Nymphs/Wet Fly · Sizes #4–22
The Firehole 718 is a barbless nymphs/wet fly hook available in sizes #4–22. It's built around a standard shank, which matches the proportions of most classic dry fly and nymph recipes — if a pattern doesn't specify a shank length, this is what it assumes, paired with notably heavy wire that sinks well and stands up to sustained pressure. Tyers reach for it most often when working on nymphs, beadheads, subsurface. 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 (Std.). This hook has a standard shank, which matches the proportions of most classic dry fly and nymph recipes — if a pattern doesn't specify a shank length, this is what it assumes.
Wire strength (2XH). It's made from notably heavy wire that sinks well and stands up to sustained pressure.
Bend and gape (Wide). The 718 uses a wide gape, improving hook-up rates and leaving clearance for a bulkier dressed body.
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.
Barbless. This hook is barbless from the factory, so it's ready for competition use and catch-and-release waters, and it does noticeably less damage to fish. Keep a steady line tension when playing a fish, as barbless hooks drop out more readily on slack.
The Firehole 718 is tagged in the Woolly Bug database for nymphs, beadheads, subsurface. Patterns that sit naturally on this hook include Hare's Ear Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Beadhead Hare's Ear, Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Diawl Bach. 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.
The 718 runs from size 4 through 22. The smaller end of the range (down to size 22) 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 1 comparable hook across 1 other manufacturer, 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 Firehole 718 is out of stock, the Woolly Bug app lists 1 comparable hook. 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 Firehole 718 is a nymphs/wet fly hook used for Nymphs, Beadheads, Subsurface. It's available in sizes #4–22 with a Std. shank and 2XH wire.
The Woolly Bug database identifies 1 comparable hook across 1 other manufacturer, matched on shank length (Std.), wire strength (2XH) and bend (Wide). The models are listed in the free app.
The Firehole 718 is barbless. That makes it suitable for competition use and catch-and-release fisheries without modification.
It's available in sizes #4–22.