Daiichi 1110 Dry Fly Hook (#16) – Big Eye, Bronze, 1X-Fine Wire

Overview

Meet the Daiichi 1110 Dry Fly Hook, a trusted choice for tying classic and contemporary dry fly patterns. Born from a collaboration with renowned angler Jim Lepage and the Orvis Company, this hook earned the nickname Big Eye after a 1990 patent. The design emphasizes easy threading of your tippet and a precise, natural presentation on the water, helping you refine your dry fly work without changing the fundamental feel of your rig.

Key design elements

• Model Perfect Bend for a dependable, repeatable curve
• Oversized Straight-Eye to simplify tippet threading
• 1X-Fine Wire creating a light feel with solid strength
• “Mini-Barb” for cleaner release and reduced snagging
• Bronze finish for corrosion resistance and visibility

On-the-water benefits

In practice, the Big Eye concept reduces friction when threading, helping you save time during rigging so you can focus on casting and presentation. The slightly wider gape, compared with a common dry fly hook, gives you room for delicate, natural drifts without crowding the eye of the pattern. The bronze finish balances stiffness and sensitivity, supporting a responsive feel when subtle fly movements are required in still air or on a breeze.

Anglers who favor traditional dry flies will find the 1110 a versatile partner for many small-to-mid-sized patterns. While no hook guarantees a strike, the combination of bend geometry, eye size, and wire thickness is designed to yield reliable hook setting and consistent tippet control across varied water conditions.

Heritage and design intent

The hook’s Big Eye patent from 1990 highlighted the practical value of an oversized eye for easy threading and a confident grip on light tippets. This lineage sits alongside a modern dry fly profile with a slightly broader gape, intended to improve how a fly sits and moves on the surface in different light and water speeds.

What to know before you buy

• Pattern compatibility: traditional and standard dry flies
• Size: #16 is ideal for small, natural presentations
• Material and finish: bronze-plated wire for durability and sensitivity

Design notes and tying considerations

For lighter tippets, the 1X-Fine wire provides a delicate yet dependable feel, while the model-perfect bend helps ensure the hook orientation remains favorable after casting or a strike. The Mini-Barb design supports gentler release, which can aid in catch-and-release setups and minimize tip exposure during handling.