Charlie thanks for the info on the strength and length of hooks. When I first started tying flies I used some 1x strong hooks from Bass Pro for the first fly swap, not the best quality. Ask HT what happened when he hooked a bruiser on one.  Learned my lesson after I lost a few.  I have also found that some sizes very a bit  between brands and even with the same brand, but varying styles. With the Mustads I use the 37132 hooks seem about a size off from the C68's (12's seem like 10's)
 
Spinning tackle I don't use alot, but when I do it is a Shimano Sedona reel and an 11 foot noodle rod from bass pro. I use Trilene XT in 10# test. I then sometimes  up to a 15# leader for salmon. 6# to 10# leader for steel. I use Seaguar red for my leaders, fly and spin and Drennan for my tippet.

It is always a good idea to run a heavier mainline and then something 4lbs or so lighter for the terminal tackle. Not only do you have to re-spool less, you don't leave the river full of 75foot long danglers to catch everyone else's drift.
 
Just sayin....
 
L13

I am not willing to run up and down the stream chasing kings.  Therefore, I use 20lb Orvis leaders with 16lb fluorocarbon tippet.  These fish are not leader shy.  I use giant 1/0 red octopus hooks.  I have not had a problem with snagging ....I believe it is because the tips are turned inward.

chartist
  I have not had a problem with snagging ....

HEE hee hee
 

Dam, I'm old.  I just keep hearing the line from Cheech and Chong's Big Bamboo album- "He stuck  it in his eye, man......"
1 am, grab the gear and go. No 1/0's, though.

chartist
 Therefore, I use 20lb Orvis leaders with 16lb fluorocarbon tippet.  These fish are not leader shy. 

That is until all the a hole's up on the DSR and then town  start ripping away at them. By the time they get past the 81 bridge they (now I am not making lite of this, it is real, my dad has, it and it's no joke) their own type of PTSD. post traumatic snagging disorder.

Love it during circus time when they see a fly coming and spook off right outa the hole.
 Ya can see it clearly as so many are all colored up with flies and other garbage stuck all over from head to tail--look like X-mass decorations.
Yep -PTSD
Kinda why pounding the river so early has its own rewards- fish or not. At least ya have a chance at unmolested fishes.

For the number of times I have stuck myself with octopus hooks while tying double hook rigs for trolling minnows or tying up for brook trout, I am sure they will stick just abut anywhere you choose to stick them.  I can think of a perfect place for you to stick the 1/0 estatz ripper flies you bring!
 
L13

Lucky13
For the number of times I have stuck myself with octopus hooks while tying double hook rigs for trolling minnows or tying up for brook trout, I am sure they will stick just abut anywhere you choose to stick them.  I can think of a perfect place for you to stick the 1/0 estatz ripper flies you bring!
 
L13

Me approve of this statement.
Sorry for lack of involvement lately, super busy but everything the "fishers" have posted are right on.
Good to hear a few folks have been out and enjoying their time on the water, river , etc..
Someday I may get that time as well but it's a long way to the light at the end of the tunnel right now..

Heyy Charlie- You picked the best time so far this season for early unmolested fishes- hope ya found a few- weather permitting.
Am sure the reports of a few starting will get the circus train started- by the time I get up again will be stumbling over people instead of cobble.