FLYMPH FORUM

I use a whole bunch of different hooks (from a tiny size 20 all the way up to SIZE 4):

Mustad Signature Series: R50 (standard wet/dry), R70 (2X heavy wet/nymph), R90 (ultra heavy nymph), C49S (curved caddis hook), C67S (egg hook)
Mustad Classic Series: 3906, 3906B, 94842 (turned-up eye)
Daiichi Models: 1510, 1710

If you check through the various patterns, posted on this site, you will find that the possible hook choices are staggering!

Could someone explain to me the 1x 1.5x hook shank length? I know it is shorter / longer etc. but presumably it is some kind of ratio, but to what?
Thanks,
Andrew.

Would it not be, for example, a sz 14 1x long has the same shank length as a standard sz 12?
And sz 14 1 x short has the shank length of standard sz 16.
Is this what you are asking for?

dd

So the 1x means a shank length of one hook size greater, and 2x presumably shank length of hook 2 sizes greater? If that's right, then yes, that is what I was asking for, thanks dd!

You're welcome anytime, Sir!

dd

daringduffer wrote:Would it not be, for example, a sz 14 1x long has the same shank length as a standard sz 12?
And sz 14 1 x short has the shank length of standard sz 16.
Is this what you are asking for?

dd

Would I be wrong in thinking that your explanation is actually two hook sizes different? I know here in the states we seldom deal with the odd numbered size but wouldn't they actually be part of this size comparison?

Regards, Jerry

MY GOD< Hank,
you've gone and done it, now. I'd suggest starting with one hook type in a couple different sizes. I mean you could go bonkers purchasing hooks. Start slow my friend a build your selection ONCE YOU BECOME MORE ADEPT AT TYING. Fairly priced hooks I like and have used for years with little failures, good hooking ability are Mustad 3399A. They are now Mustad S60. These are wet fly hooks with a sproat bend, standard wire construction.http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/ite ... -Hook.html
Bottom line--They work, and have worked for me for many many years.

Similar, but a bit more price-wise is Daiichi 1550. http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/ite ... 51550-0000

I suggest starting with some 10s, 12s, & 14s. Remember, it's easier to tie on bigger hooks. Once you get some tying under your belt, you can begin to build a selection of different sizes and shapes for various applications and representations. Hooks are the bones of the fly, and varying your hook selection and fitting the hook to the imitation you want to create is important, For now-start simple and build.

Mark

Jerry G wrote:

daringduffer wrote:Would it not be, for example, a sz 14 1x long has the same shank length as a standard sz 12?
And sz 14 1 x short has the shank length of standard sz 16.
Is this what you are asking for?

dd

Would I be wrong in thinking that your explanation is actually two hook sizes different? I know here in the states we seldom deal with the odd numbered size but wouldn't they actually be part of this size comparison?

Regards, Jerry

No, nothing of the sort. You would be quite right. Odd numbers are so odd (except for TMC/Tiemco) that I didn't even take it into consideration. I suppose, without knowing it for a fact, that by "one size" is meant the step between even numbers. But there is no real standard, followed by every hook-maker. One has to compare side-by-side. The importance might be overstated. One could easily dress a longer or shorter body on the same type of hook, if only the fish are taken into consideration. But there is more to it than that - is it not?

dd

dd,
Debating with myself as to posting my original reply I finally I realized there may be some good in the post as those new to tying may not even realize the odd numbers are also used in hooks. That said you are also correct in that the various company's may very well have their own standards as to length along with about anything else involved in the design of hooks having their name. With that ones #14 could easily be another's #15 or #13. Who knows perhaps even more dramatic a difference than that.

Regards, Jerry

Just a slight tangent...

Has anyone noticed that the "std" shank lengths on Japanese dry and wet hooks (Daiichi and Tiemco) tend to be a tad longer than the Mustads and Partridge? This was one of the reasons I would choose the TMC 100 over the Mustad R50 for flymphs.

Aaron