Synthetic Clouser Minnow

**frikb** · 10-03-09

Nicely done.

**MCC** · 10-03-09

Howzit Grant

Really nice looking fly. Have you tried using the Mustad Bass Stinger hooks? Similar to the old Tiemco stingers but grey in colour and much stronger while less flexible. How much hook strength do you require?

Cheers
MC

**Ian** · 10-03-09

You seen one you have seen them all, but the vice on the other han:d.........BRILLIANT CHOICE!!!!

**JanK** · 10-03-09

Originally Posted by Gerrit Viljoen

Hi Grant,

You did something unholy,you wetted the fly

Yes

BUT, he did it for a reason (unlike the others who simply slobbered over their flies

) - the HOT water is supposed to make the synthetics lie down nicely to make a slim baitfish profile...afterall, this isn't a Hi-Tie fly...

**JanK** · 10-03-09

Originally Posted by MCC

Have you tried using the Mustad Bass Stinger hooks? Similar to the old Tiemco stingers but grey in colour and much stronger while less flexible. How much hook strength do you require?

Hi Mc,

Aren't the Gama 12's a short(er) shank hook, while the Mustad Bass Stingers look like a normal length shank?

I am looking to tie up some baitfish patterns that are approx. 10cm in length and am dithering what hook to use - so far, I am looking at the Mustad 34007 #4, a small hook I know, but it will hide nicely inside the profile. Otherwise, will also be looking at the Owner range next time I am in a shop.

I have also heard conflicting theories regarding the baitfish patterns:
- use a short(er) shank hook because the point is then closer to the head of the baitfish;
and
- use a long(er) shank hook because the point is then closer to the tail of the baitfish;
as both the head and the tail areas are recognised predatory "strike" areas.

Any other suggestions?

TIA.

**MCC** · 10-03-09

Hi there Jan

The stinger hook is pretty much a standard shank length hook but will definitely be a fraction longer than the Gama. I suggested it more because of the thinner shank diametre. Because of the lightweight design on the Gama, it won't add anything in terms of sink rate or jig action.

A #4 hook seems much too small for a 10cm pattern. I would opt for a minimum #4/0 on a fly of that size. The exposed hook has never been an issue for me but then again, maybe thousands of fish have refused my flies because of the "proud" hooks.

Have you looked at the new 34007 hooks? Can't remember the code off the top of my head but those things are very impressive. Also look at the short shanked Tarpon hook. That hook ties a superb Clouser, especially in the mid sizes from 1/0 to 4/0.

I prefer the short hooks because they add to the fly's action. Deceivers would be an exception and here a standard shank length somehow just looks better.

The only fish where I have found a hook placed at the tail, to be a big advantage, is with Leeries. It is my impression that they always take the fly from the side and therefore often miss the frontal hook. A rear hook virtually always gets them in the scissors because you can strip the fly through the mouth and get the hook to lodge in the corner after the fish has turned away. Like most gamefish, a Leerie will however often keep on chasing until you get him, so even here the front hook eventually gets him.

Cheers
MC

**JanK** · 10-03-09

Thanks for the info MC. Will go and look at the bigger sizes - haven't tied anything larger than a #1 ... maybe that explains why I don't catch anything of any decent size...

...gonna go and get me some X/0 sizes....

**gkieser** · 10-03-09

Originally Posted by MCC

Howzit Grant

Really nice looking fly. Have you tried using the Mustad Bass Stinger hooks? Similar to the old Tiemco stingers but grey in colour and much stronger while less flexible. How much hook strength do you require?

Cheers
MC

Shot dude - I tied some on mustad stinger hooks for last year's trip but unfortunately the patterns drew no takes, although I doubt it was due to the hook profile - I just mean it gave me no chance to test them but i will try to do so on this next trip.

The stingers are recommended in most tigerfish articles in mags etc.

One thing that did bother me about the stingers is the angle of the point and whether it would effectively set when strip striking. Our guide told us to strike by grabbing the line (as it is flying off the reel - bit of courage required) and stripping it as violently as you can three times to drive the hook in. This was proven as the most effective way to hook and eventually land the fish so you need serrrrias hook strength to be able to do that. Just that violent ripping action makes me wonder about the angled point of the stingers.

Any idea if the point direction would be pro or con in this situation?

One thing though - I felt so bad when I struck that hard and a bream comes to the boat - no wonder they call them thinface largemouths!