Jig Bead Question

[Strike Rite Tackle Co.]

ya I am with hawg.  why not a 90 degree hook in the sickle?

Here is an easy way to look at it. When the bend in the hook is at 90 degrees the steelhed or salmon have leverage and can use that to dislodge the hook. Altering the bend to 60 degrees means that the fish has less leverage and a harder time throwing the hook. Fly fisherman have found this and alter their approach. Instead of tying most flies on a long shanked spey hook
 
they use a shank fly like this
 
The octopus hook in the shank fly, like the 60 degree jig hooks, have less leverage.
All you need to know is, these hooks are awesome and will put far more fish on the beach than others!

[Steelie Maniac]

Hmm... Interesting... Thanks!

[Todd]

For me, it's more a matter of preference, and a couple of different tools to have in your fishing vest.

The 90 degree bend hooks are great...they stick, and they hold.  For leadheads, it's the only way to go, as you can't put the lead out in front of the hook eye, it has to be on the shank.

For the beadheads, the 60 degree hooks allow you to put a beadhead/pin just in front of the hookeye, which gives it a little better balance.  This also allows you to use different colors or finishes on your jighead that you can't do with lead...like gold or silver plating.  Beadheads on 90 degree hooks aren't balanced as well.

If you are just looking for black or white, or plain lead, then use our regular jigheads...but if you want the extra attraction of a gold or silver plated beadhead, then the 60 degree hooks with plated beads is the best way to go.

Fish on...

Todd

[Rossiman]

If you are just looking for black or white, or plain lead, then use our regular jigheads...but if you want the extra attraction of a gold or silver plated beadhead, then the 60 degree hooks with plated beads is the best way to go.

Your jigs i bake hot pink. Todd your gonna make me go broke  , i need to order some bead head jigs. Might as well since i got all this rabbit fur and marabou to go with it. 

[First Bite]

I'm getting into tying mode for winter steelhead season...

Just wondering if anybody knows where you can get black brass beads in 11/32" or 9/32" for steelhead jigs.  I've found a lot in smaller sizes for fly tying, but none big enough yet.  I have a few store bought jigs from a while back with black beads, but I can't remember where they're from!  I tried experimenting to tarnish them myself, but it just looks like dull brass (which could also be cool...)

While I'm at it, what kind of hooks does everybody use?  I'm probably going with rvrfshr - used some of their spinners over the weekend and the sickle hooks are pretty killer!

Thanks for any info as always!

I carry the black nickel brass beads in 11/32" and 9/32".  I agree with pretty much everyone else concerning the Matzuo sickle hooks...deadly.

I like the 60 degree bend jig hooks because it allows the hook to ride slightly lower in the water which I think helps increase the hook up...especially in steelhead.