Hooks for dry flies

[MattM]

Do you prefer straight eyed hooks or down turned eyes for caddis and mayfly patterns? Is there an advantage or diadvantage for either?

 

[tomgamber]

My personal preference is down for dries, up for nymphs and scuds and straight for streamers. That doesn't mean thats what I always use, but what I prefer.

 

[Padraic]

I think if you want a fly to skitter, an upturned hook works best. Also on a small fly, this opens the gap of the hook a bit. Well it keeps the eye out of the way, anyhow. It also better for certain knots, such as snelling the hook or using a turle knot.

A downturned eye is supposed to be better for setting the hook. It is also a good profile for emergers.

A straight eye is sort of the default. It makes a nice profile with the tippet on most flies.

That's my $0.02.

 

[flyman]

Generally I use down turned eyed hooks, probably because they are more readily avaliable. If I am tying #20 or smaller I prefer a straight eyed hook to avoid obstructing the hook point.
Flyman

 

[Philly]

I've narrowed down my hook tying preferences to 2 types.
For mayfly dries and nymphs, soft hackles and flymphs I use a straight eye hook. My current preference being the TMC 101.
For caddis dries and emergers, mayfly cripples and emergers, I use a straight eye shrimp/caddis pupae hook. Current preference TMC 2488.