Tips for Tying on the Fulling Mill Barbless Hook Collection
Published: 10th November 2021 | Author: Fulling MillWe’re proud to offer 10 different models in the Fulling Mill barbless hook collection. Initially introduced in 2011, barbless hooks are now a core part of our hook and fly offerings. Therefore, we wrote this guide to help you understand five of these hooks and how they’re best used. Stay tuned for the others later this winter. Happy tying!
Photo: New England Riverworks.
Jig Force Barbless
The Jig Force “Standard” is our flagship hook. It started it all for us as far as barbless hooks go. This hook is perfect for most nymphing applications. As a result, it’s used widely. We’ve developed this hook considerably over the years, and after lots of trial and error, we’re proud to offer this hook to tiers anglers worldwide.
This hook is best suited for tying nymphs of most any fashion. As a jig hook with a 50º eye, this will be well suited to euro nymphing rigs and point flies under an indicator as it rides hook point up. Additionally, this hook is well suited to most trout applications because it has a 2x strong shank.
Beyond nymphs, the Jig Force hook is also great for small jig streamers that don’t need any extra length for the body. From small buggers to little crayfish, most small streamers can be adapted to work on this hook. Typically sizes 8-12 are best for this.
50 Degree eye. 2 X Heavy. Claw Point.
Jig Force Short Barbless
This hook was added to our collection in 2020, making it one of the newest hooks in our lineup. It was designed for the angler/tier who is looking for a stout jig hook that holds oversized beads with ease. To do this, we used a transverse eye, and we made the hook gap wider than on the standard Jig Force Hook.
This hook is well suited to small nymphs and streamers that are heavily weighted. It’s ideal for most of the same patterns as the standard Jig Force, except it can accommodate these larger beads. Additionally, with an extra strong wire gauge, it has considerably more holding power than the Jig Force Standard. So, this makes it a great option when targeting trophy trout or lake run fish as it gives you some extra power. Not only that, but the wide gap allows for better hook sets (even with a bulky streamer).
45 Degree Eye. Horizontal Eye. Forged. 2X Wide. 2X Short. Claw Point.
Left photo: New England Riverworks.
Jig Force Long Barbless
Although the standard Jig Force has remained popular, tiers were looking for something that would more specifically suit their larger nymphs and jig streamers. To accommodate those patterns we developed the Jig Force Long.
This hook is great for small and medium jig streamers where you want more length and size. It especially excels for stoneflies, cased caddis, and larger mayflies. With the extra room you can also add extra weight and material to your patterns while still leaving plenty of room for strong hook sets.
New this year, we’ve added a tungsten weighted “Jiggy Pat’s” to our fly offering, which is tied on this hook. It takes a standard Pat’s Rubber Legs to the next level!
60 Degree Eye. Forged. 2X Long. Claw Point.
Competition Heavyweight Barbless
This hook was developed to suit comp anglers for lough (lake) and river fishing. More along the lines of a standard wet fly or nymph hook, this model is exceptionally strong. It can tow a truck if need be.
It features a solid straight shank with ample gape for tying all manner of blobs, boobies, nymphs and wet flies. Typically we chose to use this hook in situations where we’re looking to apply some extra holding power to a proven pattern as it fits most standard nymphs and stillwater patterns perfectly.
Sproat. Down Eye. Standard Shank. 3X Strong.
Czech Nymph Barbless
Along with the Jig Force Standard, this was one of our original barbless hooks. It’s still in the line-up for a good reason. Above all else, it just works.
First, while traditional Czech Nymph style grubs and caddis larva look and fish very well on this hook, Klinkhammer style flies, emergers and extended body dry flies work great on it as well. In addition, tying the same patters you’d normally see on a straight shank hook on a curve instead can make all the difference in some fisheries. As a result, it’s well worth whipping up some of your favorite patterns on it this winter.
Curved bend. D/E. Standard shank. Forged. Claw point.
![](javascript:sharePopup('https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.fullingmill.com/tips-for-tying-on-fulling-mill-barbless-hooks-collection/&picture=https://blog.fullingmill.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/DSC_2743-scaled.jpg&title=Tips for Tying on the Fulling Mill Barbless Hook Collection"e=Tips for Tying on the Fulling Mill Barbless Hook Collection', 'Share with Facebook','600','400','100','300')){kind=link}