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GG34

Baitfish pattern question

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Why do some patterns leave the front part of the hook exposed? Seems like it's mostly on tarpon flies.

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For teeth and hard mouths, also tarpon flies used to be snelled

Mostly because of tradition and as Joseph said: because they used to be snelled and stretched on individual leaders, and because many tyers lack shorter shanked hooks in personal inventories.

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The exposed shank can also act as a very short "wire" bite tippet.

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For teeth and hard mouths ...

If for no other reason ...

 

Oops ... utyer answered while I was typing this.

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what utyer said. I tie some clousers using super hair at the bend of a long shank hook leaving most if it exposed for chucking into schools of mackerel. This is especially helpful on clear flats where wire tippet can turn the fish off

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Thanks all. Makes sense. I usually only fish for reds and trout. Not sure if it matters to me.

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Thanks all. Makes sense. I usually only fish for reds and trout. Not sure if it matters to me.

Well nothing says you have to do it that way.

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Thanks all. Makes sense. I usually only fish for reds and trout. Not sure if it matters to me.

Well nothing says you have to do it that way.

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I think it is all relative.

 

For the more classical patterns I go 2-3 times the length of the hooks. Not my fly or my picture ( I wish...):

 

post-52874-0-21377500-1472999393_thumb.jpeg

 

For the EP style synthetic patterns I go 4-5 times the length, to put the hook closer to the head of the fly. My flies and pictures:

 

post-52874-0-84397700-1472999652_thumb.jpeg

 

post-52874-0-63190300-1472999706_thumb.jpeg

 

BUT, notice the difference in hooks. The bottom ones have much shorter shanks to begin with. That is why I say it is all relative.

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Thanks. I think my length is good. I don't have short spanked hooks so I need to start tying ep in closer to the hook eye. Otherwise, I use to much material.

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