Clousers for saltwater

Steve P's thread about flies got me to thinking about Clousers. Do you guys tie them on a Mustad 34007 or similar type hook or do you prefer a longer shank hook? Also do you pretty much tie them in a 2, 4 & 6 size?

Dave

I use Mustad 3407s; haven't had a need for longer shank hooks. Size depends, a function of the prevalent bait - for false albacore we tied a lot of our albaclousers on 2s and 4s when they were hitting bait balls, mostly bay anchovies or silversides; when we fished behind trawlers we used 2/0 for Half & Halfs (clouser-deceiver hybrid).

Regards,
Scott

I use the 3407 plated hooks rather than the stainless (34007) hooks as well
They stay sharper, longer.
I can't think of too many flies that I tie on the long shank (34011) other than poppers and squid.
Here in the northeast I carry big and little Clousers, (1/0 & 4)

I used the Mustad 3407 in sizes 6 through 4/0 for years. Also the Eagle Claw L067 Billy Pate hook.

Today I primarily use the Eagle Claw 413, which is a 60 degree bend jig hook. The bend puts the eye closer to being inline with the hook, improving leverage and reducing the chance of the hook coming out under pressure, especially if it does not penetrate to the bend. I get these from shops that cater to lure builders like Janns Netcraft or Barlow's but some fly shops carry them. If you look through the Umpqua catalog you will see more and more weighted patterns tied on this hook. I sill use "J" hooks like that 3407 or L067 for clousers that I fit with wire snag guards.

The other hook that I use quite a bit is the Gamakatsu SC15 which is a short shank hook. In 1/0 and smaller sizes the thinner gauge wire combined with a very sharp point make for a gook with very good penetration qualities. The larger sizes are also very good and are formed out of a heavier gauge wire.

Hi Anglerdave,

All my saltwater Clousers are tied on Mustad 34007 hooks. I'm sure there are lots of other good hooks around but I have a large supply of 34007's on hand and have never had to look elsewhere for a saltwater hook. 8T :)

Most of my saltwater Clousers are tied on the 34007 but I have also used the 3407.

Hi Dave,

The majority of all my Clouser's run from #2 - #1/0 ( my largest now are #3/0 ) and are being tied on the Mustad Sig. S71SZ ( updated 34007 ) and TMC 811S.

With the following exceptions.
I have a small handful lightly weighted #4's for tropical flats.
I tie some on EC 413's.
A few species and spot specific ties go on the old EC 254 SS and TMC 800S hooks, mostly in 2 to 1/0.
In size #1 and up I'll occasionally tie them on Gamakatsu SL11-3H.

Best, Dave

Thanks for the replies. It looks like my wife and I will be going back to Key West again next winter and I'll want to tie up a few on saltwater hooks before I go.

I agree with Dudley. 3407 not stainless. A nice diamond sharpener will do a good job.
Clouser are good everywhere and for all the species of this planet. But in the salt they are at home.

I use the 34007 exclusively. Have a friend who likes the Gammis, but too costy for me. Between blues, Spanish macs, and ladyfish, I don't expect to catch more than 5-6 fish on a fly, often only one, so I don't worry how the point holds up, penetrating ability, etc. I fish inland S/W bays, so use 1/0's up to about 4's, tending toward the smaller sizes just because they're easier to cast.

This is what I like to use in different sizes.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...1/102_1448.jpg

I tie most of my Clousers like this because I drag these through sand while fishing the surf. I try to keep most of the material on top so the sand doesn't chew up the fly while dragging them through the sand.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...1/PC030073.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...1/PC030065.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...1/PC030067.jpg