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.