Daiichi 1480

The Daiichi 1480 is a barbed dry fly hook available in sizes #12-24. It's built around its shank profile, paired with fine wire, one step lighter than standard, which reduces the fly's weight and helps dry patterns sit high on the surface film. Tyers reach for it most often when working on dry fly, cdc, mayflies. 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.

Wire strength (1XF). It's made from fine wire, one step lighter than standard, which reduces the fly's weight and helps dry patterns sit high on the surface film.

Bend and gape (Limerick). The 1480 uses a Limerick bend, with its sharper angled profile and traditional wet fly look.

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.

What can you tie on a Daiichi 1480?

The Daiichi 1480 is tagged in the Woolly Bug database for dry fly, cdc, mayflies, caddis. Patterns that sit naturally on this hook include Adams, Parachute Adams, Royal Wulff, CDC Dun, CDC Emerger, CDC & Elk. Because the hook's proportions drive the finished fly's silhouette, it's worth matching the pattern's intended shape to the shank rather than forcing a recipe onto the wrong blank.

What size Daiichi 1480 should you use?

The 1480 runs from size 12 through 24. The smaller end of the range (down to size 24) 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.

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