fearnofishrob 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2020 …….. new to this forum but not to fly fishing or tying...Ive been fly fishing for 60+ years and tying about as long I recently found out that I have macular degeneration in both eyes and this bring me to asking for help....Do any of you know who makes "big eye" hooks and better still do you know the model number Orvis carries a big eye hook with a straight eye and even though it probably doesn't make any difference I prefer a turned down eyes…. I have a tremendous problem trying to tie on a standard eye hook …..BUT if I can find a supplier of these hooks I can solve my problem... Any help you folks can offer will be greatly appreciated....Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve sparkie 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2020 Hi I ve done an google search for you hears what I found? Wide eyed hooks Tenkara - bum.com. Daiichi 110 Big eye - ring hook. feather craft in the states Another piece of help Orvis do a magnetic hook tier with a slot to lay the hook in and you keep a small magnifying glass with you to assist you good luck hope this help's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2020 Looks like Daiichi 1100's are big eye hooks, re-branded by Orvis (I think that is what steve sparkie above is referring to). https://www.orvis.com/p/big-eye-hook-in-down-eye-style/4864 https://www.feather-craft.com/daiichi-1100-big-eye-down-eye-hook And welcome to the site. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fearnofishrob 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2020 Thanks guys, that does look to be what I am looking for...I'll order some and then I'll know for sure....THANKS ./….Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2020 Hey fearnofishrob ... welcome to the site. Stay awhile and show us what you tie on those big eye hooks! I was going to mention, if you're looking for larger hooks with even larger eyes ... stinger hooks are the way to go. They eyes are designed to fit over the barb of the leading hook, then pinned in place with rubber band type material. So the eyes are huge, comparatively. But then I saw that you didn't want straight eyes, and I think all stinger hooks are straight eyes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FIN-ITE 34 0 Report post Posted June 24, 2020 If you are looking for small midge hooks, Gamakatsu has a large eye hook. https://www.gamakatsu.com/product/c12-bm-barbless-midge-large-eye/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fearnofishrob 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2020 Thanks Fin-ite I need dry and nymph hooks but will remember this hook... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skeet3t 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2020 I built rod many years ago. My wife found one of the lighted magnifying lights at a store. Bought it and I used it for wrapping rods and now use it for tying flies. Attached is a photo of the rod building setup. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meeshka 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2020 (edited) I feel for you Fearn cause I too have macular degeneration but only in my left eye. Forced me to sell my business prematurily. I've got about 50 years of tying and fly fishing under my belt, but can only tie comfortably to a size 12, let alone tie anything smaller on. Because I've lost some of my binocular vision therefore deapth perception I haven't fished a river in the past 3 years. Just can't wade in anymore. But to answer your question I saw this 20/20 Magnetic Tippet Threader on the HopperFishing.com website. Its cheap enough and I think worth a try. Hope this helps. I also use 2.5 power loops. Doug Edited June 26, 2020 by Meeshka Add more info Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meeshka 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2020 PS: If you google 20/20 Magnetic Tippet Threader there are some good u tubes on how it works Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fearnofishrob 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2020 Thanks for you your comment.....I have not tried the magnetic threader.....I did acquire a cap which is lighted and a set of hat eyes.....these things combined with the oversized eye hooks has been a big help....I've slowed down alot in my fishing and purposely take more time doing these little jobs.... again thanks and tight lines... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chugbug27 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2020 You could also tie your flies with the tippet already on it, with a perfection loop at the connection end for you to easily attach to your leader. Carry them in a wallet. A tippet ring on the end of your leader would make that super easy. If you don't lose or use a lot of flies this could work well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites