When to use hooks with straight, down or up eyes?

[SpokaneDude 0]

I apologize if this has been answered before, but a search found nothing... so, my question is: what are the benefits of using a hook with a straight eye vs down eye vs up eye? Specifically, I am trying to find the ultimate hook for soft hackle flies. And, while I'm at it, what are the benefits of the Limerick bend?

 

SD

[Saltybum 0]

Pretty much depends on how you desire the hook point to ride, up or down and if you intend to use weighted eyes.

[shoebop 0]

I think that the Dude is looking for style usage. The hook eye up, down or straight.

 

hook eye down...traditional dry and wet fly hook. Also a general tying hook for most flies and streamers

 

hook eye straight...typically used for streamers and on some scud hooks

 

hook eye up...typical on salmon flies, trailer hooks,

 

The hook bend is more of an aesthetic feature to me. For example, I can't imagine a salmon fly without a sproat bend hook. The Limerick bend is a modified sproat bend and could be used for the same flies.

 

These are just general observations of mine and by no means a professional opinion. I have seen flies tied on non-typical hooks and there is nothing wrong with that. That being said, I just can't abide a stimulator tied on anything but a curved shank hook. It just doesn't look right to my eye.

[SpokaneDude 0]

Thanks @shoebop... exactly what I was looking for!

[Philly 0]

I prefer straight eye hooks for whatever I'm tying and a round bend if possible. The tradition of down eyed or up eyed hooks probably dates back to the days when flies were snelled.

[Fisherboy0301 0]

Up eyed hooks appeal to my eye, but straight is functional to me. Either of the two are what I prefer. I use down but only because they're commonly available.

[flytire 0]

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=70366

 

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=78882

 

dry flies can, have been and will be tied on up eyed hooks.