Fly-fishing attracts many outdoor enthusiasts. The art and techniques used in this sport require lots of practice to master. The fishing gear anglers use is just as specialized as the skills they use. Fly-fishing techniques work for both fresh water and salt water species of fish, both large and small breeds. First used in the Middle East over 9,000 years ago, fishhook construction was from bits of bone, wood and then steel in later years.
Anatomy of the Hook
Understanding the anatomy of the hook aids you in comparing the variety of fly-fishing hooks on the market today. The distance from the eyelet to the bottom of the curve in the hook defines the length of the hook. The portion of the hook connecting the beginning of the hook to the eyelet is the shank of the hook. The gap of the hook measures from the shank to the tip of the hook. The tip of the hook bears the sharp end that hooks the fish and contains the barb if using a barbed hook. Hooks come in two varieties, barbed and barbless. Sportsmen that practice catch and release fishing favor barbless hooks to minimize damage to the fish. Some lakes in various parts of the country require barbless hooks be used.
Barbed Versus Barbless Hooks
Barbless hooks cause less damage to the lip and mouth of the fish. When caught, a hook pierces the lip of the fish, and in the case of barbed hooks, the barb helps to prevent the hook from dislodging from the fish’s mouth. Barbless hooks allow the practice of catch and release and the fish to return to the lake without damage.
For anglers who intend to keep their catch, barbed hooks are by far favored. Regardless of whether the fish swallows the hook or hooks itself through the back or eye, the barb helps the angler land the fish.
Size of the Hook
For proper hook selection, an angler must base his choice of flies on the size of the hooks used. Match the size of the hook to the size of the fish you are going after. If a hook is too small, it may be swallowed by the fish, causing severe internal injuries. Small hooks can also tear through the lip of a fish and not hook the fleshy part of their mouths. If the flies you plan to use contain hooks too large, they inhibit the game fish from biting the hook.
Pay close attention to the hooks you purchase for tying your flies. Different manufacturers have different numbering schemes. Some manufacturers number their hooks from the smallest hooks having the highest numbers to the largest hooks having the smallest numbers. Other manufacturers number their hooks in just the opposite fashion.
Hook Materials and Coatings
Cold rolled steel is the most common construction material for fishing hooks. They cost less than others to manufacture and hold up well for long-term use. Stainless steel is also a common construction material for fly hooks. They are more expensive than the cold steel variety but are also stronger and more durable. The other material used in fly hook construction is carbon. This material is by far the least prevalent type of hooks on the market. Insure that the hooks you use for fly-fishing possess an anticorrosive coating. This is extremely important if you are fishing in salt water.
Comparison Chart and Purchasing
Among the many different companies that manufacture fly-fishing hooks, the companies from Japan, United Kingdom, Norway and the United States predominate. The four critical measurements for ordering hooks are shank, weight, eye and bend. Each manufacturer sells approximately 35 to 40 different types of hooks. Other specifics of the desired hooks may be available such as the coating, construction material and barbed or barbless.
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