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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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."
