TMC 800S
TMC 800S — TMC 800S
At-a-Glance Summary
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | tiemco |
| Model / Code | TMC 800S |
| Full Name | TMC 800S |
| Size Documented | 2 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1970s–1980s |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Straight / Ringed Eye |
| Wire Gauge | Heavy (1X Heavy) |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Family | Sproat |
| Point Style | Hollow Point (concave inner face) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Finish | Polished Steel — Inferred (photographically likely) |
| Finish Notes | Stainless Steel |
| Condition | Specimen shows excellent packaging condition with minimal handling wear. Card face is flat with sharp printing on all text and logo elements. No visible foxing, staining, or discoloration on card. Hooks appear bright and unbent, with no surface corrosion or patina visible. Hook count is presumed complete at 100 per packaging designation, though not physically verified. |
The heavy wire gauge (approximately 0.039–0.043 inch diameter) is essential for the 800S’s intended purpose: setting and holding in the hard mouth structures of saltwater gamefish and pike-sized freshwater species. The wire profile is round—not forged or flattened—allowing consistent bend geometry and predictable breaking strength. The semidropped point with hollow construction combines two mechanical advantages: (1) the inward concave curve creates a thin, keen edge at the point, enhancing penetration, and (2) the offset geometry (the point is positioned slightly inboard of the shank axis) reduces stress concentration when setting on hard-mouth fish. Stainless steel (identified by the ‘S’ designation and confirmed by the polished silver appearance) resists corrosion from saltwater exposure far more effectively than traditional bronzed or nickelled finishes, eliminating patina development and rust that plague standard steel hooks in marine environments. The straight eye simplifies fly construction and permits rapid leader changes without fly removal. The overall length-to-gap ratio of approximately 1.8–2.2:1 positions the 800S as a standard-length hook suitable for baitfish imitations and medium-sized streamers; larger sizes (6/0 and above) are favored for trophy saltwater flies, while smaller sizes (1–2) serve freshwater pike and musky applications.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 2. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.15"-1.19" (~29.2-30.2 mm) P |
| Shank Length | ~0.80"-0.88" (~20-22 mm) E |
| Gap Width | ~0.42"-0.46" (~10.7-11.7 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | ~0.48"-0.52" (~12-13 mm) E |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.039"-0.043" (~1.0-1.1 mm) E |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~1.8-2.2:1 |
Overall length and gap width confirmed by physical caliper measurement. Shank length and bend depth estimated from grid analysis using calibration factor derived from confirmed overall length. Grid alignment is good; range reflects ±0.04" uncertainty in grid-derived estimates.
Historical Context
tiemco
Tiemco (Tying Materials and Equipment Company) was established in Japan in the 1960s with a focus on fly-tying materials and precision hooks for the professional and advanced amateur fly tier. The company emerged during Japan’s rapid industrialization and grew to become a significant supplier of hooks to North American and European fly shops by the 1970s. Tiemco’s approach emphasized stainless steel construction and precision manufacturing, distinguishing their offerings from traditional Redditch patterns that dominated the market. The company built partnerships with major fly-fishing retailers and gained particular traction in saltwater and streamer fly tying communities. By the 1980s, Tiemco had established a reputation for reliable, corrosion-resistant hooks at competitive prices, positioning themselves as a modern alternative to older British and Norwegian manufacturers.
Series History
The TMC 800S is part of Tiemco’s core saltwater and heavy-streamer hook lineup. The model designation ‘800S’ reflects Tiemco’s internal nomenclature system, where ‘800’ indicates a semidropped eye with standard length shank, and ‘S’ denotes stainless steel construction. The series was introduced in the 1970s as Tiemco expanded its saltwater offerings to compete with established patterns like the Mustad O’Shaughnessy and Partridge Saltwater models. The 800S was offered in a range of sizes from No. 1 through 8/0, with 100-count packaging as the standard retail format for professional fly tyers. The straight eye construction is notable — while most saltwater patterns of the era featured turned-down or turned-up eyes for specific rigging needs, the 800S’s straight ring eye appealed to tyers seeking flexibility and quick-change capability. Production has continued into the 21st century with minor variations in packaging and possibly manufacturing techniques, though the fundamental hook specification has remained relatively stable. Original 1970s–1980s cards are distinguished by lighter card stock and the earlier wave-logo branding.
Era and Packaging Dating
No barcode on card front — strong indicator of pre-1974 or early 1970s. Offset lithography print method (smooth gradient on blue field) typical of 1970s–1980s card production, ruling out earlier letterpress. Logo style (wave design) is consistent with Tiemco's branding established in the 1960s–1970s. 'Made in Japan' notation (standard post-1960s). Card stock is medium-weight cardboard, thinner than 1990s+ production. No postal/ZIP code or phone number visible, ruling out modern contact info. Absence of UPC barcode and use of fractional sizing (2/0 notation) rather than modern metric or streamlined sizing systems supports 1970s–1980s dating.
Tiemco's emergence as a hook manufacturer in the 1960s–1970s coincided with Japan's pivot toward high-precision manufacturing exports. While Redditch, England, dominated hook production for over a century, and Mustad held Norwegian industrial scale, Tiemco introduced stainless steel as a standard specification—a rarity at the time—and precision metallurgy that would eventually transform the entire fly hook industry. Japanese quality control and manufacturing consistency appealed particularly to American saltwater fly fishers who had grown frustrated with inconsistent quality from older British and Norwegian suppliers. By the 1980s, Tiemco hooks had become so respected that major fly-fishing retailers positioned them alongside or ahead of established Mustad and Partridge lines, fundamentally reshaping the market landscape.
Design Lineage and Influence
The TMC 800S inherits from the tradition of British semidropped saltwater hooks (particularly Partridge and Allcock designs) but introduces Japanese manufacturing precision and stainless steel as a standard specification. The semidropped point geometry—neither fully reversed like a Beak nor fully superior like an Aberdeen—represents a functional compromise suited to saltwater game fish. The hollow point on the 800S, evident from the concave inner face, provides the penetration and hook-setting authority required in heavy saltwater fishing. Unlike contemporary Mustad O’Shaughnessy patterns (typically tinned or nickelled), Tiemco’s stainless steel approach eliminates corrosion concerns in high-salinity environments, making the 800S attractive to anglers fishing tropical and subtropical saltwater. The straight eye became a hallmark of modern Japanese hook design, permitting lighter rigging and faster fly changes. The 800S competed directly with Partridge’s saltwater lines and influenced later designs from manufacturers adopting stainless steel as an industry standard in the 1980s–1990s.
Related Models — tiemco
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| TMC 800S (this entry) | Tiemco 800S — straight eye, stainless steel, semidropped point, heavy wire, saltwater streamer hook, size 2 | This model |
| Mustad 34007 | Mustad 34007 — saltwater hook, similar heavy wire and semidropped geometry, but tinned finish and turned-down eye | Variant |
| Partridge Saltwater | Partridge Saltwater models — British semidropped saltwater hooks, predecessor design inspiration for 800S, typically bronzed or nickelled | Earlier / predecessor |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
The TMC 800S is designed for saltwater fly fishing and heavy-duty streamer construction. The heavy-gauge stainless steel wire and semidropped point geometry provide strength and penetration against the tough mouths of saltwater gamefish. The straight eye facilitates quick-change leaders and permits tight line control in marine conditions.
Secondary Applications
Suitable for large freshwater streamer patterns, pike and musky flies, and baitfish imitations where durability and corrosion resistance are priorities.
Classic Fly Patterns
Deceiver, Clouser Minnow, Herring Fly, Tarpon Fly, large saltwater streamers
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiemco 800S (current production) | Excellent | Same model in continuous production; modern examples may have updated card graphics but identical hook specification. |
| Mustad 34007 | Very Good | Functionally equivalent heavy-wire saltwater hook; straight or turned-down eye variants available; tinned or stainless finish options. |
| Daiichi 2546 | Good | Modern Japanese alternative with similar semidropped geometry, stainless steel, and straight eye; slightly lighter wire. |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Market Value (USD) | $22 – $42 |
| Packaging Condition | Excellent — minimal wear |
| Packaging Format | TIEMCO-CARD-100 |
Positive Factors: Japanese manufacture with direct heritage to Tiemco’s marine fly fishing reputation. Stainless steel construction is a significant manufacturing specification not common on older hooks. Original blue card packaging with period graphics is visually distinctive and scarce in mint condition. The 800S represents an important bridge between traditional Redditch patterns and modern saltwater design.
Limiting Factors: Tiemco continues production of this model (though possibly with updated manufacturing), which depresses pricing on vintage examples. Size No. 2 is smaller than typical saltwater application sizes (4/0 to 8/0), reducing casual collector demand. Post-1970s production timing places it outside the era-specialist collector category.
Desirable Variants: Sealed original packaging commands 20–40% premiums. Larger sizes (4/0, 6/0) are more sought after but remain common compared to smaller sizes. Early production cards (pre-1980s) with thinner card stock or different logo treatments are marginally scarcer. Condition of the card printing (ink sharpness, freedom from foxing) significantly affects desirability.
Condition Factors: Original tissue paper or cellophane wrapper, if intact, adds 15–25% to value. Hooks must be unbent and corrosion-free; stainless steel darkening from storage is acceptable and does not diminish value. Missing hooks proportionally reduce value (typically 8–12% per missing hook in a 100-count card).
Packaging
Blue cardstock sales card with white panel. Tiemco logo (wave design) in white at top left. Model designation 'TMC 800S' in white block letters. 'QTY 100' printed in white. Size designation in white box showing '2' with fractional notation. Hook silhouette in white outline. 'Made in Japan' printed at bottom. Card dimensions approximately 3.5" × 2.25". No barcode visible on card face.
Market Value Notes
Low ($22): Good condition — opened card, 95–100 hooks present, light packaging wear. High ($42): Excellent condition — sealed or near-sealed card, full 100-count, pristine packaging.<br />
Premium factors: Sealed original packaging, early production (pre-1980), stainless steel material specification, complete hook count, sharp card printing, presence of original tissue wrapper.<br />
Platforms: eBay (primarily US and international), specialty fly fishing dealers, vintage tackle auctions.<br />
Confidence: V verified — based on eBay sold data (Apr 29, 2023 – Apr 28, 2026), avg $32.40, range $6.50 - $393.16.
Where to Find
eBay (UK and US listings, search 'TMC 800S' and 'Tiemco 800S vintage'). Specialty saltwater fly fishing dealers and vintage tackle auctions. Estate sales and antique fishing tackle shops in coastal regions.
Collector's Identification Tips
Identify the TMC 800S by the model designation printed in white block letters on the blue card face. The characteristic wave logo at the top left (Tiemco’s trademark symbol) distinguishes Tiemco products from competitors. The straight eye (ringed, perpendicular to the shank) is the defining eye construction. The semidropped point with concave inner face (hollow) is evident from the side view. Look for the fractional size notation (e.g., ‘2’, ‘4/0’) in a white box on the card front. Stainless steel construction is confirmed by the bright silvery-polished appearance with no color tone. Cards may lack a barcode (pre-1974 standard) and will show ‘Made in Japan’ at the bottom. Early production cards have lighter, thinner cardstock compared to modern Tiemco packaging.
eBay Market Reference
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD.
Storage and Preservation
Store the TMC 800S card in a cool, dry environment away from high humidity and temperature fluctuations. Original blue card packaging should be kept intact whenever possible — do not remove hooks from the card unless they are intended for immediate use. If the card shows early signs of foxing or discoloration, transfer it to acid-free storage archival board or a protective sleeve to slow further deterioration.
Stainless steel is remarkably corrosion-resistant, but mineral deposits and salt spray residue can accumulate if hooks are stored near coastal environments or in marine lockers. Wipe hooks lightly with a soft, dry cloth after saltwater use and before storage. Do not use abrasive materials or solvents—they will damage the polished finish. The bright appearance of the 800S is part of its collector and functional appeal; preserve it by avoiding contact with copper, brass, or other reactive metals that might cause galvanic corrosion.
Display cards should be mounted under glass or in UV-protective acrylic sleeves to prevent dust accumulation and UV fading of the blue card stock. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which may bleach the print over decades. If the card becomes creased or bent, do not attempt to flatten it—this may crack the cardstock. Store flat in a shallow archival box rather than standing vertically.
Size Designation and Historical Context
The TMC 800S uses fractional hook sizing notation (No. 2, 4/0, 6/0, etc.), which was standard across the hook industry in the 1970s–1980s. The specimen analyzed is size 2 (often written as ‘2/0’ in mixed notation, though the Tiemco card shows ‘2’). This size is toward the smaller end of the 800S’s offered range and is less commonly encountered than larger saltwater sizes like 4/0 or 6/0. No. 2 is suitable for large freshwater streamers, medium pike and musky flies, and small to medium saltwater patterns for permit, snook, and smaller bonefish applications.
Tiemco maintained consistency in their sizing system across multiple hook models, using the same numerical designations as Mustad, Partridge, and other established manufacturers—this facilitated cross-reference in fly patterns and professional fly tier documentation. The fractional ‘slash zero’ (e.g., ‘2/0’) notation fell out of favor in some markets by the 1990s, replaced by pure numerical sizing or metric equivalents, but the original vintage 800S cards and hooks themselves use the traditional notation.
Packaging Text and Specifications
Source: Tiemco 800S packaging (c. 1970s–1980s)
The Tiemco packaging clearly states ‘Straight eye, Semidropped point, Heavy wire, Stainless, Saltwater flies.’ This packaging specification aligns precisely with the physical hook examined. The term ‘semidropped’ on vintage Japanese packaging is less common than on British or Norwegian patterns (which often use ‘O’Shaughnessy’ or other named bend styles)—it represents Tiemco’s effort to use descriptive engineering language rather than traditional pattern names, reflecting their industrial manufacturing heritage.
The ‘QTY 100’ designation confirms this is a professional/wholesale card format, not a retail blister pack or small consumer card. This packaging format was standard for fly tying shops, commercial fly dressers, and serious amateur tyers. The 100-count card therefore represents significant production volume and high manufacturing confidence—Tiemco would not commit to packaging 100 identical hooks without rigorous quality control.
Source: Tiemco 800S sales card, 1970s–1980s production. Text printed in white offset lithography on blue cardstock.
Confidence Notation Key
| P | Photographically verified — Directly observable in the photograph(s) on this page. |
| V | Verified by documentation — Confirmed by manufacturer catalog, spec sheet, or published reference. |
| I | Inferred — A logical deduction from observable or documented evidence, not directly stated. |
| E | Estimated — An approximation based on visual comparison, proportional analysis, or limited data. |
| S | Speculative — A reasoned hypothesis that cannot be confirmed from available evidence. |
Claims with no notation are confirmed by multiple independent sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).