Mark,

You've kind of asked a tricky question. Like stew said-If I'm going to be fishing a floating line, I would use a larger, heavier wire hook, with smaller profile fly tied on it, so it will sink quicker.

If I was using a sink tip, I would use a smaller hook, ligher wire with an appropriate sized profile fly tied on it.

There are soo many variations on hook size, depending on water conditions, and water temp, the type of line you prefer and how heavy of rod you use.

Here's my typical summer setup (this is also my low water winter set up). 7wt. rod w/floating WF line and a 12' leader, with a small profile size 4 fly. I don't need to dredge and the fish will come up a bit for the fly.

Winter time is a whole different ball game. I get out my 9wt yank, and run a floating modified shooting head with a very high densitey (sometimes lead core) sink tip. I'll shorten up to a 4-6' leader and use #2- 2/0 size flys. Usually marabou types. If needed I'll fish a wieghted fly.

So, it all depends on conditions. My fly boxes are not that pretty. Usually about 6 patterns with a lot of different hook sizes and wieghts.

Sorry for rambling

Aaron

[ 12-27-2001: Message edited by: Jellyhead ]