----- Original Message ----- From: "rob poutre" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > DonO~ > > The fly was white, lt. blue and dark blue in the > proportions you would expect with some flash in it on > a size 7/0 hook. I went to a shop in Cabo San Lucas > and bought some 8/0, 10/0 and 12/0 which I think would > have been even more successful. > > > Rob P.
Rob, the 6/0 is a great hook if you get the XX-hvy wire version, in either Gamakatsu or Owner, the latter being my favorite. I use a large 10/0 for the front hook of my tandem rigs, but it's for a keeler, and rarely is it the one that hooks up. I file the 10/0 to a knife edge and mini-barb so that the 14wt rod can drive it home, but not with the Owner, which I leave stock. Strange thing is, even with the xx-hvy wire, I have had a marlin bend it out with only 22# test tippet- go figure. That's rare though, and many other things go wrong before your hook bends out. The mini-barb and knife edge allow for a hook-set, but would also allow the hook to be removed should that 'mishap' occur on the high seas. I ride the trailer-hook up so that it would not come into play unless it's with a fish. I use 100#+ Tiger-wire loop as the connection on the tandem, furled and covered with a piece of ez-body braided mylar. This makes the stinger-hook replaceable. Also, going to the larger hooks may help some, but they're harder to drive home in the heavy lips of bill-fish. A lot of guys try circle hooks, but even though they work, they miss the fun of the hook-set. That's a good reason for the loop connection- gives you some ability to play with diferent stinger hooks. More later on the flies. DonO
