hooks for smaller atomics

[getchoo]

hey all

has anyone got any brand names for soft plastic hooks to try?
Down on the Kalgan river last week i was using 1 3/4 inch atomic sliders with gamagatsu soft plastic hooks. Although sharp the hooks themselves appear rather weak, with all four snapping or straightening on larger fish....

anyone else have this problem?

cheerio
alex

[jimi]

Getchoo, what model of Gama hook were you using? I've never had any of them snap on me, but it depends which model you use.

Generally, the Round 29's have a very fine, thin hook on them that would be easy to bend.

The Round 25's have a thicker wire hook. I use these 99% of the time. Size 2 is ok for these sliders and atomics. It may look big in the SP, but seems to work ok.

Round 211's are probably the strongest hook style. They look almost like a circle hook, and have quite a short shank and large gape. A lot of people don't like them as they are so heavy looking and big.

I've also found some of the other brands of jig heads will bend, especially some of the cheap no-name brands floating around these days. Still, even they are ok most of the time and a lot cheaper than the Gamas.

Cheers

James

[Bream Master]

James,

You'd be quite surprised how many people use the R211's. I use them a lot on smaller plastics and have never had one bend or let go.

That big soapie (55-60cm) I caught at Albany during the comp was on a 1/32nd R211 S2 jig.

They do have a wider gape, but the lack of a shank requires this. The heavy carbon wire hook is almost bullet proof.

Cheers

Warren.

[jimi]

Warren, I have no problem using 211's as well as 25's. It's just that some people I've talked to didn't like them. Each to their own I guess :D

James

[getchoo]

yeah i think they were 29s. Very fine hook compared with the lead head. Thought they looked good being less visible and all. I'm guessing I'll try to find the others you mentioned....

cheerio
alex

Hey guys.
I've tried all the above hooks, and i've gotta tell you that the 211 has given the highest hook up rate out of all, especially when used on the Atomic Craws. Strangely, i've never had one bend or anything of the sort, and that includes a couple of 40cm fish on the end!:D
Interesting!!!

Dave

[getchoo]

they do breed them big down that way. One swam past as i hopped out of the car which i swear was at least 45cm. This thing was a monster. Would have called it for a snapper if i was 10km up the river.

cheerio

Yeah i've been hearing things about the Walpole fish!!!
I'd have been at the comp (even if i didn't compete as i was supposed to be there on holiday), if i hadn't broken my leg that is!
I'm so annoyed, i keep hearing such amazing stories about the place!

Dave

[Mick]

An atomic 1 3/4" brown crawdad locked and loaded on a Redback head, size 6 forged hook. They dont come any deadlier:D