We have had customers bring back flies tied with Daiichi hooks because when they tried to pinch down the barb the hook broke.
I think hook brand is largely a personal preference. I use a mix of brands and styles, for instance, my streamer hooks are Dai Riki, but my scud snd dry fly hooks are TMCs. I don’t lose any sleep if I have to buy a box of another brand on occasion, tho. Most people’s measures of hook quality are subjective anyway, I think.
I just posted another thread on some hooks I found at captain hooks. Mustad 3366 for $2.95/100. Hard to beat that with $4.95 shipping. I’m not affiliated, just passing on a good deal.
When it comes to hooks I have always been a fan of Mustad. Yes Mustad has changed over the classic series to the new style hooks, but over the years the one thing I learned was you always need hooks and should always keep a decent stock speacially the ones you use he most. I have so many of the older mustad hooks that I will not really have to buy or consider buying for a good long time. Now when it comes to my Salmon show flies then I like Galic hooks. Again I am starting to slowly stock pile as well what I like, need and want to try. Now if I do ever stray out of Mustad product, it would be for Tiemco’s. Now since Mustad discontinued the older series hooks, I still find them and do pick them up even though I really don’t need them. I guess I am a pack rat when it comes to hooks.
Andy
I had been using 3366 for my Clousers that I mainly use for White Bass and Smallies. I lost a nice fish the other night, found the 3366 bent open. I am pretty sure it was a nice size Walleye. They also exist in our White Bass fishery. I am now in the process of tying more Clousers with saltwater hooks. We get 10lb hybrids mixed in the possibility of larger Stripers. I don’t want to risk one of those fish to another bent hook! If it happens with the saltwater hook, then that’s another story!
At the Sowbug Roundup today, I spoke to the Mustad rep, told him my lost fish with the 3366, and he handed me a package of hooks and said try these. They are the new S71SZ’s. I’ll give them a shot, but initial inspection, I think they look very nice and they are also sharp!
I have some Gama’s to try also. If they perform the same, I’ll get more Mustads, they are cheaper.
-wayne
Lefty Kreh recommends pinching from the front (placing the pliers horizontally), rather than hitting it from the side (perpendicularly) because doing it from the side does weaken the integrity of the point, and he has seen many fish get away because the point breaks on the set.
I’ve been pinching the barb on Daiichi hooks for years and have never (knock on wood) broken a hook. Depending on the hook, I try to smash the barb from the front, not the side.
REE
Just gotta put in one for Mustad. I started tying with them years ago and still do. That was well over half a century ago. I am honored that they are a supporter of FAOL. I met Mr. Mustad a few years ago. Nice gentleman.
nope
i use mustad, tiemco, daiichi, skalka, sealy, varivas, ken sawada, drennan, partridge, gaelic supreme, knapek, kamasan to name a few