Specifications and equivalents for hooks from 16 manufacturers
This is the public index of the Woolly Bug hook database — specifications, equivalents and pattern guidance for hooks from 16 manufacturers. Every page explains what a hook's shank length, wire strength, bend and eye type actually mean when you're tying on it, and lists comparable hooks from other brands. The full searchable database of 700+ hooks lives inside the Woolly Bug app.
Log every hook, material and pattern on your bench — free on the App Store.
Download FreeA fly tying hook database catalogues hooks by manufacturer and model alongside their specifications — shank length, wire strength, bend, eye type, size range and whether they are barbed or barbless. This one covers 16 manufacturers and lets you find equivalent hooks across brands.
Open the page for the hook you know and check its equivalents list. Matches are calculated from real specifications — gape and shank length matter most, because they determine the finished fly's proportions, followed by wire strength, which changes how the fly sits in the water.
Ahrex, Dai-Riki, Daiichi, Demmon, Fario, Fasna, Firehole, Fulling Mill, Gamakatsu, Hanak, Hends, Kamasan, Mustad, Partridge, Sprite Hooks, TMC.
Shank codes describe length relative to standard: 1XL is one size longer, 1XS one size shorter. Wire codes describe gauge: XH is heavier wire (sinks, stronger), XF is finer wire (lighter, better flotation for dry flies). Every hook page explains what its own codes mean in practice.
Yes. These specification pages are free to browse. The full searchable database of 700+ hooks, with filtering and inventory tracking, is in the free Woolly Bug iPhone and iPad app.
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