This summer a friend and I will be heading to Northern Minnesota to chase some Northern Pike with a fly rod. I'd like to tie up some pike flies. While I tie a fair number of trout flies, I don't get too caught up in the "what hook is best" debate. I tie my flies on whatever dry fly and/or nymph hooks I have on hand. I figure I'm going to lose most in a tree before the actual hook type makes much difference.

Anyway, what types of hooks would any of you recommend for pike flies? From the little research I've done it seems heavy wire is important and, to a point, hook gap is probably more important than shank length.

So, what say you? Any advice? Thanks.

Royce