Crow and Hen Hook Comparison

[William Anderson]

A couple of other hooks would be interesting just for the comparison, but these two I think are the most interesting. One thing that I thought was interesting as I was tying these was something felt odd about the ribbing on the R10. It took me a few flies when I realized the rib was competing with what the hook wanted to do. So I ribbed the body in the other direction and the whole thing seemed to fall into place. It's like the first fly wants to slow down and lean back, and the second fly wants to rush forward. The only difference is the rib direction and the hook.

First the Gamakatsu R10-BN Executive Series



And next the Gamakatsu C13U Executive Series



black 14/0 thread
crow tail herl body
silver wire rib
black Mole Thorax
black hen hackle.

w

[CM_Stewart]

Dramatic difference!

Of course, for both flies, you'll have to remember to cast to the right side of all suspected lies.

[hankaye]

Dub-Ya, Howdy;

Two flys sitting at a stop light.....vroooom-vroooooom skreeeech, putta-putta.
One pulls out with screeching tires,..... the other chugs along ta-puckita-ta-puckita-ta-puckita enjoying the scenery

I'm kinda in favor of life in the slow lane....... kinda sorta liad back
hank

[kanutripr]

W

Thinking like that is gonna get you a new moniker. Fly artist!



Vicki

[willowhead]

Nice to see the hooks i sent being used in such nice ways..... ......PRIMO tyin'.....

[narcodog]

Dang William your goin to town.

I have to get some of those hooks.

[tie2fish]

Matching the rib angle to the bend angle is a stroke of genius, but then we knew that already .

[Old Hat]

Very nicely done William. It's great to see comparisons and how the hook design can direct proportionality of patterns. The crow looks great. I love the retainer bend hooks for fishing, never cared for them on the wingless wets though, they just look out of place to me. The long straight shank just says "use me up". Like I mentioned in another post, they are my favorite hook though for comparaduns and X-caddis style patterns.

[William Anderson]

CM, that's hilarious. I'll be careful to remember that when I'm taking Hank's fish from the inside riffle. Could be the differnce.

They look like each would be suitable for different water speeds. It is a little odd to think that two flies that have such different attitudes (in my mind, relaxed vs aggressive posturing) will fish exactly the same and have the exact same results. Goes toward the argument that the trout really ignores the hook. Assuming all they see is the fly imitation coming at them, they will fail to appreciate the alteration in ribbing, or appreciate the subtle difference in posture from a profile view under photographic lighting. (emoticon warrented)

Thanks everyone for such kind remarks. It really is nice to have sound criticism and encouragement at the same time. I'm having fun with this.

OH, I can see your point about that hook, I'm going to have to use them for some dries. Paraduns are a good choice and spinner patterns I think would like this hook.

w

[willowhead]

i'm gonna tye some flymph style flies on those retainer bend hooks..........to me, they really look like they may have superior hooking power. Holding power may be another story.....time will tell.