Qerri,

The Mustad 'stinger hook' is a very odd bend that has been used for years for bass bugs and other bass flies. I think the concept behind this design was to increase the gape of the hook. Operative word in this is 'think', since I really don't know. Maybe Dr. Fish can weigh in and explain the odd shape of this hook...

In any event, I do not like it.

It doesn't hook well for me, and the wire is too light, in my opinion. I've had them straighten out with 6 pound tippet....

I don't know why it's called a 'stinger' hook either. For some reason, several other hooks intended for bass flies are also called 'stinger hooks', even without that odd shaped Mustad bend. To me, a 'stinger hook' is a second hook trailing behind the first to 'sting' short striking fish....

I tie most of my bass flies on Mustad 3366 sproat hooks. Inexpensive, strong, and they hook and hold fish very well. If I need a second 'stinger' hook, I use these for that, too (no need for it on bass flies, but I do use them a lot on flies for pike).

Good Luck!

Buddy