How to Pick a Fly Fishing Hook

If you are new to the sport of fly fishing, picking a fly fishing hook probably seems confusing. Choosing the right fly fishing hook is as important as picking the right bait for your fishing expedition. You want a hook that matches your bait and that will help your bait with its proper lie in the water. Read on to learn how to pick a fly fishing hook.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know the parts of the hook. The eye is where the line is threaded through and tied. The shank is the straight part of the hook immediately below the eye. The bend is the curved part of the hook. The barb is the pointed end of the hook which allows it to catch and stick in a fish's mouth. The very end of the barb is called the point. The gap is the space inside the bend between the point and the shank.

2. Know how to measure your hook. The total length is the length of the fishing hook from the top of the eye to the lowest part of the bend. The front length is the length from the tip of the point to the lowest part of the bend.

3. Determine the material of your hook. Most fly fishing hooks are made of steel, some stainless, some high-carbon. Most fly fishing hooks are coated in a material to help prevent corrosion, which is particularly helpful for those who plan on fly fishing in saltwater.

4. Study your chosen manufacturer. Part of the reason fly fishing hooks seem so confusing is because there is no international standard for sizing hooks. Some manufacturers size larger hooks with smaller numbers and vice versa. By familiarizing yourself with a particular manufacturer, you will learn their system and have an easier time picking your fly fishing hook.

5. Figure out the fish you want to catch. Different fish require different hooks. In general, you will want to use a larger hook for larger fish, and make sure your hooks are sharp. Dull hooks and hooks that are too large can cause tearing and damage to the fish. Hooks that are too small for large fish will either pull out or not hook.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always a good idea to ask the staff at the bait shop for their input. Tell them what kind of fish you plan on fly fishing, where you will be fishing, and what kind of bait you are using and ask for recommendations. There are many hooks out there, but a knowledgeable staffer should be able to guide you through the confusion.
• Be careful handling fish hooks. They can be extremely sharp and dangerous.
• Store hooks properly. Do not let children play with them, and be careful when baiting your hook.

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[SieMarHer]

on 10/11/2007 A little disapointing. I was expecting somehting really helpful, but thanks for the effort. :)