Chasing salmon yesterday and by the 3rd or 4th fish our hooks (gamakatsu size 10 and 12) were either severely deformed or we lost a fish due to the hook snapping in half... and this is on 8lb line.
A friend of mine lost a fish on a hook (gamakatsu size 10) he had just tied on because it bent out.
Anybody have a suggestion for small but strong hooks?
Even though I'm a noob at catching salmon, I HAVE gone 6/6 legit mouth hooked and never lost a salmon yet when hooked in the mouth.
I ended up using my imported European Carp specialist hooks I bought from A/V fishing. They seem super tough and the point is sticky sharp. I caught about 4 20lb salmon on the same hook so far and not a thing wrong with it.
Give them a try or next time I see you I can give you a couple to try out.
Not real small - but Owner #8 SSW with cutting edges won't straighten easily - or break.
OT
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll see what I can find at the stores nearby (SAIL, Gagnon).
I simply use Raven Specialist #8 (salmon and steelhead) and #14 (steelhead)...lately I've tried some Blackbird hooks and they have done be well to.
(09-09-2013 02:11 PM)MuskieBait Wrote: [ -> ]I simply use Raven Specialist #8 (salmon and steelhead) and #14 (steelhead)...lately I've tried some Blackbird hooks and they have done be well to.
I just picked up some Raven Specialist #8. THey seem every bit as sharp and sturdy as my carp specialist hooks. In fact they look exactly the same....
I use Raven Wide Gap 10(for salmon) 12(for trout) and 14(single egg), They're very strong and small. never let me down.
Did you find anything that worked for you?
I lost my first salmon today on a gamakatsu size 10.
The hook got bent very bad.