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| A wide gape Mustad hook, silk and goose biot body and badger hackle |
While researching North Country flies I came upon some interesting writings on the use of hooks. Most tyers are of the same thought as to the fact that they prefer light wire hooks the kind that you would use on dry flies, and I am in agreement with this for the reason the "spider" should be fished just under the surface. A heavier hook would bring this type of fly to perhaps a depth that's not in the best interest of gaining the most movement which is paramount in the flies success.
While tying several patterns I chose a variety of dry fly hooks. Each proved to be worthy, but there are a few that have been a tad better in their ability to hook quicker and hold fish better. Some even have a fine look to the pattern when used. While I don't think it makes a difference as far as how the fish sees it, cause all varieties work. But as a fly tyer I think I like to gaze upon a fine fly rather then something else.
This is the exact same pattern only it's tied on a Mustad 94840 hook #14. Though they are the same this one looks smaller, and has the wide gape.
ReplyDeleteI see you are keeping busy!! Very interesting observations and I am sure they will all work quite well!! The beauty I think is in the simplicity of the fly!!! Very Nice Al!!!
TROUTI
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Pete when not fishing think fishing. I love simplicity, it seems to work so well.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge as a fly tyer Allen. Well done, your flies are truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wirtes
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John I truly appreciate your comments.
To me the bottom one looks like a bigger hook although I think It's just the camera angle. Either way, they're awesome.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark now that I look closer you may be right. They looked different in my hand.
Alan - The other consideration for me when I am tying spiders is the sheen and finish of the hook when the silk/thread is wet. I prefer the more bronzed hooks like the Mustad because the bronzed finish darkens and shows through the silk body when the fly is wet.
ReplyDeleteMark
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Mark a very good point. That little bit of magic can make all the difference to a selective trout.
Great information. I've stopped ordering online, unless it's a replacement, b/c the pictures aren't always representative. This helps. Thx
ReplyDeleteDrewLooknFishy
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Drew it's tough buying online. The same fly looks different on almost every site.
Beautifully crafted sparseness!
ReplyDeleteBecause I generally don't fish dries or slightly sub-surface, hook selection of this type hasn't been of great concern. Food for thought in the future.
thedeadfisher
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It's one of those tiny bits of info we store in memory, and one never knows.......
I keep saying I'm going to tie some of these up to test out here and now you've given me a reason to take a look at the hooks I'm using. Your impressiveness as a fly tier can't be overstated. Thanks Alan.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard soft hackled flies really work and should be given a try.
Alan
ReplyDeleteYou are the individual who started me fishing the Soft Hackle. My success with this pattern has been takes just under the surface. The lighter hook would work best for me especially when the trout are in a sipping mode, which is feeding just under the surface. Using the wide gap hook is another added feature that adds to ones success in landing more fish. Great job at the bench--thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill that is when the soft hackle is most deadly...just under the surface. It's there where it can represent so many stages of insect activity. Good observation on the wide gape hook.
Alan do you ever use weight in your soft hackles or do you weight your line. Impressive ties. The simplicity of your work is a style I try to emulate myself. Thanks for the lesson.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad I do not use any weight with my soft hackles. I swing them or cast upstream and let them drift freely in the current. When they stop their drift I let them hang for a second or two and then retrieve with a pulsing twitch.
I like the idea of not using up the entire hook with material and using less to make a smaller fly but having the same size hook for better engagement.
ReplyDeletechris
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Chris most SH's and spider patterns are tied with slim short bodies. I like to bring the thread to just past the point of the hook.
Allen thanks for sharing your tips.
ReplyDeleteDrew if you have not atarted tying, you should look into taking a class. It can de daunting to start, but learning simple patterns that you can actually fish/catch fish is a huge personal accomplishment.
Normally when I travel to fish, I will take my small tying kit with me. I research ahead of time what is working at that time of year to make sure I have a basic kit of raw materials to cover those patterns.
Then I will make a trip to a selected flyshop, to talk amd get updated info and pick up a few(1or2) of the go to patterns.
Once you get the basics of tying down, its pretty easy to look at a pattern from the shop and recreate it. That way if its a really hot fly and they are tearing it up, you can actually build your own.
Nothing better in the evening than a bourbon, cigar and a vice (pun(s) intended) tying up what you know will work tomorrow.
Most of what you would by off of the internet would be "factory flys" from offshore. The flys in most quallity fly shops at destination locations, will have usually have flys tied by locals/guides that might just have that special "Mod" that makes it work in the local waters.
Again Allen thanks for the page, photos and content.
AD PreparedHam
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These are very good points. I especially like the one about local shops using the talents of local tyers.
Good stuff here because I haven't yet figured out a good, economical hook for soft hackles. I will probably go with the mustad because I like the wide gap, and they are probably cheaper. Right now I am using some Partridge brand spider hooks that are great quality and insanely sharp, but they are too expensive.
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout
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Jonathan I found the Mustads work fine for me, and you can't beat the price.
I have some Sylvester Nemes soft hackle hooks. They are nice looking hooks and flies tied on them are frame quality, but they to are pricey.
Another hook you may want to try is the Mustad 94842, it has an upturned eye.
Gorgeous flies, and definitely something for me to consider when tying some trout flies. I just started to pay attention to the wire size. I haven't tied any dries, yet, but it's something that I plan on doing as Winter progresses.
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini
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Justin give some of these soft hackles a try. They work well on warm water guys too.
I definitely will!
DeleteI like the Partridge "Spider" hooks. Fairly light wire, short shanked, wide gap, ring eye. They make a handsome fly.
ReplyDeletessj
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That's the second comment about those Partridge Spider hooks. I must check them out.