Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Size 20 Hooks


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 107
Date:
Size 20 Hooks
Permalink  
 


I caught over a dozen fish last Thursday. None on my size 16/18 Hare's Ear or PTN, all on my size 20 midges.

Of all the fish caught, mostly small to medium size, I was able to bring only two to hand; the rest were "self-release" at some point after the hook-up with the hook still on my line.

I don't mind so much loosing the fish but I sure would like to know why. I pinch the barbs, but I don't think that's the problem because I loose them while there is tension on the line.  I don't want to "play" the fish too long...maybe I'm pulling too hard with this small hook?

Anybody else with the same experience?



__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 205
Date:
Permalink  
 

Those scrappy little fishing she get rid of hooks often. Try tying some flies on on jig hooks. They seem to stay out better.

__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 463
Date:
Permalink  
 

Try different hook styles. Also, try tying a size 20 fly but in a size 16-18 hook. Also, there are some short shank hooks with bigger gaps on them.

__________________
Dev


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 14
Date:
Permalink  
 

try TMC 2499s. I've not had a problem with them

__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 107
Date:
Permalink  
 

Looks like the answer from the forum points to a wider gape hook. I looked up TMC 2499 and its gape looks wider than my Dai Riki 125.

I'll also try tying size 20 on a size 16/18 hook...I suppose fish don't see the hook?

Thanks for the suggestions.

__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 463
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know a couple PC veterans that tie up size 20 bodies on a size 16-18 hook. Works for them. They say it might look like a big in a piece of twig or something.

__________________
Dev


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 14
Date:
Permalink  
 

yeah the only downside to those 2499s is the price. But they keep a fish on so that's worth it to me.

__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 205
Date:
Permalink  
 

Those 2499s only go to an 18 not a 20.

__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 107
Date:
Permalink  
 

Umpqua website shows TMC 2499 hooks up to size 18 only...they are 3X wide! I'll try those.

__________________


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 50
Date:
Permalink  
 

You might try a TMC 3769 size 16.  It has the gap of a 16 but the length of an 18 or a 20 (depending upon what nymph hook you normally use).  It was recommended to me years ago by a former PC guide and it has worked very well for me.  In fact, I tie most all of my mayfly nymphs and midge nymphs on it for Putah.



__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 817
Date:
Permalink  
 

The Daiichi hooks are factory offset at the point, but if you bend the point of the hook slightly say 10 degrees you will catch and land more fish. The other thing is that most of the newer rods are fast or extra fast action. You can either go down to a 3 weight rod or a slower action rod. The rod bends and the fish stay on....

__________________
chris
Dev


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 14
Date:
Permalink  
 

oops apologies on the misinformation. I thought they were 20s. I second Otter's recommendation with the slower action rod as well!

__________________


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 53
Date:
Permalink  
 

Otter wrote:

The Daiichi hooks are factory offset at the point, but if you bend the point of the hook slightly say 10 degrees you will catch and land more fish.


That's exactly why I use the Daiichi 1150.  I wish they would manufacture smaller than an 18 in this style.  Size 20's I tie on the 1260- wider gap.

Here's a Mercury Midge coated with Deer Creek on a 1150 #18

Mercury Midge.jpg

 

 



Attachments
__________________


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 20
Date:
Permalink  
 

I also bend the hook a bit to widen the gap a smidge but you should be careful because I think it can weaken the strength of the hook  and may be more prone to breaking.



__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 107
Date:
Permalink  
 

Wow, those TMC 2499 are pricey! $12.39 for a packet of 25. They have some features that makes them unique...I bought a packet just to see if they work as advertised.

I plan to try the TMC 3769 in size 16 as Nohackle2 suggested.

__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 217
Date:
Permalink  
 

Here's my .02:

Small hooks, light tippet, big fish, lots of logs = hard to land!



__________________


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 53
Date:
Permalink  
 

Should have mentioned the Daiichi 1140's. Same style just finer wire and sized to 22's

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.



Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse
Powered by ActiveBoard