Hooks - the rest of the story

[alanb_ct]

No fishing today, although the conditions are perfect!

So, I figured I would make a couple of Klinkhammers to show you. I am no expert on this fly, but the ones I make work as catchers, and also excellent support for dry dropper rigs.



This is sort of a standard combination I've been making.
- Size 14 hook
- Tan superfine
- Orange Mcflylon post
- Dark CDL tail
- Tan thread
- Mixed brown/grizzly hackle oversized

I treat these flies with Watershed, and I think it helps. A couple of keys that might help you:
(1) Tie the post in at the highest part of the hook bend.
(2) Tie off the hackle before you dub the front of the fly.
(3) Cut the post fairly short, otherwise the fly may spin during the cast and land on its side.

Like I said, I am no expert, so there are always a few stray hackles pointing the wrong way, so I just cut those off. Tight lines!

[Brookie]

Interestingly, the original version of the KH has no tail. Not sure why, as I'm sure the addition of a tail or trailing shuck would add to the effectiveness of this fly. Nice flies, Alain.

[alanb_ct]

I think the waterproofed tail adds to the support available to the dropper. I also think that it helps the fly stay right side up. I didn't even know the original had no tail, but I guess it was designed more like an emerger with the rear end under water. Thanks for the information, now that I know that, I may tie some without the tail to fish as dries.

[jason]

deadly looking flies!......I read somewhere that the Klinkhammer was originally tied as a caddis imitation..hence no tail. It's more of a "style" now and anything goes.
Thanks for all the info on the hooks!.....Jason

[AaronJasper]

Those klinks came out nice!

[TexasChris]

Have you guys tried the Hanak hooks? If so, what are your thoughts?

[LopatNympher]

Grear looking flies alan. Hope to get mine looking as good one of these years.

[TexasChris]

Daiichi barbless 1251 Dennis Brown Glass Bead Hook next to a Daiichi 1120. Both size 16.

Just got them in the mail. I'll let you know what I think of them after I try them out. Sharp hooks, for sure. They also make the 1250 version, which is on thicker wire.

[AaronJasper]

That hook looks ok. The offset point is really nice.

[LopatNympher]

I've been using those 1251's for my caddis larva and I have to say the hooksets are great. Much better than the Mustad C49S. I am assuming the off set has something to do with that.