Fly Hooks

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by Miles

Hey, but then there's also the 'up-eyed' wet fly hooks, just to confuse matters ! I always thought they were something to do with the wet fly presenting fairly level when attached to a traditional floating line.

I've never tied on an up-eye, or knowingly seen one come to think of it, but I've seen the hooks in catalogues and since I often fish in the top foot or so of water from a floating line, maybe I should be considering them...... what say you Smoothie ?

Sorry Miles, missed this one.

Up eyed hooks were designed for dry fly fishing on rivers and lakes particularly Chalkstreams.

The idea being to keep the leader off the water for a couple of inches. Most traditional dry flies are still tied on these. But i have to say i don't use them any more. I prefer down eyed hooks...as i apply a mixture of fullers earth and washing up liquid to sink the leader. If it's below the surface they can't see it. Just look at the bath with a hair floating on top...you'll see what i mean....it casts a big shadow...which spells danger for a trout so they turn away or refuse to rise to it.

Hope this helps.

[Miles]

Ooops, yes, the up-eyed hook is a dry !! Just looked at the Kamasan page in the GAC catalogue and B440 (for example) is described as a 'Traditional Dry'.

Thanks for the explanation about the reason. Its good to have someone explain why.

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by Miles

Thanks for the explanation about the reason. Its good to have someone explain why.

No problem Miles just keep asking away........