This week we are taking a close look at Mustad's Signature Fly Hook All Around Saltwater, Size 2 Hook. I was fortunate enough to run into the rep for Mustad at a Midwest fly fishing show, and he gave me a pack of these hooks last winter to tie some Clouser's and other big flies for big fish. I like saltwater hooks for both my fresh and saltwater patterns that I tie, so I couldn't pass up on that offer!

Mustad has gone through somewhat of an image problem over the last two decades, and lost ground in the quality hook manufacturing market share. The Mustad hooks your father bought were forged strong and reliable to hook and land big fish, but the Mustads of my generation – not so much.  In fact, most fly tiers I know will not tie patterns on Mustad for steelhead, salmon and saltwater fish.  The thought was that these hooks would bend, straighten out, and ultimately fail on good size fish.  This has been the predominant stereotype of Mustads for some time now.

That all said, Mustad claims that The Signature Fly Hooks are their answer to these criticisms, and an attempt to regain the quality hook market share  Did they succeed?  Let's find out how these hooks hold up.

First impression
The Signature Fly Hooks come in a pack of 25 and are chemically sharpened. I will say that one of the hooks in the pack was not a size 2 but a size 1, and I don't know if that was an issue at the factory or because it was a show pack.  Ultimately, this didn't bug me too much, but I thought it was worth noting here. But, I will tell you that these hooks are really incredibly sharp, you can tell that by running the point across your thumb print and feeling it get caught on a ridges.

On the Water
I hooked up and landed a few nice fish on these hooks and also snagged a few logs, rocks, and other hazards, and I did not have a single hook straighten on me.  In fact, for as long as I was out there, no matter what I hooked up on I did not have a single bend. The hooks were really tough, and I got great hook sets on every fish, every time.  I used these flies tied on the Mustad hooks all summer long they never failed or got dull.

The Verdict
These hooks are very sharp and strong and easy to tie on. Its everything you're looking for in a hook for your fly tying. You can completely rely on these hooks to hold up under any situation. I am very impressed at the quality workmanship and performance. The Mustad hooks are a real winner and should be included as a hook to use for your next big fish fly pattern!

What I liked:
Strong construction and sharpness of the hook

Middle of the road:
None

What I did not like:
Finding a smaller hook in the pack (show pack so it may not be a retail issue).

Notable accessories:
None

Manufacture specifications.
From Mustad's Website:
"MUSTAD SIGNATURE FLY HOOKS. The most technically advanced hooks on the water. Together with the world’s top fly tiers, we’ve created the sharpest, strongest hooks with exact proportions. Technology means tight lines."

Model SS71SZ-34007 Mustad Signature Fly Hook All around Saltwater size 2 hook Suggested USD $5.65.