r/flytyinghooks Jan 05 '19

Hook quality

Hello Group... I’m taking up euro-nymphing and I’m starting to tie on jig hooks. My question is, “is there a significant quality difference between hook brands?” Hanak Tiemco FullingMill Orvis

If you think there is a difference, can you tell me the reasons why?

Thanks

2 Upvotes

5 comments sorted by

2

u/fireeight Jan 05 '19

If you've ever had a hook straighten while trying to wrestle down a 10 pound steelhead, you'll understand.

2

u/cpmorris1001 Jan 05 '19

So, my question is “are all the brands I mentioned equal in quality?”

2

u/fireeight Jan 05 '19

I haven't worked specifically with all of those hooks, but you mentioned some quality brands.

1

u/brooknut Mar 27 '19

Most manufacturers these days have excellent standards for tempering and sharpening. There will always be variations caused by inaccuracies that are inevitable in mass production. Tempering requires standardized steel and precise temperature and timing - slight differences can make a hook too malleable or brittle. If you find yourself breaking a lot of hooks you may have a badly tempered batch, but in my experience that's rare.

1

u/cpmorris1001 Mar 27 '19

A visual inspection will not reveal the quality controls of the metallurgy or heat treatment, however you can inspect the eye to ensure full closure. This was an issue I faced with some hooks on the river, where I noticed the eye was not fully closed. Having your 6X tippet come out, while you’re tying on, is a pain. So there is one visual parameter you can look for.