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Hankster

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Posts posted by Hankster

    Hook life?

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    I fly fish mainly in the New England area, with a focus on Lake Ontario/Erie. I also lived in Connecticut for six years and did saltwater fishing all over the area. I am jaded from the way I was taught fly fishing and tying. Most of the fly shops I was familiar with only sold local flies, it was a way to give local fly fishermen a bit of income as well as be part of the community. It also ensured quality flies for the customers. I knew the owners of the fly shop I tied for, when they came to me and asked if I would tie for them I was surprised (They only wanted two specific patterns from me.). They told me they only sell flies from tiers they knew because it was their method of quality control. It's funny because those shops, those people, are all friends....sit around for hours talking about fly fishing.

    My point regarding mass manufactured flies is from my experience, and of course that experience is very minimal compared to the number of fly fishermen we have in the country. Though I haven't purchased a fly from a shop in about eight years...if the flies are tied well MrP is correct, you will find out soon enough on the water. I don't recall a hook ever breaking on me, and I've pulled in some massive fish. As an example, I brought in my personal best Chinook Salmon of 42 pounds from an Upstate New York tributary. The fight lasted about 55 minutes, literally, and when I finally banked him...my hook was bent at the shank at a 90 degree angle. That was the day I swore my life to Daiichi hooks :D

    Hook life?

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    TMSJoe,

    If you are going to get serious about fly fishing with flies you have tied, then consider using only chemically sharpened hooks.  There are several manufacturers from which you might choose.  Mustad makes two models--some that are chemically sharpened and some that are not.  Targus and Cabelas also sell chemically sharpened hooks.  Daiichi hooks are chemically sharpened as are Tiemco.  I prefer Tiemco hooks but I know you could easily find another experienced fly tier who prefers one of the other brands.  When I teach fly tying classes we purchase Cabelas chemically sharpened hooks for the students.  They are less money than Tiemco and honestly seem to perform very well.  I used a single bag of Targus hooks (48 or 50 hooks) and two of them broke in the vise.  I never purchased another bag because based on that limited experience I felt the hooks were brittle.  Then again, I could probably tie 1,000 flies on Targus hooks and never have the problem again.  Over time, (years) you may well develop a preference for one or two manufacturers.  Chemically sharpened hooks are needle sharp.  They are also made of high quality materials.  Any hook will break if, as you finish your backcast and begin your forward cast, you catch a rock with the point.  At times it will feel like you barely touched anything.  The hook will still break.  Good quality fly hooks are money well spent.  They penetrate better and they are stronger.

    The last few lines there are definitely things to live by in terms of fly fishing. Out of any fly fishing gear you have, never skimp on the hook (And, get studded boost if you're fishing in rocky water!). Tiemco hooks are excellent also. Each fly fisherman has their own preference, and as you become more involved with tying you'll find your own. I strongly support MrP's point regarding using chemically sharpened hooks, they are better and stronger. And, as I stated before, the last thing you want to skimp out on are your hooks.

    Hook life?

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    I will stand by Diiachi Hooks for as long as I live. They are, from my experience, the best hooks out there for fly fishing or any type of fishing.

    http://www.daiichihooks.com

    In regards to the store bought flies, FIND OUT where the flies are coming from. Trust me, I used to tie for a fly fishing shop. Depending on the shop, some get their flies from overseas where they are mass manufactured with cheap materials (hook). Quality fly shops ONLY sell flies that local tiers tie. If you're having issue with hooks breaking, I would highly recommend checking out where your fly shop gets their flies.

    Koi Pic

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    I've never caught a Koi on a fly rod, just common carp. But, in high school I hooked this baby...don't recall the size or weight. This was about 12 years ago.

    Sorry for the flash on the picture, my scanner's offline at the moment so I took a picture of the photo with my digital camera :D

    koi.jpg

    carp flys

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    I have that book. A very good fly that can be used to catch carp on the surface is a glow bug tied with light brown or white material. I've used them in canals where carp will feed on the surface.

    Toss in a few dime size balls of bread and then cast the fly into the middle. If you're tracking a surface feeding carp, make sure to bait/cast the fly a good four to five feet away and have your tippet floating to the opposite side of the carp.

    A good way to find surface feeding carp is to find areas that have restaurants on canals. Canals with overhanging trees are also excellent.

    Non-Town Lake Carp

    in Pictures, Stories & Video

    Posted

    I think that was the really, really hot day.

    I forgot about that photo from the spot in VA :D I LOVE that swim!!!

    I'll be down in DC again Father's weekend Pat. We should plan on hooking up, I'll steal my brother's stuff.

    ...and yes, Waterfowl Santuary is the best. Just have to walk over at low tide :D

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