Author Topic: Micro Nymph Hooks (Read 334 times)

Mark Hanes · « **on:** January 28, 2010, 12:06:20 AM »

I am getting into tying my micro nymphs for the this year and I was wondering what hooks some of you guys are using for them. I really can't wait to use these over some active fish and hopefully get a chance to use them in competitions. I have been using mostly Grip and Partridge hooks so far but I figured it would be a good topic to see what some of you with a lot more experience than me are using. I am talking sz 16 to 20 patterns for the most part.

Nick Naclerio · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2010, 12:36:53 AM »

I wouldn't say I'm more experienced than you but I use my fair share of micro nymphs. One of my favorites is no doubt the TMC 2499 size 18 as I'm sure lots of others will say. I also use the Grips and like them. I just got some Knapek size 16 nymphs hooks and they look great but haven't fished them yet. I genrally use dry fly hooks though since I like the bigger hook gap for the bead head flies.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2010, 12:51:28 AM »

"Micro Nymphs" are really one of my 2 "go to" flies. I've been tying my 20/22s on wide gaped 18s based on a close friends advice.

Loren Williams · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2010, 08:27:47 AM »

I am tired of the expense and inconsistency in Czech and African hooks. I have pretty much converted back (where possible) to using hooks I can afford, come in large quantities, and work. I just muddle through with barb pinching! Mustad's C49S is a great curved shanks (wee barb and very long point in relation to the shank and wicked sharp (but carry a file)) that comes down to #26 and the great thing is that the wire, and all dimensions are proportional across all sizes. I use the R50X for dries and many straight shank applications. It comes in #10-#18-this is a manufactured barbless hook and Mustad has increased the point length substantially . I also like the Partridge SLD for dries but it has a very small eye so forget about using beads as many will slip off. The TMC 2499SPBL (not BL) is one I will trust but only in sizes under #14. Another one to look for would be the Gamukastu R10-it comes down very small, I think to #22. I'd limit it to dries or beadless micros because of it's small eye. I have trouble finding the R10's and since Partridge has been sold to Varivas they may get harder to locate in the US.

Chris Smorul · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2010, 09:44:33 AM »

Loren,
The c49s is one of the first hooks I tied on. The barb is small and easy to get rid of and they are indeed very sharp. I caught a lot of fish on them last season. I've used sizes 18-8. Loren, where do you get the smaller sizes? wflies only carries down to size 16.

Mark,
I tied some frenchies up on size 18 c49s. I tied them small, they look like a size 20 as far as the actual body size. I've had success with them on some eastern pa limestones.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2010, 10:48:10 AM »

Loren it is nice to hear some one give Mustad Hooks some love. I agree the so called competion grade hooks can really be frustrating with it comes to consistant hooks.

Also I have a local shop that sell the Partridge hooks if you are ever having trouble finding them I can usually get them.

Loren Williams · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2010, 11:27:58 AM »

Chris,

I have a good relationship with Mustad and I am able to order hooks directly from the warehouse here in NY.

What this means to you is that if your local retailer carries any Mustad hooks then they have access to all of them!

Since fly fishing hooks are only about 1% of their business, it is unlike that Mustad will try to specialize in competition hooks but I will use the good ones they do make. Forget about the QC issues of the old Mustad regime...the production today is awesome.

In the end however, the angler needs to be confident in the hook, so that choice needs to be evaluated with hours on the water. Stockies and bluegills are great for testing hooks!

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2010, 11:41:27 AM »

Yeah Mustad hooks get a bad name but really the new hooks are really nice. I have always trusted mustad when I was getting into fly fishing mostly because it was all I had access to and could afford.

Thanks for insight Loren it gives me some more oprions to think about.

IHPGFY · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2010, 11:52:05 AM »

Don't forget about the old TMC 2488H, its a great micro nymph hook although barbed, but the gap is good and it is a heavier gauge wire so it will have a little bit more weight for sinking. This hook used to be manufactured down to a size 24, now only to a 22, but it is a very good overlooked hook.

Torrey Collins · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2010, 12:31:49 AM »

I have to agree that the current incarnation of Mustad, the Signature Series, offers up some excellent hooks, probably on par with Tiemco & Daiichi IMHO. And I also agree that the Tiemco 2488H makes an excellent small fly hook for the #20-22's in particular, seeing as how my favorite TMC 2499SP-BL is only made down to a #18 (but they MIGHT come out with a #20 I was told).

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2010, 08:27:48 AM »

Quote from: Loren Williams on January 28, 2010, 08:27:47 AM

The TMC 2499SPBL (not BL) is one I will trust but only in sizes under #14.

Just curious why you don't trust the 14/16/18s?

Loren Williams · « **Reply #11 on:** January 29, 2010, 08:50:22 AM »

I do trust those sizes, it's the larger ones I've lost confidence in.

I wish they made it in a finer wire though....

Chris Smorul · « **Reply #12 on:** January 29, 2010, 09:39:18 AM »

Quote from: Chris Smorul on January 28, 2010, 09:44:33 AM

Loren,
The c49s is one of the first hooks I tied on. The barb is small and easy to get rid of and they are indeed very sharp. I caught a lot of fish on them last season. I've used sizes 18-8. Loren, where do you get the smaller sizes? wflies only carries down to size 16.

Mark,
I tied some frenchies up on size 18 c49s. I tied them small, they look like a size 20 as far as the actual body size. I've had success with them on some eastern pa limestones.

Actually those flies were tied with size 18 Daiichi 1150, not C49s's. Not sure where my head was when I wrote that. $:-\$

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #13 on:** January 29, 2010, 09:56:46 AM »

Quote from: Loren Williams on January 29, 2010, 08:50:22 AM

I do trust those sizes, it's the larger ones I've lost confidence in.

I wish they made it in a finer wire though....

Aha! Misread that. So, what about those larger sizes don't you like? I only ask because I tie frequently on all of them.

samhall · « **Reply #14 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:04:23 AM »

What are everyone's thoughts about tying a smaller sized fly on a larger hook. What I mean is tying a "pick your pattern" size 20/22/24 on a size 18 hook?

I hate working with hooks smaller than 18 for a variety of reasons. I know it is not a new idea, but it seems to be gaining in popularity tying smaller bodies on larger hooks.

Chris Michels · « **Reply #15 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:09:05 AM »

I short shank a lot of my flies. They work great for me.

Chris Smorul · « **Reply #16 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:13:15 AM »

I've started doing it as well.

Loren Williams · « **Reply #17 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:31:30 AM »

Quote from: Dejon Hamann on January 29, 2010, 09:56:46 AM

So, what about those larger sizes don't you like? I only ask because I tie frequently on all of them.

I'm not sure the physical reason but I tend to lose fish on the larger ones. I suspect it relates to the wire diameter or I just suck (probably the latter).

Loren Williams · « **Reply #18 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:37:12 AM »

Quote from: Adam Taylor on January 29, 2010, 10:04:23 AM

What are everyone's thoughts about tying a smaller sized fly on a larger hook. What I mean is tying a "pick your pattern" size 20/22/24 on a size 18 hook?

When I fish nymphs I am choosing my flies, typically, for weight and appearance/attraction so I tie accordingly. I do prefer a big gape for small flies so if I am tying wee nymphs they will go on curved shank big gape hooks for the best bite I can get. Then again, 99% of all my nymphs go on those hooks.

I will tie small dries on larger hooks as long as the fly will float the hook. Honestly, I just do not take "hatch matching" to the level many guys do. I still think there is a hierarchy and fly selection is lower on the totem pole.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #19 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:40:05 AM »

Interesting information guys.

I really like hearing how everyone seems to use something different. I think once again we are seeing that confidence seems to play a role here.

So what is everyone doing for barb removal to make the hooks competition legal?

samhall · « **Reply #20 on:** January 29, 2010, 10:54:47 AM »

Quote

Honestly, I just do not take "hatch matching" to the level many guys do. I still think there is a hierarchy and fly selection is lower on the totem pole.

I could not have articulated my view(s) any clearer.

There is a time and place for the hatch matching...but I am convinced the reason I am not catching fish is because of me....not the fly at the end of the line.

Poor presentation, etc. cost me more fish than my fly selection.