New Products, Models, Gadgets!

MUSTAD'S SIGNATURE FLY HOOKS

Mustad's new Signature range of freshwater and saltwater fly hooks includes a wide range of freshwater patterns and what is almost certainly the most comprehensive range of purpose-built saltwater fly hooks ever released in Australia.

The Mustad Signatures also use a new Alpha Code hook classification system which reveals important facts about the hooks (shape, wire thickness, hook length, eye type and finish) and which is centred on a definition of what a "standard" hook is supposed to look like.

The number 50 is the standard in wire weight and shank length. In the Freshwater Signature range, the standard pattern is the R50 -- Round bend, standard wire diameter and standard length with turned-down eye; the classic "all-round" dry/wet fly hook. The R72 is a 2 extra heavy hook with a 2 extra long shank. Other examples include the R30 (2 extra fine dry fly), the R48 (2 extra short wet/nymph/caddis) and the C53S curved nymph.

The Saltwater Signature range greatly expands the previously limited range of purpose-built saltwater fly hooks available in Australia. Saltwater Signature patterns come in both stainless steel and saltwater-resistant Duratin finish. Examples include:

- The C71S SS Circle Streamer, the first stainless circle hook designed for fly fishing with great credentials for jumping, head-shaking fish; suitable for Deceivers and other baitfish flies. It comes in sizes 3/0 to 10.

- The C68S SS, a stainless Tarpon-style hook in sizes 6/0 to 6.

- The S71S SS, an all-round stainless 2x strong O'Shaughnessy shape, in sizes 3/0 to 8.

- The C70S D "Big Game Light", an all-rounder in standard shank length and Duratin finish in sizes 4/0 down to 10.

- The C47S D Shrimp, with special curved shank and Duratin finish in sizes 3/0 to 10, especially good for saltwater crustacean flies.

All Mustad Signature hooks are made with super-sharp chemically sharpened points and micro-barbs. The Signatures come in user-friendly shatterproof boxes (25 hooks) which can be clipped together to make hook collections and can be re-used.

Mustad Signature fly hooks are available at specialist fly fishing stores and good tackle retailers. Anglers wishing to study the range in more detail can view it on the Mustad web site www.mustad.no/signature