Hook designations

[Ray Kunz]

With the proliferation of hook manufacturers these days it gets really frustrating when we tiers describe a hook by using a maker's model number instead of a real description of the hook. Is it because an we don't know how to describe it, is it because we have a vested interest or is there a taint of snob appeal?
I can only speak for myself, but I don't have a built in memory of cross indexed hook model numbers.
Instead of saying a hook is a Tiemco 200R why not merely say it's a 3XL tde curved shank hook.
I'm sure there a a lot of detail oriented tiers who will comment that there are variations in 3XL tde curved shank hooks between makers but I would question whether the fish would care. Please remember, I'm not talking about precise tying to exactly duplicate historic classics.
We have enough to do just trying to keep track of all the trivial variations in synthetic fibers and yarns.

[chewydog]

Because when I say TMC 100, everyone who has ever tied a fly knows what I'm talking about.

[ScottP]

Actually a 200R has a straight eye. Using a model number is shorthand, a quick way of describing something; if I can say 94840 instead of "Turned down eye. Standard length. Extra-fine wire" and get my point across, I'm going to do it.

Regards,
Scott

[Normand]

i have no problems with the manufactures hook number designations.

similar to what scott said above, its easier to say "Mustad R74-9672" than "ROUND BEND, FORGED, CHEMICALLY SHARPENED SIGNATURE POINT, NOR-TEMPERED, MICRO BARB, 2 EXTRA STRONG, 4 EXTRA LONG, TURNED DOWN EYE, BRONZED"

[FishnDave]

I feel your pain. I don't generally memorize hook style numbers. "3XL Streamer Hook" or "1XL Dry Fly Hook" helps me picture the correct hook.

[hairwing]

Because when I say TMC 100, everyone who has ever tied a fly knows what I'm talking about.

94840 ...........

[Bass_Bug]

Because when I say TMC 100, everyone who has ever tied a fly knows what I'm talking about.

I'd be quite surprised if more than 10% of the people just on this site could describe a TMC 100. And that number is probably high.

When I describe a pattern I tie, I just say what model hook I tied it on.

[chewydog]

I'd be quite surprised if more than 10% of the people just on this site could describe a TMC 100. And that number is probably high.

I didn't say the people on this site. I said people who tie flies. All of the tiers I know would know what hook I was referring to if I just said a 100, without the TMC. Course they tie trout flies, not bass bugs.

[Betty Hiner]

Well, yah, you know, it's got the straight part on it and, ya know, it's not too big around, and it's all shiny and it curves where the sharp pointy thingie is. How'zat?

[Uncle Jesse]

Well, yah, you know, it's got the straight part on it and, ya know, it's not too big around, and it's all shiny and it curves where the sharp pointy thingie is. How'zat?

What about that little loop on the end? Has it got one of those? And that little thing that make it hard to get out of your thumb?