The Partridge Spider Hook (L3A/S) might well have been designed with North Country patterns in mind, however, it’s a lot more than just a Spider hook. The “Captain Hamilton” bend and wide gape make it an ideal choice for a range of emerger and terrestrial dressings too. Whether using deer hair (al a Bob Wyatt’s DHE) or CdC, it’s my first choice when tying shuttlecock style emergers so popular with river angler’s today. Though for black gnats, hawthorn flies or beetle imitations you couldn’t ask for a more balanced hook. My favourite sizes are 12 down to 16.
Partridge Spider Hooks @ www.partridge-of-redditch.co.uk
A clutch of flies that have served me well recently…dressings below
Hook: Partridge Spider #14
Thread: Danville’s Primrose
Butt: Pearly tinsel
Body: Olive dubbing
Wing: Elk/Deer hair
Thorax: Hare’s Fur
Hook: Partridge Spider #16
Thread: Danville’s Wine
Rib: Danville’s Wine
Body: Mole’s fur
Wing: Natural CdC
Thorax: Hare’s Ear
Hook: Partridge Spider #14
Thread: Sheer 14/0 Black
Body: Peacock Herl
Shellback: Black Ethafoam
Post: Fl Yellow TMC Aero
Thorax: Peacock Ice-Dub
Head: Ethafoam folded over