Tying tying blog posts from Tom Larimer
I’m often asked what size and brand of stinger hook I use for steelhead tube flies. First, let me say that I use Owner SSW Octopus hooks almost exclusively with one exception. -For Size #6 hooks I fish a Daiichi D255 Intruder Hook. I’ve tried every other hook on the market and have had mixed results.
I'm headed back to Cleveland, Ohio on February 23 to give a Spey casting and fly tying clinic. The class is being hosted by Chagrin River Outfitters and Steelhead Alley Outfitters. I'm looking forward to fishing "Steelhead Alley", from everything I've heard the rivers and their steelhead are amazing. Come join us for a day of Spey casting and fly tying if you're in the area.
If you spend much time on steelhead rivers, you've probably heard someone make the observation that the fly we choose to fish doesn't really matter. That comment is typically followed up with the idea that you just need to put your time in to find a player and stay confident. While there's no doubt our sport takes a healthy dose of patience, practice and persistence, I happen to fall into the fly does matter camp.
In todays post we're talking about rigging lead or tungsten worm weights on unweighted steelhead or salmon shank flies. This is an extremely useful fishing system that can greatly reduce the number of flies you tie or carry. First, you'll have to know the "saltwater loop knot". The most useful size weights are 3/16 oz and 1/8 oz although I have thrown up to 1/4 oz weights for super deep slots.