Umpqua Competition Hooks - Hanak Czech Nymph Hooks

  

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Over the last couple of years, competition fly fishing has been gaining popularity here in the United States, partly due to the regional qualifiers for Fly Fishing Team USA and the National Fly Fishing Championships which decides the team members to represent the US in the World's. There have also been local and regional club teams popping up that are competing at least once a month on their local waters. 

With all of this buzz revolving around competition fly fishing, there has also been a developing buzz on where to get unique materials and hooks to tie specialty flies on.  Knapek Hooks have become a household name in the competition circuit as they are an amazing hook that meets the barbless requirements of FIPS-Mouche rules. The quality of the Knapek Hooks has deteriorated over the past year or so with some finish issues and breakage.

Skalka Hooks are a lesser known hook that has been gaining popularity due to the straight, super sticky needle point that hooks and holds fish like no other. The only problem is they are extremely hard to get due to distribution problems and the ability to get the darn things, which is nearly impossible at times.

Umpqua Feather Merchants, specifically Riley Cotter, realized the need for a quality competition hook that was readily available here in the States to continue to fuel the demand for true competition style hooks. His hard work paid off as Umpqua is now the US distributor for Hanak Competition Hooks that are identical to the Skalka hooks with the straight, super sticky needle point that stays sharp!!.  These hooks are absolutely amazing and come in a variety of models and sizes.

C200BL - Standard Shank Nymph Hook

This straight shank, standard length nymph hook is perfect for micromayflies or any other nymph patterns you want to tie. It has enough room to accomodate a bead and with the straight, super sticky point, loosing fish will not be a problem.

C260BL - Short Shank Nymph Hook

Almost identical to the C200BL but with a shorter shank. Perfect for micronymphs where you want a more stubby appearance with a bead or for the flies where you do not plan to incorporate a bead head.  The nice wad gap on this hook gives you great hooking power combined with the straight, super sticky needle point.

C300BL - Czech Nymph Hook

The original Czech Nymph hook from Hanak that is great for bead head Czech Nymphs. This has become the hook of choice for the Czech National Team as it has incredible hooking power due to the straight, super sticky needle point and heavy guage wire. This hook will hold up to the abuses of competition fishing and ask for more. 

C400BL - 60 Degree Jig Hook

The latest craze in the International Competition scene has the implementation of micro jig flies tied on these hooks. Just about all of the top competitors in the World are using this hook to tie smaller patterns that are super effective. The benefit of this hook is the fact that it will ride upside down in the water with the hook point above the fly to help with snags. The second benefit of the 60 degree jig hook is in the hooking power itself!!  When the fish takes the fly and you set the hook, you will physically rotate the point into the fishes mouth and typically hook them right in the top of the mouth.  By hooking the fish here, you very rarely loose them. 

C500BL - Special Use Short Shank Nymph Hook

This is a newer style hook from Hanak that is perfect for tying smaller traditional style Czech/Grub style nymphs without a bead or Mayfly patterns. The wide gap and upturned, super sticky point will hook and hold fish like no other.  This has become a favorite among competition anglers and recreational anglers alike as this hook is the real deal.

C550BL - Special Use Long Shank Nymph Hook

The same shape as the C500BL in a longer shank that is perfect for tying larger traditional style Czech nymphs with no bead. The super wide gap combined with the upturned, super sticky point will hook and hold fish. The heavy guage wire will not straighten out with larger fish and the upturned point keeps the hook sharper, longer!

C900BL - Streamer Hook

Perfect for any streamer application or larger nymph patterns requiring a straight shank.  This is a great choice for tying a Pat's Rubber Leg pattern on a true barbless hook that will hook and hold like no other.  The heavy guage wire will not bend or straighten under heavy load and the straight, super sticky point will stay nice and sharp!!!