If you remember my blog entry on September 16th, I announced that I would be using Togens Fly Shop’s hooks and beads exclusively for my guide service and personal fishing sessions. So far, I’m extremely pleased with the quality and the many different bends Togens offers, and I must again give props to Togens Pro Team Member Cat Toy (https://flyfishingwithcattoy.blogspot.com/) for introducing them to me. I would have never known about these fabulous hooks, and super custom beads without her sage advice on the matter.
The hook I have used the most so far out of the Togens line has been the 60 degree jig hook, namely in sizes 8, 16, and 18, using both the gold and the black nickel slotted tungsten beads. The Togens jig hook can be used in fresh or salt water. What I like about a jig hook is that it rides hook point up and resists snagging on the bottom, and allows the nymph to bounce along the bottom of the river efficiently during a drift.
Most fish
that are caught on a jig hook are either on the bottom substrate or just above
it in the slower and deeper water column. Here, large trout take advantage of
the hydraulics near the floor, where they can expend less energy, and
constantly feed. This is the advantage
of using the 60 degree jig hook with a heavy front end for a better sink rate,
and more of a vertical angle for the fly.
The key
features of the 60 degree jig hook are a black nickel finish, heavy wire, and
as mentioned above that have a constant taper with a razor sharp point. They
come in packs of 50 or 1000.
With the
growing popularity of Euro Nymphing, and American Tight Line Nymphing, more and
more anglers are tying with slotted tungsten beads. These beads are built with
a slot in the bottom to accommodate proper placing on jig-shaped fly hooks.
Tungsten is about 50% heavier than brass, which is what most beads are normally
made from. Therefore, these beads ensure your flies get down into the strike
zone, and stay there longer. The consistency in manufacturing is really good
with Togens slotted beads, and they are exceptionally durable with a
corrosion-proof design. Many popular patterns like the Frenchie and Perdigon
use the jig hook/slotted bead combo, but I’ve been converting my go to patterns
like Yellow Halo, TJ Hooker, and Hogan’s S&M from a regular nymph hook to
the jig hook, and the results have been stellar. Check out Togens exclusive
Brown Magic finish, it’s super fishy! The slotted Tungsten beads come in 25
count packs.
Being that
Togens Fly Shop is based in BC Canada, the exchange rate favors buyers from the
US where you’ll save a little money. Enter the code TOGEN10, and mentions “Baiocchi’s
Troutfitters” and receive an additional 10% off on your order! See you on the
water…
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