Do you think you could make a klinkhamer hook by bending a 200R type hook? Anyone ever try this? Suggestions and opinions will be appreciated.
Yes, the 200R’s, along with the Mustad C53S and any other long curved hook of this style will tie a credible Klinkhamer style pattern. It “technically” will not be a Klinkhamer to the purists, as I believe the pattern calls for a Partridge 15BN. The biggest difference being the more open gape in the hook than the 200R’s (and no bend). Another option to consider is the Gamakatsu C15-BV hook. I believe it has a very similar profile to the Partridge 15BN.
All that being said. I primarily use the Mustad C53S in sizes from 12 - 20 for all my Klinkhamer style flies. It’s one of my absolute favorite patterns to fish and it’ been a consistent and productive pattern for me. I’d say with great confidence that yes, you can tie a Klink using this hook style and get good, if not excellent results.
So go and tie some. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! I used this pattern almost exclusively for the week of the Michigan Fish-In last year in a size 18 olive color and caught literally hundreds of fish. Even after all he dubbing was worn off it still caught fish. My largest Brown Trout (24") was caught on a size 16 in this same color several years ago fishing a tailwater area. If you can’t tell, I’m a BIG Klinkhamer fan!
Here’s One tied on a C53S.
You could I guess but it wouldn’t get you close. The best Klinkhammer hooks are IMNSHO made by Daiichi. Their 1160/1167 hooks are outstanding.
Can’t show you a Klinkhammer I tied on that hook but I can show you another pattern in which you can see the hook:
http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/peccary-paraloop-emerger/
Mart
Are the hooks true to size? In other words is a 14 klinkhamer hook the same as the size 14 mayfly I’m trying to imitate?
Yes they are. I’ll post two size 14 hooks for comparison later today
Mart
Why anyone would want to bend a 200r hook to approximate a Klinkhamer hook is beyond me …
The ONLY hooks that Hans endorses are the ones from Daiichi:
PT/TB
Since I tend to be a little heavy-handed, I don’t like bending any hook. If I was in a pinch, I’d just use a light weight curved scud hook in a larger-than-needed size, if I had those. They work fine.
Joe
Yes, that’s exactly what I do. I put the 200R in my vise and carefully bend the hook with my fingers. On large hooks, I’ll bend a little, move the hook then bend a bit more. These bent hooks fish well and hook fine.
Years ago, I read Hans van Klinken’s old article on his Racklehanen website. He put a lot of thought into the hook design, and settled on Partridge GRS15ST. I looked for them in several flyshops, but couldn’t find any. I tried a few hooks and the 200R’s worked.
Since then, Hans switched to the Dai Iichi’s, but I did not find them locally last year. I’d be happy to use them, but until I have some, the 200R’s work for me.
Here’s the Racklehanen article:
Because I wanted to tie a few last night and I don’t have any Klinkhamer’s. It will probably take a week to get an order.
WHY?..because it works. 