Hooks for loch-style flies

[Neil Relph]

I used to tie all my loch-style flies on Partridge Limerick hooks. I always liked the shape and thought the weight of them suited this style of fly. I've almost used up my stock (I had an extended break from fishing ...) so I'm now after a replacement. I've liked the Hanak hooks (especially their euronymph jig hooks), so H280BL or H200BL would seem to be suitable. Fulling Mill FM5095 or FM5020 would also seem to be similar but I've not used any of their wet fly hooks.   Has anyone got any recommendations for me to replace the Limerick hooks and tie a few flies? I'm visiting Shetland / Orkney / Harris / Uist in May, so I thought I'd get a few tied whilst the weather's poor.

[Mike Barrio]

Hi Neil, welcome to the forum 

The Fulling Mill Heavyweight Champ barbless FM-5000 might be worth considering, I think Robert mentioned these in James's "Hooks - choice and supplier" post.

But hopefully some of the other forum members will offer you suggestions, there are far more experienced loch-style hands on here than mine.

Cheers
Mike

[Robert MacDonald-Lewis]

Kamasan B175 are a fairly standard option for typical loch flies. Fulling Mill Competion Heavyweight  FM1530 is am almost identical barbed hook,  their Comp Heavyweight FM5090 is an idential barbless hook.

Fullingmill Heavyweight Champ FM5000 is a barbless hook with similar gauge wire, upturned point and slightly shorter shank. Also a good option for wet flies but can mess with fly proportions a little.

There are plenty suppliers of good reliable hooks, probably worth trying a few and seeing what you get on with best.

[Neil Relph]

Thanks for the info. I've used the Fulling Mill FM5000 and they're not "quite right". I think I'll go to BFFI and look at Hanak / Ahrex / Partridge and see what suits.