I'm an older guy and my eyes aren't what they used to be.� I have a hard time getting the leader through the eye of an 18.� I hear posts talkeing about 22�and 24 patterns.� Do you think it's worth the effort to use pattern smaller than 18?
I like to use an 18, try patterns tied on a 2457 or my favorite 2488 hook. it has a short shank and large gap which gives a better hook set with small patterns.
Or try the new CF boxes with the midge threaders, they'll work like a charm
I'll have to agree with you, dtp916, on the 2488's.� I tie all of my small patterns with them, when I have them in stock.� If I run out and the shop is out as well, I just use the 2487's.� I like the curved hook.� The curved body seems more natural to me than a straight one.� The large hook gap is another plus.� It's 3X wide!� The 2457's and 2487's are 2X wide.� That definitely helps to increase hookups with the small hooks.� The eyes of the hooks aren't any bigger, though.�
As for flies smaller than a #18, I would say that they're worth it.��I just try to match the size of the naturals.��The way I see it,�the fish don't see too many artificials in those super small sizes, so they'll be less wary towards them.��I have one fly that I used to call the "Trial of Faith Fly".� It is a�#22 midge.� I would joke that if you had faith as that speck of a fly, you could move mountains, or monster rainbows.��That fly has moved quite a few beasts.� I still remember the first day that I fished the fly.� I don't know how many fish I caught, but the fish were attacking it.� Some fish moved a long way to take that fly.� I'm not talking little fish either.� Maybe I'll have to tie up up some T.O.F.F.'s for you, drhays.� I think it'll make a believer out of you.������
-- Edited by JT at 01:33, 2007-03-07
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"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught."
I have to echo the the comment about the fly threader.� They work very well.� I have a couple of them hanging on my vest and don't just use them with tiny flies.� They are excellent with dries like EHC as well where the elk hair sometimes blocks the eye of the hook.
Thanks for the tip on the fly threaders.� I didn't know such an item was even on the market.� What brands or styles would you recommend?� There have been times when I have not changed patterns just because I'm haveing problems getting the leader�through the eye.� JT,� bring on those size 22's!
I have to echo Chemdoc's echo. I too, have old eyes so I use the CF system. What I do is thread up sets of four or five flies each that I think I am going to use ahead of time then dispense at the water as needed. I started with one box and now have two, one for dries and one for nymphs. I also have a pair of magnifiers that clip on to my sunglasses which I can flip down when needed.
CF Designs is a product line made in Japan but sold by Scientific anglers.� The fly boxes are very nice and have interchangeable foam inserts.� I have one large box for dries and another for nymphs, along with a smaller streamer box.� The fly threaders are sold separately or come with a Threader Box.� As a member of the over 50 trifocals set, these are great.� Even when I could thread a fly with a few attempts, the threader makes it to easy to bother.� You can find these online or at Kienes and American Fly in Sacramento.
I've also found the threaders at Sports Chalet in Vacaville. Another thing that works is a needle threader. They have them at Joann's Fabric for $2-$3 compared to the CF threader that is $12. Mike
I've been very happy with the CF threaders and boxes, I've migrated all of my flies over to 4 CF boxes: 1 for terrestrials, one for nymphs, one for dries, and one for streamers & large nymphs. The threaders come in real handy for the little bugs.
I should probably buy my dad one of those boxes.� I send him flies every once in a while, and he has trouble threading his�tippet through the eye of the hook.� I don't have problems yet, but it's only a matter of time.� For now, I thread the tippet throuth the eye not once but twice.� I'm not trying to brag or anything, but on smaller flies I use a palomar knot.� It's easy to tie and has pretty good breaking strength.� The only draw back to the knot would be the fact that you have to thread it through twice.
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"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught."
