Hook sizes and tyings

[messybeast]

ok here goes....

While purchasing size 10, 12 and 14 hooks my local tackle shop owner told me he ties all those "sized" flies on size ten hooks. The reason given was that the smaller hooks would take longer to sink.

Your views reasons for against etc etc would be appreciated.

Messy

[horses50]

As a general rule of thumb i was always told smaller hooks used for river flies and the bigger hooks are for ressy fishing
It really depends on what you are tying and were you are fishing,if you are on a ressy and fishing lures then yes the bigger hook size would do but if you are trying to match the hatch there are not too many bugs that are a size 10.

[messybeast]

The flies would be used on reservoirs.. sorry knew I would miss something out

Messy

[christy27]

Kamasan B175s seem to be a very popular choice in size 10 and they cover many varieties and styles for ressi flys. Size 10 appears to be the norm.

Chris.

[Chris Reeves]

If you are fishing a loch style competition to international rules, you can't use wieght in a fly. There are times when a small fly is required but you want it to get down a few feet quickly, we often tie a smaller fly "short dressed" on a hook one or two sizes larger to achieve this. It is a good tactic for buzzers and daiwl bach type of flies. Why the fish don't seem to mind the larger hook is a mystery. If I was tying for my own box I'd tie a pattern in sizes 10 to 16, the short dressed versions size 12 on a 10, 14 on a 12, 16 on a 14 to give me a range of depth options.

Of course there are plenty of people out there who don't subscribe to this idea, however I believe it works and have had great success with short dressed buzzers on a washing line rig at Rutland, short dressed pulling hoppers at grafham etc etc.

Cheers

[mattybhoy]

it`s not only hook sizes , hook types as well.
i currently use bi175 , b405 , b100 and want b160`s in size 10 , 12 , 14s .

with red , gold and silver hooks and old stocks of spright and partridge competition hooks to use up there are suitable hooks for all types of flies ,not to mention my old long shanks that are unlikely to be used.

it`s a jungle out there ......