Hook for Bloody Maria and Firecracker shad flies

[Steve S]

I see that the recipes for the Bloody Maria and Firecracker shad flies call for the Tiemco 2457 scud style hook.
Is the hook style essential to the pattern? The 2457 is 2x heavy so I'm guessing the extra weight is an advantage, but does it stay buttoned up better in a shad's papery mouth than a standard straight shank wet fly hook of the same length? Or does the 2457 impart some different action on the swing? For that matter does it ride hook point up or down? Down I'm guessing. Any info is appreciated.

[Jeff C.]

Steve, I choose to tie those flies using the TMC 2457 because I wanted a curved shank wide gape hook that was also strong. You can tie them on straight shanked hooks but they don’t look as good. I think the scud style hook gives the flies the shape of mysis shrimp which shad eat. The curved hook and down eye tends to keep them on better when hooked. I don’t think the 2457 imparts different kind of action than other style hooks during the swing. Generally they ride down but I do hook a lot of shad in the upper jaw so they must also ride upside down.

[Steve S]

Thanks for your insights Jeff!
Steve

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

"Theoretically" we want the Shad flies to ride up side down to hook the Shad in the upper jaw which is more substantial.

The lower jaw is thin and can tear out during the battle.

[MThompson]

Why wouldn't a little 60 degree jig hook work?

[Jeff C.]

They do work! I use size 6 and 8 jig hooks.