Dressed vs. bare tail hook

[jimmy z]

I'll use dressed single hooks on many. And the sluggo on the end of a plug, I've done that as well. I'll just try different idea's, and if they work, so be it. And if they don't, I try something else.

[JohnR]

Gary - welcome to S-B - I believe we met briefly on Cutty at the club check-in / check-out handover

[rphud]

Soooo, as long as we are on the topic...how do you tie up your tails/flags/siwash??

[Pete F.]

Originally Posted by rphud

Soooo, as long as we are on the topic...how do you tie up your tails/flags/siwash??

To do flags I use a leftover piece of thru wire. Make a bunch of marks in it with dikes to hold the thread and bend a loop. Leave the other end long to hold it in the vise like a fly and then after it's dry trim it. Sort of looks like this
?
Except the dot is long
Close the flag loop around the tail loop

[Frankiesurf]

On Bombers, big Swimmers and some needles I add a dressed hook. I have a few of the 5" Choopy's needles that have the flag tails. On the North Shore of L.I. I have caught more fish on them last year than with anything else.

The only problem with the dressed hooks is the price. At a buck and a half and more it does get a bit expensive. I am currently looking for a cheap vice to try my hand at tying my own.

[emgred]

Gary (Big Water) - Thanks for the input!
Have used your tip about Lunker Lotion.
And just in case you have not been told this; your pikie's are SWEET!