Good hook for tying soft hackles/wets?

[Redfin]

I just started tying some soft hackles for the first time. And want to tie some traditional wets as well. It was a little tricky getting used to wrapping them small feathers on the soft hackles.

I have not been around this type of fishing before or tied them. I did about 20 soft hackles this weekend on tiemco 2457 scud hooks. I'm sure that's not really what I want. (Heavy scud hook.)
I don't want a bunch of differand models for all the more I will be tying rite now. Mostly soft hackles.

What's a good hook that is proper for soft hackles and wet flies?
What about sizes? #12 about average size for these?

 

[nomad_archer]

I tie soft hackles in 12,14,16 usually more towards 14 and 16. Any old straight shank wet/nymph hook will work . Dont over think these they are usually simple patterns. What specific soft hackle patterns are you tying as it may help give a more specific answer? I think I am beginning to be a hook hoarder I have lots of brands and models around.

 

[redietz]

I tie soft hackles in 14 - 20. I pretty much stick to a Mustad R50 hook.

 

[Redfin]

Just basics,
Peacock, pheasant tail, hares ear, partridge n green, n orange,
Pass lake. Still working on more of a list.

Still want to try some Traditional wets. But I don't know if they fish any better than the soft hackles compared to time put into the tie? You guys may know better than me as I have not fished either.

I been using partridge in natural, brown, olive. I bought the cheapo bags. You have to pick through em.

 

[nomad_archer]

Ok so standard or 2xl wet nymph hooks is what I use for what you are tying. I am sorry you are using the bags of feathers. They make a mess and drive me nuts. I have a few #2 skins partridge brown and a ginger/yellow that I picked up on clearance that I have been using. I just picked up some Brahma hen capes to see how they work as a soft hackle collar. If they are tougher and easier to work with I can see the partridge getting used much less. Bonus the brahma hen capes are smaller and less expensive than a partridge skin. Either one feel like a long term supply of hackle.

 

[dc410]

I tie most of my soft hackles and wet flies on Daiichi 1550 hooks. They are decent hooks.

 

[fritz]

I use both the 2457s and standard dry fly hooks. If they are taking below the surface a bit then the heavier scud hooks seem to work well. If they are feeding in the film then the lighter dry fly hooks are effective.

 

[fritz]

To follow up on sizes for me it is currently 14s down to 20s. And I agree with the skins rather than loose feathers.

 

[PAgeologist]

+1 on not using the bagged partridge feathers.

They can be hard to find at times, especially if you want to pick it out in person, but get yourself a skin.

A decent substitute is a hen pheasant skin. I just picked one of those up and seems to have a decent selection of feathers for the collars.

I tie sizes 12-18, generally on 2xl nymph hooks. I wouldn't toss the ones you tied on a scud hook. Look up Anderson's Bird of Prey... its a caddis imitation, but tied with a hackle collar similar to a standard soft hackle.

 

[Redfin]

Yes you guys are right. them bags a rough. N make a mess! If I like using and tying these I will spend the money on better stuff.
Thank you so much for the help guys! Your great!

 

[TYoung]

You probably want to have two types of hooks. a standard dry fly hook for flies that are fished in the film, and a heavier wire wet/nymph hook for flies that you want to sink a bit. Use what ever brand you prefer.

 

[TYoung]

You probably want to have two types of hooks. a standard dry fly hook for flies that are fished in the film, and a heavier wire wet/nymph hook for flies that you want to sink a bit. Use what ever brand you prefer.

 

[GenCon]

Mostly for me I use good old Mustad's I like the 3906. They are a heavy wire hook. They also hold fish really well.

GenCon