In June 2020, I was running low on my favourite Salmon Fly hooks Veniard TG Classic Salmon Irons 1/0. So I ordered several packs of 10 online. When they arrived, I was shocked! I literally did a ‘double take’! Huh…what’s going on, they all arrived Bronzed and not the normal classic Black. I phoned Veniards to inquire, and was informed that they had received the whole consignment from the manufacturer Bronzed instead of black; I returned the Bronze TG’s to my supplier.
Since August 2019, I have also used Alec Jackson hooks mostly for Salmon flies smaller than 1/0, but also up to 3/0.
It was only today, looking ruefully at my 4 remaining TG Classic Salmon Irons that I remembered I had many sizes of the Alec Jacksons. Opening the box I find that the Alec Jackson 1.5 produced by Daiichi Style 2051, is almost identical to the 1/0 TG Classic Salmon Irons. Identical almost, but not quite. I think that the black finish on the TG 1/0 Irons is smoother (looking more Japanned than painted) and the hook eye is slightly better formed and with less ‘E’ coat/paint in the eye return. Apart from that in looks and use they will be my go-to TG replacement.