Rick Wallace sent me a link to his awesome online search tool that allows the user to search for equivalent hooks across all the different manufacturers.
The tool (linked here) is so simple and easy to use! Just enter the brand and model of the hook you would like to use and the tool finds that exact hook. If there are equivalents available, it shows them as well; allowing you to get the best price!
Now, when following a fly pattern, you will not get stumped when the pattern recommends a particular type of hook. If you do not have it, use a surrogate!
The database includes dry fly, nymph, streamer and saltwater hooks. It includes more than 160 hooks with more being added.
The database includes these brands right now:
- Tiemco
- Daiichi
- Eagle Claw
- Mustad
- Orvis
- Gamakatsu
- Kamasan
- Dai-Riki
The tool displays the original hook entered and its equivalents. Users can click through to a purchase page of participating vendors to buy any of the hooks.
Rick believes the search tool will prove valuable for fly tyers, but for him to continue its development he really needs to people to learn about it and to use it.
Check it out!
