hook out of the box that I sharpen. Most of the others work ok. Gamakatsu hooks are some of the sharpest hooks I have ever found. Not too easy to find in anything but salt water styles in most shops over here. At least in my area of the country.

[LoneRider 0]

Thanks utyer..

 

Glad to know offset hooks are ok. I've had good experiences using Gamas too. My favourite is their Iseama twist pattern. If you're ever in Bangkok Thailand and have the chance to tango with the giant mekong cats you'll find that all the guides swear by these hooks. My biggest was a 40kg brute on a size 1/0 Gama hook and 60lbs GSP leader. I used that same hook on 3 cats and there was no hint of wear. Super sharp.. I test for sharpness by checking if they're sharp enough to scratch my nails (thought to me by an old timer). Check out Mega Fishing Thailand online.. Always wondered if anyone ever tried catching one of these on fly. Should be a loooong fight.

[Al Beatty 0]

Hi LoneRider,

 

You've already gotten great answers from several other site members. All I will add is a direct quote from my copy of the Hook Book by Stewart published in the mid 80s. The information may prove helpful:

 

7948A

Shape: Forged, Round bend

Eye: Tapered, turned down

Finish: Bronze

Sizes: 2 to 20

 

Common Use: Dry and wet flies

 

Possible Substitutes: Eagle Claw 47; Partridge G3A; VMC 9280

 

Tight Lines - Al Beatty

www.btsflyfishing.com

 

[LoneRider 0]

Thanks Al,

 

You guys are a great bunch. That's really good info. Especially considering that in the mid 80's when that book was published I was still a wee lad.

 

Azad