Best size 20 hooks and thin copoly?

[Spider]

Am trying to tie a few very small black hackles flies or Griffiths so see if i can improve on my last disappointing dry fly outing.

Am using size 20 Varivas 2300 ultra midge but notice that the eye is absolutely miniscule.

The thinnest copoly I have is 3.2lb Rio.

Can anyone recommend a very small hook , but with a bigger eye?

I will move down to the thinnest copoly i can find in the catalogues, but hook advise would be appreciated, as i can buy both hooks and copoly together from Sporfish or another supplies.

Thanks in advance.

[wahoo]

Orvis Big Eye Hook might be a good choice...and they make them as small as #26.

Good luck

[Former member 2]

I like the partridge SUD's and SLD's. Varivas i have found just too fine and bend to much
But I use good old fashioned stretchy nylon.0.14mm is about as low as I go.(2 1/2lb if you believe that sort of thing).
By the way if seeing to get the line through the eye is a problem Mag Eyes clipped to you hat are such a liberating addition.

[Spider]

Thanks all. I might contact Phil at Spidersplus as he has some interesting gear on this front....have to agree, thought the Varivas hooks were very bendy.....

[otter]

I like the Tiemco 2457 and 2487 in 18/20/22. These are scud type hooks , and may not suit all your ties of small stuff but strong wired and hook pretty good. Tiemco 206bl is another good hook but unfortunately black so i only use it for black/dark midge.

[monkeyhanger]

I have just read an article by Jeremy Lucas in FF & FT and his is extolling the virtues of Varivas 2300 ultra midge hooks. Light and strong.
Seems to be some doubt. Maybe I will give them a miss.

John H

[Spider]

John

Certainly very light, and possibly given short shank, wont bend on a trout , but the eye seemed tiny.....i've ordered some stuff from Phil at Spidersplus anyway , size 20 hooks and ultra thin tippet ......tks again.

[corky]

Spider will you post on how this works out please,
Ferg

[North Country Angler]

Originally Posted by monkeyhanger

I have just read an article by Jeremy Lucas in FF & FT and his is extolling the virtues of Varivas 2300 ultra midge hooks. Light and strong.
Seems to be some doubt. Maybe I will give them a miss.

John H

Yes. The 2300s in sizes 20-24 with Stroft tippet in 0.12mm-0.10mm. No problems there with fish in the 12oz-3lb bracket......providing the rod is of forgiving action. I leave my XP at home and revert to the #4 SLT for this sort of work.

M

[dwiltshire]

Try the partridge SLD. Very strong; a perfect hook.

Aside, I like the Varivas hooks, but they don't suit everyone and every style.