For small hooks I like the TMC 2499 spbl in the 18. For a straight shank hook I favor the 100 spbl in a 20. I also like to use the 2488 in a size 22-24 for some smaller flies. I like the thin wire and the point is sharp enough to penetrate deep enough to be effective when crimping down the barb. I like to make my Al's Trico on the 2488 size 24.

The funny thing is that we are looking for small barbless hooks and we can't find them. Maybe the reason why they don't make these hooks for competition is that they are un-necessary for most competitive venues. I might use smaller than a size 20 about 6 times a year.