I have been experimenting with different hooks for tying Czech nymphs (caddis larvae), and I thought a comparison would be worthwhile. I took some care to make detailed photos of 6 of the most common hooks (I used the macro of my 8MP camera). All pictures are of size 14 and they are in order of my preference.

Knapek G


Skalka G


TMC 2499SPBL


TMC 2457


TMC 2487


TMC 2488H


In terms of hook penetration, the Knapek can't be beat. It is the only hook that willfully sticks to your hand when you are trying to pick it up. The point is that sharp. It also possesses an offset point, a boon for maintaining the super sharp point, as your fly tumbles along the bottom.

The Skalka is awesome too, but with a slightly less defined point and no offset.

The point on the 2499 is quite similar to the Knapek, but no offset.

The other TMC hooks are provided for size/aspect comparison, since they are more common. All are fine products, especially for traditional fishing methods like indicator nymphing. I do not believe they will penetrate as well as the top two on the hook set. I only have barbed versions of those hooks.

Happy tying!