Hooks For Musky Flies

[N. Metz]

What hooks are people tying their musky flies on? I've seen Clarkaman's thread in the classifieds and see he is using Ahrex Aberdeen's and Ahrex TP610's. I typically use Gami B10S hooks in size 2/0 to 5/0. However, I have yet to tangle with a large musky on them. I have caught 5 or 6 small tigers but never a large tiger or pure strain. I'm a bit concerned that the hook may bend or be straightened out due to the long shank. However, I also need a longer shank to tie in everything I need to and create a fly that "pushes some water". I've caught some big 15-17 pound pike but a large pure strain musky could weight 50 pounds or more. I've considered Gami SL12S and Sl11-3H hooks. However, the SL12S is shorter shank and the SL11-3H doesn't have a large enough gap in my opinion.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[clarkman]

B10S are plenty strong. We've used them for tuna. Stronger than the TP610 (and 605, which is the light version). The thing I personally don't like with the B10S is that the workable shank space is less per overall hook length. I also like the thinner wire of the Ahrex because it'll penetrate easier.

That said, I did bend one last year (nowhere close to straight)...landed the fish, bent the hook back and was right back at it. I also find Ahrex easier to sharpen when necessary.

I've been through a lot of different types of hooks. There's a good reason I've settled on what I've settled on.

 

[N. Metz]

I have some Ahrex SA220 hooks that I like quite a bit. Damn expensive hooks though. Probably worth it since musky are musky and I only need / can fit so many musky flies with me.

 

[clarkman]

Yeah, not cheap.

A couple of things I don't like to skimp on. Good hooks and good bucktail....that second one is just personal preference....but the first is extremely important.