Understanding Fly Tying Hooks - Charlie Explains How To Make Sense of Fly Tying Hooks

In this video, Charlie Craven walks you through everything you need to know about fly tying hooks! From different hook sizes, shapes and specific uses, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect hook for your fly fishing needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fly tyer, understanding the variety of hooks is key to tying the best flies for any situation.

[tinoyb]

Very helpful, even for people who have been tying for years. My biggest issue with hooks is trying to cross reference between makers. Maybe you could add a link to a chart that you prefer?

[joebare]

Thxs Charlie...that really cleared up a lot of confusion.

[NDFlyFisher]

I’ve always been convinced it’s done on purpose.

Good video!

[tomtyess]

Awesome info !! Ive only ever bought hooks when i could hold them in my hand and decide if they are what i need. This info makes it alot easier to buy online. Probably from your store !! Thanks again

[andrewwebster]

I never knew this, and I can only imagine the amount of people that didn’t. We play the match game, but it’s always nice to know the numbers thank you, Charlie!

[mountaincreekfliesjimmy]

Really enjoyed this hook presentation. Thank you sir

[esjovold]

The 2XL explanation was interesting. For some reason I always thought a #12 2XL had a shank length of a #10 hook. I’m not sure where I ever came up with that. Thanks for the video, it had lots of good information.

[sigurdurmarolafsson]

Great video M8!
Greetings from ICELAND 🇮🇸

[cachi-]

Thank you, Charlie and dog, that was enlightening.
I’ve been ignoring the details of what 2x, 3x, etc., both on the shank length and the gap width, actually meant.
I’m reminded I need to get some small heavy hooks for Steelhead. This is a case where you might be fishing relatively small hooks, #14, #12, but you need super strong wire, unless you don’t mind losing fish when the hooks get either broken or straightened out!🤪

[gregorholtzer]

Great tutorial!
What does "sproat bend" mean? Come from?
Idem Forged?

[phillmartin]

I bet all your viewers wish they are as know as you ❤

[ChuckNorris-lfnt]

I often wonder if there is any reasoning behind hook part numbers the manufacturer assigns to a hook. Have any insight?

[JoseSalvadorDiBiase]

What changes in terms of hook setting o fly action with up, straight or down eyes???

[manygates]

put the pointy part toward the fish. pro tip

[RobertBrien-wo]

I was able to follow you until about the 7 minute point. then it just got more confusing.

[edwardmlotkiewicz]

Extra wide gap hooks should be sized accordingly to the actual hook size, not the smaller hook size and listed as "wide or extra wide gap". How about saltwater hooks? I still liked the tutorial and although I can pretty much cipher out the hook sizes, they are arbitrary at best.

[adrummer]

so it's not a ratio of the gape to shank length... dang...I'm more confused now! lol


shoot...I only made it thru Calculus in college...this ain't easy! haha