General rule for size of barbell eyes?

[dfinn 0]

I'm planning on tying up some Kelly Galloup streamers in the near future and I'm getting all the materials ready. Most of these will be articulated with #4 hooks. My supplier sells barbell eyes in these sizes: 4/25, 9/50, 7/32 and 1/4. I know that the biggest decider of eyes is actually based on how you want it to sink but in a general sense, for fishing trout in moving water, is there a rule for what size eyes to what size hook?

[tidewaterfly 0]

I've yet to come up with a good general rule, but there certainly are other considerations besides sink rates. IMO, the smaller the hook size, the smaller the eyes. Put those 1/4 size eyes on a size 8 hook & they don't look like they fit, plus it will literally sink like a rock. On a size 4, they might be fine, but it would depend on where on the hook. On the top of the shank, as Clouser style, probably not a problem, but on the underside, they might create issues with blocking the hook gape.

 

Also, the hook makes some difference too. That same size 4 hook & 1/4" size eyes might be fine if the hook is 2X or 3X long, but not so much with a shorter shank.

 

I hate to admit it, but most of the time I'll choose barbells based on how they look on a particular size hook, unless I have a specific sink rate in mind. It's simply a visual determination. With that said, I also have an assortment of sizes & in lead, brass & tungsten to choose from.

[SkinnyPole 0]

Here is some info that might help.

 

https://www.hookhack.com/html/beadseyesdumbells.html

 

Skinny