Chironomid hook type

[Sundancefisher]

What hooks do people like for their chironomids? I’m using Allen Fly Fishing N203, TMC 2457, Mustad S70-3399 and Daiichi 1760. So far in 10, 12 and 14.

All seem to catch fish.

Anyone find a style works better than others

[Mr Flyguy]

Those are all pretty good. I've been happy with the Togen's barbless scud hooks in the same sizes you use.

Won't buy Mustad any more.

[newdrenalin]

I use Togens 2 x nymph hooks

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by newdrenalin

I use Togens 2 x nymph hooks

Are they strong enough. I’ve been looking at those.

[MartinL]

Check out https://www.troutbum.ca/

His name is Daryl, he is out of Aldergrove and his prices and service cannot be beat.

His 2302 2X heavy is the equivalent to the Daiichi 1760 or Togens 2X nymph hooks. He also carry's the heavy wire 2457 scud hooks. Both the 2302 and 2457 are stout hooks, I have not had a hook failure in the last 3 years with these.

Lots of other items on the site. His bead prices also cannot be beat anywhere.

[Bigfeet]

Tiemco 2499SP-BL are the best I have used. Super sharp, good shape and I like the straight eye.

[WinFwt]

Haven't tied chironomids in quite a while, but when I was, it was on Dai-Riki 135's and TMC 2457's, or Dai-Riki 060's if I wanted them on a straight shank hook.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by WinFwt

Haven't tied chironomids in quite a while, but when I was, it was on Dai-Riki 135's and TMC 2457's, or Dai-Riki 060's if I wanted them on a straight shank hook.

I had some Dai-Riki hooks and some snapped due to being brittle and others just bent open easily.

Have never bought any since.

Have you put any in a vice lately and tried bending them out to see how strong they are?

[WinFwt]

Never had a problem with them. None straightened or snapped. No lost fish due to a hook issue.

The supply I have / had is about 25 years old and is pretty much depleted now. I was hearing reports of them being somewhat soft and having a tendency to straighten in the years after I got mine though.

Except for specialty salmon fly hooks and predator hooks for pike, I haven't bought hooks in a lot of years. It seems I purchased a sufficient quantity in the early 90's to keep me going for a while...!

[AdamJ]

For what it's worth:
I've tied countless chironomids over the years and tried a variety of hook mfgr's.
Togens scud were too soft for any trout over 14" and straightening the hook was a real issue.
Mustad c49s held up for a few trout, but also were prone to bending/straightening with bigger fish.
Tiemco of 2457 or 2487 were inconsistent. Some were great, but I had more than the odd one that would snap.
Green Caddis hooks were essentially the same as togens.
Daichii 1120 and 1260 and 1760 have all been amazing. Have not had one straighten or snap. For chironomids, scuds, etc, I do not buy anything but Daichii. Purchase through canadianllama for competitive price and best customer service.

Daichii is slightly higher in price range, certainly more so than togens (but I view togens as very low quality). IMO - you spend all the time and effort to finish a nice tie, pack the boat and gear, wake up ridiculously early, spend gas money to go to your favourite spot, make a beauty cast and hookup to a solid trout only to have the hook straightened and fish lost....the little extra money for good quality hook is worth it to me and to those I tie for.

[pikergolf]

Originally Posted by AdamJ

For what it's worth:
I've tied countless chironomids over the years and tried a variety of hook mfgr's.
Togens scud were too soft for any trout over 14" and straightening the hook was a real issue.
Mustad c49s held up for a few trout, but also were prone to bending/straightening with bigger fish.
Tiemco of 2457 or 2487 were inconsistent. Some were great, but I had more than the odd one that would snap.
Green Caddis hooks were essentially the same as togens.
Daichii 1120 and 1260 and 1760 have all been amazing. Have not had one straighten or snap. For chironomids, scuds, etc, I do not buy anything but Daichii. Purchase through canadianllama for competitive price and best customer service.

Daichii is slightly higher in price range, certainly more so than togens (but I view togens as very low quality). IMO - you spend all the time and effort to finish a nice tie, pack the boat and gear, wake up ridiculously early, spend gas money to go to your favourite spot, make a beauty cast and hookup to a solid trout only to have the hook straightened and fish lost....the little extra money for good quality hook is worth it to me and to those I tie for.

This, I fished Bullshead a lot. Large fish on small flies, choronomids and scuds. I have never had a Daichii let me down. Yes a little more expensive, but when you factor in the time of tying..... The only hook I use.

[tallieho]

Diaichii for me,strong hooks 1120,1150 scuds,1760 in covet All from Canadian Llamma

[newdrenalin]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Are they strong enough. I’ve been looking at those.

I have yet to bend one on a fish and i know tons of guys that use them

[Daslogster]

Partridge czech nymph fine. Never broken one and I use partridge for klinkhammers to imitate emergers as well

[Sundancefisher]

Size 14 and 16 are hard to come by.