From the Bench

From the Bench is Firehole's fly tying learning center. Practical, evergreen lessons on hooks, beads, materials, and technique, each one built to answer a real question at the vise and make you a better tyer.

Euro nymph tied on a Firehole jig hook with a slotted tungsten bead
Hooks

Euro Nymphing Hooks: Pairing Jig Hooks with Slotted Tungsten

Euro nymphing comes down to getting the fly down and keeping it point-up. Here's how to pair a jig hook with a slotted tungsten bead, and which jig to pick.

Jul 4, 2026
HooksBarbless Firehole hook point

Are Barbless Hooks Better? The Tyer's Case for Barbless

Barbless is sold as something you give up for the fish. That gets it backward. The tyer's case for barbless, performance and tying first.

Jul 4, 2026