Emerger · Sizes #12-20
The Dai-Riki #125 is a barbed emerger hook available in sizes #12-20. It's built around a notably short shank for very compact patterns, keeping the fly's silhouette tight to the bend, paired with standard wire — a balance of strength and weight that works across most freshwater applications. Tyers reach for it most often when working on general purpose. The sections below break down what each specification actually means at the vice, which patterns suit it, and which hooks from other manufacturers you can substitute when it's out of stock.
Shank length (2XS). This hook has a notably short shank for very compact patterns, keeping the fly's silhouette tight to the bend.
Wire strength (Std.). It's made from standard wire — a balance of strength and weight that works across most freshwater applications.
Bend and gape (Round). The #125 uses a round bend that distributes pressure evenly and holds well.
Eye type (Straight). It's finished with a straight (ring) eye, the most versatile option — it keeps the fly tracking in line with the leader, which suits nymphs and streamers.
Barbed. This is a barbed hook. Many competition rules and an increasing number of catch-and-release fisheries require barbless, so check local regulations — the barb can be pinched down with flat-jawed pliers before you dress the hook.
The #125 runs from size 12 through 20. The smaller end of the range (down to size 20) covers midge and small mayfly work, where fine tying thread and sparse dressings matter more than bulk. If you're buying this hook for the first time, the mid-range sizes see the most use at the vice, and tracking exactly which sizes you own is where an inventory app earns its keep — it's the detail most tyers forget at the fly shop counter.
The Woolly Bug database identifies 4 comparable hooks across 3 other manufacturers, matched on the specifications that actually determine a fly's proportions — gape and shank length first, then wire strength and eye type.
Equivalent hooks, full specs and side-by-side comparison are in the free Woolly Bug app.
Open in Woolly BugIf the Dai-Riki #125 is out of stock, the Woolly Bug app lists 4 comparable hooks. When substituting, the specifications that matter most are gape and shank length — these determine whether the finished fly keeps its intended proportions. Wire strength is the next consideration, since it changes how the fly sits in the water: a heavier wire will sink a pattern that was designed to float. Eye type is usually the most forgiving difference, though switching to or from a jig eye changes how the hook rides entirely.
Log every hook, material and pattern on your bench — free on the App Store.
Download FreeThe Dai-Riki #125 is a emerger hook used for General Purpose. It's available in sizes #12-20 with a 2XS shank and Std. wire.
The Woolly Bug database identifies 4 comparable hooks across 3 other manufacturers, matched on shank length (2XS), wire strength (Std.) and bend (Round). The models are listed in the free app.
The Dai-Riki #125 is barbed. Barbed hooks can be pinched down with pliers where barbless is required by competition rules or fishery regulations.
It's available in sizes #12-20.