Firehole hooks (sticks, as they call them), are competition style fly tying hooks that are the brain child of Joe Mathis out of Bozeman, Montana. As with all competition style hooks they are all barbless, and extremely sharp. We are very excited to get these in and start tying some sweet patterns on these amazing hooks.
One thing that is different about Firehole hooks compared to other competition style hooks though is the price. They are about half the price of other brand name hooks, but offer more quality, and therefore more value. Order some today and get started tying; we are pretty sure you will not be disappointed!
Characteristics
All Firehole Sticks are formed with a wire diameter which is a slightly heavier gauge than what would be considered “standard.” The wire for each hook is high strength carbon steel which is then tempered through a process which ensures flexibility while maintaining high strength. Many of the hooks are also forged which adds an additional level of strength to the hook. Each hook is chemically sharpened. All hooks have a black nickel plating.
Hook Categories
300 Series – Hooks with continuous curves
400 Series – Reserved for dry fly hooks
500 Series – When you need to get jiggy
600 Series – Hooks for nymphs and wet flies
800 Series – Steamers and meat hooks
Sizing
Generally speaking the hook sizes are comparable to “standard” industry sizing. While standard industry sizing is debatable depending on who you talk to, most standard length dry or nymph hooks have comparable shank lengths and gapes.
SHANK LENGTH
Design criteria adhered very closely to these standards. For instance the 419 is comparable in length to a Tiemco 100. The non-standard shank lengths of Firehole Sticks are referenced as long (L) or short (S). The numerical indicator (1X, 2X, 3X, etc.) references a standard hook size 1, 2, or 3 times longer or shorter. For example the 633 is a 1XL hook so, a 633 #12 has a shank length comparably equivalent to a “standard” #10 hook. Likewise, the 413 is a 2XS hook so, a 413 #16 has a shank length comparably equivalent to a “standard” #20 hook.
GAPE
Gape size is referenced in a similar fashion as that of shank length, Gape sizing is referenced with a (G) and uses a numerical indicator (1X, 2X, 3X, etc.) as well, which references a standard hook size 1, 2, or 3 times larger. For example the 637 is a 2XG hook so a 637 #18 has a gape comparably equivalent to a “standard” #14 hook.
