[Bob Balder]

So, I tie for both fresh and salt water, not terribly prolific but I like to tie what I fish with if I can. I am really growing tired of the hook search. I dislike driving all over just to be dissapoointed because I can't find what I am looking for. My on line efforts are hit and miss, H&H has some but not all, feather crafters, same thing. Is there a better way or am I just whining out loud?
And one more question: What hook are you using for a gurgler that is easy to find and works? I have never tied one but will be. Thanks in advance!

BB

 

[Stonefish]

Understand your frustration of hitting a shop and them being out of what you want..
Ebay....If they list it, they generally have them in stock.
Just watch the shipping costs. Don't hesitate to ask the sell for free or reduced shipping if you are buying a number of items.
I've started buying the hooks and dumbbell eyes I really like and use a lot in 100 packs so I always have some on hand. That helps drive the cost per unit cost down as well.

As far as Gurgler hooks go, I like the Gami SP11-3L3H.
It has a nice wide gap and is a lighter wire, so it doesn't add much weight when tied with 3mm foam.
Hope this helps.
SF

 

[Nick Clayton]

I've been using Bear's Den fly shop for a while now for most of my hooks. They sell the SC15 and B10S in the hundred packs for a decent price.

I also order Daiichi 2546 hundred packs directly through their website.

Just a couple days ago I ordered some of JS Stockard's house brand saltwater hooks to try out. The price is good if they are of decent quality. I'll post an update once they arrive.

 

[tkww]

J Stockard shows when things are out of stock, plus you can get email notifications when they're back in stock.

 

[Bimini15]

I got by for many years tying on 100-packs of Mustad 34007 and 34011 in different sizes for both fresh and saltwater. I only added some to the collection when I got fly-curious beyond baitfish streamers.

My problem is the conflict between my needs and wants. I really do not need any other hooks, but sometimes I want to try something different, like Ahrex recently.

I still tie all my gurglers on 34007s

 

[Nick Clayton]

How sharp are those 34007 out of the box? I've used the DT version as shanks for stinger clousers and they are not even remotely sharp.

 

[stabgnid]

The Fly shop hooks are good and cheap shipping is a little high is the only down fall http://catalog.theflyshop.com/fly-tying-1/
Steve-stabgnid

 

[Bob Balder]

The Fly shop hooks are good and cheap shipping is a little high is the only down fall http://catalog.theflyshop.com/fly-tying-1/
Steve-stabgnid

I have used them in the past, mdeiocre service and spendy shipping was my experience. It irritates me when they short ship and don't back order or tell you about it.
THX

BB

 

[Bob Balder]

Understand your frustration of hitting a shop and them being out of what you want..
Ebay....If they list it, they generally have them in stock.
Just watch the shipping costs. Don't hesitate to ask the sell for free or reduced shipping if you are buying a number of items.
I've started buying the hooks and dumbbell eyes I really like and use a lot in 100 packs so I always have some on hand. That helps drive the cost per unit cost down as well.

As far as Gurgler hooks go, I like the Gami SP11-3L3H.
It has a nice wide gap and is a lighter wire, so it doesn't add much weight when tied with 3mm foam.
Hope this helps.
SF

Thank you, sage advice there. I will take a look this weekend. Appreciate the hook tip as well, I am a Gami fan, great in the salt.

BB

 

[Bob Balder]

I've been using Bear's Den fly shop for a while now for most of my hooks. They sell the SC15 and B10S in the hundred packs for a decent price.

I also order Daiichi 2546 hundred packs directly through their website.

Just a couple days ago I ordered some of JS Stockard's house brand saltwater hooks to try out. The price is good if they are of decent quality. I'll post an update once they arrive.

Thanks Nick! I took a few minutes to check out the Bears Den, they have a lot of material and a solid hook selection, I appreciate the tip.
BB

 

[Bimini15]

@Nick Clayton
They are famously not the sharpest hooks out there, but I have never felt like it was an issue. Don't know if it makes a difference but all of mine are 15+ years old. Maybe from before the move to Singapore and China. In any case, nothing than a quick honing can't fix.

 

[chris stiemert]

I use js on occasion, but normally I just add things to my cart on their site and then go to avid angler and reference my cart while I shop, and if they don’t have it they will order and get it to you quickly, I owe a lot to our local shops for all they have done for me over the years and know it’s hard to make $ so I try to always buy from them, plus they are usually willing to bargain a bit if you buy a lot from them, something you’ll never get from the online shops

 

[Justin Waters]

Typically if you call the shop they can get it in before you come. I would hit up Waters West or Avid Angler for your tying needs. (Pacific Fly Fishers has a darn good website as well) Plus the visit to either shop is a treat (or they will both ship.) Waters west can find you ANYTHING, you want unicorn pubes and panda tear head cement, they will find it. And Avid probably has the best customer service and stoked employees in the game. Plus Ryan is the nicest dude on earth.

I am typically not a Gami fan, however I like the hook choice from @Stonefish. I also use the Traditional Shrimp hook from Ahrex. Both are super sharp and light. I like the Ahrex hook because the gape rides deeper for less misses on the top water stikes.

We are pretty fortunate in western Washington to have mostly awesome local shops all over, it's totally worth it to call ahead and just make an order.

 

[Dr Bob]

Another vote for Waters West. They have a good selection of hooks including salt water and steelhead hooks. They also have some specialty hooks like the TMC 102 for soft hackles. For small hooks for trout patterns I have used Blue Ribbon Fly Shop. You can buy them in 100 packs and save a bit.

Dr Bob