To offset or not to offset....

[Sean Mills]

Hi guys

I have been having a lot of success recently off setting my hooks to the left or right. Dropping far fewer fish. I find that for small nymphs, off setting the hook gives a huge advantage. I also off set my hooks when fishing for bass and carp as well as trout using streamer flies. I do not however off set my trout dry fly hooks.

I have fished with a very competent fly fishing friend on a few trips now where I was hooking and landing more fish than him. On one trip I hooked 15 trout and landed 13. He hooked 10 and dropped 5. We where both using similar fly lines and flies.

I could go on and on but I am definable convinced about the advantages. It is interesting that most hooks used in bait fishing are offset. As to causing the fly to swim weird, I have not found that it is too much of an issue.

For shy biting fish like tilapia and mullet, off setting your hook point can really payoff....


Any thoughts?

offset.jpg

[smallstreams.co.za]

Kamasan hooks have an offset out the factory, and some Partridge hooks too. There are also some Marinaro dry fly hooks that have an offset. I have the habit of offsetting mine in the vice before dropping them ja - been a habit for about 8 years, and I feel it does make a difference.

[Korrie]

a simple experiment.
take a hook with point in line, attached on a peice of mono, insert into a phone book or a pile of copier paper, between the sheets.
The hook will not "set" in the paper.

off set the hook and repeat, the hook immediately "sets" in the paper and dig deeper into the paper.
an absolute MUST for me.

[core fly]

I dont offset and cant say my drop rate is higher,although offset does make sense,especially on smaller flies.Gonna give it a bash

[Scythe]

Depends on the fishing, if the fish hits it hard, then offset isn't an issue, but I've found where fish mouth the fly softly it does help.

[GGY]

Shhhh...

:smile:

[geoff]

Nice to see you back on the forum Sean , always sharing.