General Purpose Hooks

[GaN]

Ello lads

 

Im looking for a good general purpose hook to use with both bottom and popped up baits.

 

Im currently using fox series 2 barbless but im disapointed in how many hooks ive had to discard due to faults.

 

Any recomendations would be apprciated

 

Oh btw gotta be barbless

[Squimp]

GaN,

 

For what it is worth a few hooks that I use (or have used)and like or dislike:

 

None are barbless patterns I am afraid, I squeeze the barbs down if required.

 

I use:

 

Eustace (Gold Label) Penetrator 2 (good solid hook, points turn over quickly)

 

Drennan Boilie Continental (excellent strong hook)

 

ESP T-6 (nice, short shank strongish hook, size 10 is a peach)

 

Tiemco 2457 (brilliant curved short shank floater hook)

 

Owner spades (fantastic lightweight hook, spade provided built in line-aligner)

 

I dislike:

 

Drennan Super Specialist

ESP G - 4

Owner Cutting Point

 

Hook choice is very much a matter of confidence, some of my mates use different hooks to me for the very same job! Where possible stick with what you know.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Tim Marks

[OP-JB]

Tim,

 

I totally agree with all your dislikes.

 

My likes include Talon Tips and a hook which is marketed as Centurion 2000, Mainline Connection series 1 and Big Fish Adventure. I too like the Continetals.

 

I don't think the perfect pop-up hook is the perfect bottom bait hook.

[leigh]

GaN,

You posted a reply to my question on barbed/barbless hook thread. I just read your question and wondered if your question is related somewhat to mine.

 

The carp I lost last night where all hooked on fox series 2B hooks. Can any one suggest a better barbless pattern to use in thick lilies where their is going to be frequent loss off contact with the fish?

[Newt]

I think one of the Terry Eustace Penetrator 3 would be good and they are available in barbed or barbless.

 

The shape is somewhat different than most hooks you will have used but is very effective. If I were forced to fish barbless in weed, it is certainly what I would use.

 

If you are allowed micro-barb, the hook hold with the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle hooks is outstanding. They run small though so go up at least a size from what you are used to using.

 

[ 04 June 2002, 02:12 AM: Message edited by: Newt ]