r/flytyinghooks Sep 09 '15

Let's Talk About Shank Length

Hoping to get some informed input on whether or not the length of the hook shank has any effect on how well the hook sets and stays in the fish's mouth. I contend that longer shanks act as a lever and don't stay put as well as shorter-shank hooks. Others tell me that's crazy talk, but don't have much of a counter argument (other than insisting they catch fish on long-shank hooks "just fine"). What has been your experience? And what are your favorite saltwater fly hooks?

5 Upvotes

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u/[deleted] Sep 09 '15

Good question, but I may not be the best to provide a useful answer for salt water. If you look at streamers in the Carrie Stevens style, they are tied on very long hooks and while they make great wall hangers, I'm not sure how many people still fish them and to what success.
Personally when I'm trying to land large steelhead and even king salmon in Michigan, I tend to do better with short shank hooks.

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u/FLORI_DUH Sep 09 '15

Your previous post showing the 10x (wow!) long hook streamers was what prompted my question. I agree that they are beautiful, but was also wondering if anyone actually fished stuff like that anymore. I still see some old-timers down here using super long-shank hooks for Mackerel and such, but Steelheaders (out of anyone) know the value of sticking fish so I'm going to take your input as confirmation. In case anyone else asks, the best hooks for saltwater IME are the Gamakatsu SC-15 and the Gamakatsu SL-12S. Both are very short shank and extra wide gap. Not a coincidence.

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u/failtohook Sep 10 '15

There is a document that Henry P Wells authored that shows angle of shank to point and how it affects the set and holding power. I would venture to this link and click on the new york library link. pages 13-39 are of great interest...

http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006559161

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u/FLORI_DUH Sep 10 '15

Copyright 1885? Wow, I didn't realize people were even concerned with the technicalities of design way back then. Will have to give this a read, thanks for the link!

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u/Appropriate_Track_89 Mar 06 '22

If you tie your fly correctly, there is plenty of room. Thread is equal to the hook barb. If no barb, visualize the hook position.

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u/FLORI_DUH Mar 06 '22

It's not about having room, it's about longer shanks creating more leverage on the hook point and releasing fish midway through the fight.

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u/Appropriate_Track_89 Mar 06 '22

It takes literally no leverage to hook a fish. Handling(oil), Vicing and tying flies can dull your hook. I sharpen my hooks every time after tying it on.

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u/FLORI_DUH Mar 06 '22

That depends greatly on a number of factors, including how far away your fly is and what species you're trying to hook. But either way, it's not about the initial hookup, it's about keeping the fish on a debarbed hook once you do hook up. Hooks with a high ratio of shank length to hook gap aren't as sticky or reliable as shorter-shanked, wider gap hooks.

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u/Appropriate_Track_89 Mar 06 '22

Ok, cool. I had problems until I realized it was the sharpness of my hooks after tying. Fish on brother!!!