Tube Flies Hook Size Question

[Bruce Berman]

I'm a bobicator with some, but not much, experience waking and swinging. I just bought some tube flies for my upcoming 3 week trip to NorCal. I've used tubes before with limited (i.e. NO) success. The new tubes came with short shanked, large gapped hooks (I know that's good) in about size 2. In the past, I used #1 - #2/0 hooks (usually Gamagatsu Octopus) with my tubes. The fly tier I bought these from said #2 is a great hook, and that smaller hooks work better than the larger ones. I know that's true when bobicating but I'm not sure about swinging.

Question is, what type and size hooks do you use with your tube flies?

[shawn kempkes]

It depends on the size of fish I am targeting. For hatchery fish I use size 4s for the larger
native fish i use a sz 2. I really like the targus barbless tube fly hooks they are sticky sharp right out of the package.

[Fats]

I'm using the #4 Octopus hook. I've got some #6 tiemco hooks that I swear are a larger gape than the #4's but I forget the class. They may be 2x wide... #2 or #4 short shank "Whatever" would be a good place start. When you've whacked a bunch of fish you can start forming a personal preference.

[Jasonh]

I only use #1 and #2 Owner SSW with no cutting point. I have yet to have one of these straighten out yet. I have seen two Octopus #2 straighten on mid teens winter fish already this year.

JH

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

We have put our hooks out on pegboard now so come by and take a look at our selection.

[Bruce Berman]

Thanks guys. I've obviously been thinking too large.

[Mike R]

There are some short shank, extra-wide gap hooks that are just wicked. They are used for wacky rigging and dropshotting. I think Gami makes them? I'll have a look.

Mike

[Lance Gray]

Owner SSW in Size 2 is what I prefer. It is a great hook. It has never failed.
Lance Gray
530-517-2204
http://www.lancegrayandcompany.com