Although balanced flies can be tied on a standard shank down eye hook I prefer using small up eye jig hooks as it is difficult to block or obscure the hook eye during the tying process. Small, strong jig hooks are hard to find. Not all jig hooks are strong enough to withstand the rigors of large fish. Originally designed for soft-mouthed panfish, most up-eye jig hooks are soft, straightening under any measure of significant pressure.
We are pleased to be able to offer a consistent supply of up eye jig hooks for your balanced flies.
For our balanced flies we use and recommend the Mustad Ultra Point, 32833BLN. This hook is battle hardened, successfully subduing fish in excess of in excess of ten pounds.