best barbless oooks?

[Convert]

afternoon all,

am just starting to delve into the dark arts of fly tying and am gathering together my 'stuff'

on the subject of hooks, I want to be tying smaller (16, 18, possibly 20) flies and want barbless

quick question(s)
do hook manufacturers supply barbless in the same quantities/range as for barbed (particularly long and short shanks);

if I'm tying them, is it better to go for barbless or buy barbed and nip the barb off (I'm thinking about availability of the range from suppliers); and

are there any particular hook suppliers to keep in mind

oh and, any gems of hook related advice you'd like to share with me (I think understand the concept of not sticking hooks in my fingers but still do it anyway)

thanks, Dave

[sabsman]

Personal favourite for dries is the Tiemco 103BL...fine, ultra sharp hooks.

Just purchased some Grip 11013BL dry fly hooks from Phil at Fly Tying Boutique which look exceptionally good but not had a chance to try them out yet.

Mick.

[SharkeyP]

I was going say say Grip too but Mick beat me to it. I use the 11011BL for various dry fly patterns including my Egg Hog and in spite of their lightness I have never had one straighten on me. The hook-up rate is good and they seem to stay hooked too. What more could you want from a hook? They are similar to the Tiemco 103BL but not identical. Cheaper too!

SharkeyP

[fish4all]

Avoid Royd hook. just bought some and they went in to the bin. should have done a serch on hear first !

[lhomme]

Hi Dave,

never had any problems with the Tiemco BL versions. Not all hooks are available in barbless version sadly, but there's a big difference between "flattened" or "crushed" and real barbless hooks. You'll only know (feel) the difference when you unhook a fish or yourself. If you want to remove the barb of a hook wriggle it in the forceps until it breaks off. Do this before tying a fly on them, cause you'll break the odd point or hook in the process.

Regards,
Johan

[Convert]

thanks for the replies one and all

I'm right to think that this is a dark art and it only proves the concept that the more I learn the more I know that I dont know much

there are sufficient hook types in barbless to meet my requirements so I'll go with the suggestions you've given me

Dave

[Taniwha]

knapek doone of the best ranges including a nice dry fly hook with a decent gape and shortish shank compared to the 103bl style hooks - would be good for spiders also. I like the grip hooks too. FWIW Varivas 2200 don't seem to hold a fish - point is too short, better to buy the 2210 and nip off the barb

[Fly_F1sher]

Being new to the 'dark arts' myself.

This may help you in your deliberations.

Hook Comparison Chart

I'd reccommend Hugh O Reilly of London 0207 258 1233. [He does most styles of Kamasan Hooks at around £6.20 for a hundred.......]

[christy27]

Another vote for 'Grip' hooks from FTB. Soon I don't think I'll own any other type .

Chris.

[flyfisherlady]

It's a life changing moment using proper barbless hooks.
I like the Partridge Lightning barbless range and the tiemco 103bl's for dry flies. They are both fine wire hooks which is nicer for the fish. However, some people say they snap. Personally, I haven't had a problem with this. Also, using finewire barbless quite often means you don't even need forceps, your fingers will do as they slide out so easily.