Stinger Hooks

[Grant Wright]

I have never fished a fly with a stinger hook.

[Neal Osborn]

I use Stinger hooks all the time and most of my streamers (i.e. woolly buggers) are now tied on a size 6 stinger hook.

[Tim Schulz]

If you have a chance, listen to Zach’s podcast interview with Kelly Galloup.  Kelly believes that big trout rarely — if ever — strike short of a streamer fly.  Instead, they attack near the head with the objective of swallowing the fish head-first.  One of the reasons that Kelly and others have transitioned to articulated streamers is to shorten the front hook.  

I heard Kelly or someone once say that big trout don’t miss your fly.  They sometimes decide at the last moment to reject your offering, but they don’t miss.  

If the big fish are striking short, you might try changing your retrieve.  I favor Kelly’s jerk-strip retrieve, but anything that makes the fly look alive helps to trigger an instinctive strike.  You don’t want the fish analyzing the situation while following the fly.  

[Grant Wright]

Tim,

I’ve never fished with articulated streamers either, but Gallup’s view makes sense.

[Tim Schulz]

Grant,

I’m about to head out for the evening.

[Shannon Drawe]

We are tying more and more standard patterns on Stingers down here. Why? Because they stick Bass! There really is no ethical issue with bass (thank goodness), and they can shake just about anything – except Stingers. Downside – Stingers have an unusual center of gravity, so if you want it to ride hook up (like a Clouser), it will take some experimentation. They could be pretty wicked on a Trout though.

[Tim Angeli]

Do you have any favorite articulated patterns/pics?

Circus Peanut, Heifer Groomer, Sex Dungeon, T&A Bunker, Swimmin’ Jimmy…  

Take a look at Ray Schmidt or Kelly Galloup’s website for some pictures.  I’ve been meaning to take some pictures but just haven’t gotten around to it.  Something else to keep in mind is to use a rear hook that is 2 sizes smaller than the front hook.  I picked this tip up from a buddy, and I believe it helps to keep the fly oriented as desired in the water.  Good luck!

-Tim

[anonymous]

I’ll second Tims’ comments.

[craig phillips]

If you’re going to use stinger hooks, and have any interest in submitting the monster fish you catch to the IGFA as a tippet class record (or all-tackle for that matter) the rules of fly fishing state that the trailing hook cannot extend past the wing of the fly.

[Tim Pommer]

 I use a Gamakatsu live bait hook for a stinger most of the time- amazingly sharp, and very fine wire.

2x

[Grant Wright]

A couple of my early attempts — I can’t wait to see how/if they work.

[chad copsy]

Those flies look great Grant!

I have found and you might as well as others suggested that the trailer hook can be problematic i.e. fouling, eye hooking fish or bleeding. I would also have to agree nearly all hook ups are front hook. I have often cut off the trailer hook while fishing or in the case of tied materials on said hook I just cut the hook point off. I now tie most of my flies with other materials for the articulated portion or modify patterns a bit.

You will surely arrive at your own conclusions and have a great time doing so.

Good luck,

Chad

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