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Tiemco from Japan has specialised in the production of first-class fly hooks and in the development of practical tying tools and accessories with a very functional design. All TMC products are characterised by extremely high quality standards, which is why they are used today by discerning fly fishers and fly tyers worldwide. In our webshop you will find the entire range of hooks from Tiemco - with models for every fly pattern and every target fish. And in this article we explain how to find the right model for you.
In fly fishing, the hook is perhaps the most important link between angler and fish. Similar to choosing the right leader material, it is therefore important to pay attention to quality and find the right hook. But how do you find a suitable hook?
Fly hooks differ not only in size but also in shape. This is due to parameters such as the length of the hook shank, the shape and width of the hook gap and the type and orientation of the hook eye. But that's not all! Because the choice of a suitable hook also depends on the thickness of the wire. So there are not only small and large hooks, but also thin hooks (e.g. for tying delicate dry flies) and thick hooks (e.g. for predator fishing). In addition to the type of steel used and its strength, it is also special alloys that distinguish a hook and make it suitable for tough and continuous use in saltwater, for example. And last but not least, there are special features that distinguish one model from another. These include, for example, different shapes of points (e.g. a Spear Point point, abbreviated SP) or a barbless point, which is reflected in the model designation of many hook manufacturers as 'BL' (Barbless).
Size, shape (shank, opening, eye), wire thickness, alloy/colour, point.... All in all, there is a whole range of specific characteristics that distinguish a hook. And it is precisely these characteristics that make a hook more suitable for a particular target fish than another hook.
So that we as fly tyers do not lose track of the many different hooks on the market, each manufacturer has come up with its own system to classify and name its hooks. These can be combinations of numbers and letters or meaningful names that indicate the typical use of the hook model or a model series. For beginners in the world of fly tying it is therefore not always easy to find their way through this dense jungle of different hooks from different manufacturers. This also applies to Tiemco.
Back in 1984, the first four hook models were introduced by Tiemco: TMC100, 101, 200 and 300. The TMC100 in particular remains one of the most popular dry fly hooks to this day and is the first choice for many experienced tyers for a whole range of standard patterns for catching Trout and Grayling. The versatile hook has not changed over the years, but has been supplemented with different variations (e.g. a barbless version or a version with a black finish) and is today just one of many TMC models that dry fly fishing enthusiasts can fall back on. All in all, Tiemco's range of hooks has grown considerably since the 1980s and now includes over 50 different models. It's easy to lose track of them all!
At Tiemco, each model has a three or four digit number. If necessary, this number is supplemented by an abbreviation (e.g. 'S' for 'Saltwater', 'B' for 'Black', 'BL' for 'Barbless' or 'SP' for 'Spear Point'). This leads to designations such as '3761SP-BL'. The more time you spend at the tying vice and the more flies you tie, the more confident you become in this system. Fortunately, as fly tyers, our eyes also become trained over time, i.e. we recognise at first glance which fly patterns or which target fish a hook is best suited for. Until then, however, Tiemco helps fly tyers find the right hook model with this clear illustration.
This overview distinguishes all TMC fly hooks with regard to the strength of their wire and the length of their shank. In addition, there are clear recommendations for different fly patterns or basic types of flies, e.g. dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. The illustration also shows which models are particularly suitable for tying terrestrials (e.g. hoppers), parachute patterns, caddis patterns or streamers for big game use in tropical saltwater. This more precise subdivision helps enormously and shortens the search for a suitable hook very much! And TMC have also thought of fly fishers who practice Catch & Release: barbless models are marked in red for all those who want to release their catch as gently and quickly as possible.
Whichever TMC hook you choose in the end... all models from Tiemco are of first-class quality. The extremely high quality standards of the Japanese ensure that you can always rely 100% on the most important link between you and the fish when fishing and when fighting the fish. All TMC hooks are characterised by their flawless finish, perfect eye, optimum hardening and an ultra-sharp point.
- Finish: The surface finishes of all Tiemco hooks are deep, smooth and durable. Hooks in bronze, nickel or black anodised are uniformly coated to ensure perfect quality.
- Eye: Each eye is immaculately shaped, with no bumps to cut the leader or gaps for the knot to slip out of.
- Tempering: Each TMC hook is perfectly hardened and forged to achieve the optimum strength-to-weight ratio.
- Point: TMC hooks have chemically sharpened points, allowing better penetration than any other type of point. They are short to prevent bending and remain needle sharp.
- Barbs: Tiny barbs with a low profile allow the hook to penetrate with less resistance. This makes it easier to release the hook and allows you to release the fish unharmed. Many popular TMC models are also available without barbs.
We have put together some of our personal highlights from the current TMC hook range for you here. We hope you enjoy tying with these amazing hooks from Tiemco. Tight Lines!
