{{+1}}Hooks – understanding them{{-1}}
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aka Understanding Hooks
Related topics:
Whilst a hook is fundamental to fly tying its surprising how many people muddle through without really understanding the terminology. Throughout this web site I have used terms to describe types of hooks, positions on hooks, parts of hooks etc. and the purpose of this post is to ensure you understand what I am referring to. Hopefully the photos will help.
Hook Size:
Hooks are generally described by a cross hatch (#) and by a number or combination of numbers (e.g. 1 or 24). The larger the number the smaller the hook. When the hook size is greater than #1 then it is described as 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 etc but this time for some indescribable reason a 3/0 is larger than a 1/0.
The 'X' factor:
You will often see hooks described as being 1X or say 3X. In recent years I have seen this terminology relating to the the proportion of the shank to the bite of the hook when X is the length of the shank in relation to the width of the gape of a basic hook. Unfortunately I have never found one of those mythical 'basic' hooks. The alternative application of the 'X' factor, which I apply, is used to describe the proportion of the shank to the bite of the hook when X is the length of the shank in relation to the width of the gape of the hook. So a standard dry fly hook may be described as 2X meaning its shank is twice the length of the width of its gape. Carrying the analogy further a 4X hook would be quite a long hook with its shank being four times as long as its gape is is wide.
Description of a hook
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Positions on hooks
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Author: StephenChatterton