Gamakatsu Hooks

I really like these particular hooks from Gamakatsu. They are "Executive Series S10=B (Standard Dry Barbless) size 14.

I was using them for a series of Caddis patterns I was tying. Then, thought they might work well as a Soft Hackle hook too.
I really like the shape of the bend to the point of the hook.

Does look really good on that style hook.

Dennis

It looks like a good fit for that pattern, my only reservation would be the length of the spear on those hooks.A long slowly tapering spear is apt to get the point turned easily. A steeper taper isn’t so prone to getting turned so easily. I think you can judge a make of hook by the quality of the finest wire hook they make.

Here’s a Hare’s Lug ‘n’ Plover tied on a Hyabusa All Purpose Light size 16. You can see how much more robust the spear looks.


Cheers,
A.

Doggone, Byron! I LIKE that fly!! Thank you!

Betty,
Thanks. Ever use these hooks?

Alan,
Thanks for the thoughts on these hooks.
Why do you have the jaws of that vise kanted so much in the pic?

Yes, and I really like them … however, I’ve never tied that fly on that hook. But, you can better believe I will now!!!

Laziness Byron! I tie with my vice very low. Similar to Chris Helm. When I take the photos the easiest way to get the extra elevation so I can drop a background on my table is to cant the jaws up a bit more. Saves adjusting the vice height. Hope that isn’t a disappointment. Got the feeling you were asking for some profound logic on vice position.
Cheers,
A.

Alan,
I used to have a LAW.
Although perhaps the best craftsmanship I’ve seen, I experienced two drawbacks.

  1. There was no adjustment to maintain true offset rotary position given significant changes in hook size.
  2. Although good access to the rear of the hook, unless canted, the rear access was not the greatest.

I notice Davie McPhail often ties in a canted position rather than in the standard offset rotary position. I think that was to provide better unimpeded access to the rear of the hook…particularly on very small hooks.

As most of what I tie is on relatively small hooks 2 to 26, I don’t often use the rotary techniques. I am considering using them more but I wouldn’t with the LAW. For that I would go for a NorVise. It is a matter of production speed, rotary on the LAW doesn’t give me any significant increase in speed. Mostly is is raised slightly. About half the angle that it is in the photo. Access to the hook is king for me and I’ve never found better than the LAW for it.
Cheers,
C.

That is a gorgeous SH.

Thank you. Are you like the Kim Komando of fly tying?

You said it ,Byron!

Kim Komando?

Well, yes… yes, I believe she is!! google it FG!!

Got it “America’s Digital Goddess” / Fly Goddess;)