Looking for recommendations on the strongest curve shank, had a size 4 Korda curve shank x snap so stepped up to the xx and also have one snap. Both went a few mm below the barb, fortunately both fish were landed but I don't like the idea of them having a bit of brown hook stuck in their lip. I've seems muggas bend out so not too keen on those either. Thanks
In reply to Post #1
Hooks snapping is generally down to poor hookholds, not the hook itself. So it's likely a rig issue that won't be sorted with a different hook
Hooks snapping is generally down to poor hookholds, not the hook itself. So it's likely a rig issue that won't be sorted with a different hook
In reply to Post #2
Agree. To be destroying X's, XX's and Muggas...... there has to be something else going on. They're all decent hooks.
Agree. To be destroying X's, XX's and Muggas...... there has to be something else going on. They're all decent hooks.
In reply to Post #1
Sounds like you have a rig problem more than a hook problem. Snapping hooks as you unhook the fish? The hook has done its job, but like you I would be concerned.
I've never bent out a Gardner Mugga myself, and used them for fish to over 30lb in some tough situations, hooking fish under the rod tip.
The alternative is going back to a straight shank hook I would think.
Sounds like you have a rig problem more than a hook problem. Snapping hooks as you unhook the fish? The hook has done its job, but like you I would be concerned.
I've never bent out a Gardner Mugga myself, and used them for fish to over 30lb in some tough situations, hooking fish under the rod tip.
The alternative is going back to a straight shank hook I would think.
In reply to Post #4
Certainly not a rig issue, simple slip d rig that I've used for years, the issue is fishing for very large fish in Belgium in the edge in very snaggy situations with braid straight through. I will stop sharpening my hooks and see if that helps. Ps the hooks arent snapping as I unhook the fish.
Certainly not a rig issue, simple slip d rig that I've used for years, the issue is fishing for very large fish in Belgium in the edge in very snaggy situations with braid straight through. I will stop sharpening my hooks and see if that helps. Ps the hooks arent snapping as I unhook the fish.
In reply to Post #5
In that case while I can't recommend a curve that's better/stronger than the XX, you should take a look at Carp R Us Centurion 2000s and Continental Snag Hooks.
The Centurion is a beast hook, perfect for the situation you face. The Snag hook has a slightly longer shank so might be better for your slip d arrangement. Both are savage hooks for snag fishing.
In that case while I can't recommend a curve that's better/stronger than the XX, you should take a look at Carp R Us Centurion 2000s and Continental Snag Hooks.
The Centurion is a beast hook, perfect for the situation you face. The Snag hook has a slightly longer shank so might be better for your slip d arrangement. Both are savage hooks for snag fishing.
In reply to Post #5
Tbh using curve shanks in snaggy conditions is a no no imo. Too much chance of mouth damage.
Tbh using curve shanks in snaggy conditions is a no no imo. Too much chance of mouth damage.
In reply to Post #6
Thanks, I'll check them out.
Thanks, I'll check them out.
In reply to Post #7
The only hook I have found that increases mouth damage were the trig hammers so stoped using them, I haven't found kurvs to cause any more damage than wide gapes
The only hook I have found that increases mouth damage were the trig hammers so stoped using them, I haven't found kurvs to cause any more damage than wide gapes
In reply to Post #9
Opposite to me then, I won't use curves for anything but open water fishing because of it.
Opposite to me then, I won't use curves for anything but open water fishing because of it.
In reply to Post #10
Out of interest, what pattern do you favour for fishing around snags?
Out of interest, what pattern do you favour for fishing around snags?
In reply to Post #11
Nash twisters or gardener wide gape talon tips usually
Nash twisters or gardener wide gape talon tips usually
In reply to Post #5
When you say sharpening the hooks, are you removing a lot?
I'm sure yonny has said before the Korda hooks are technically more likely to bend, though I could be wrong. But you can't remove material from the point and blame the hook pattern if it snaps.
I'd be more than confident using a size 4 wide gape x (or Nash/esp/Gardner etc beaked point equivalent) with the tip tickled. More meat at the point yours have broken I think too
When you say sharpening the hooks, are you removing a lot?
I'm sure yonny has said before the Korda hooks are technically more likely to bend, though I could be wrong. But you can't remove material from the point and blame the hook pattern if it snaps.
I'd be more than confident using a size 4 wide gape x (or Nash/esp/Gardner etc beaked point equivalent) with the tip tickled. More meat at the point yours have broken I think too
In reply to Post #11
I like the super strong hook from PB products
I like the super strong hook from PB products
In reply to Post #14
Curves are pretty much the only hook i use and have used for years
the best ever was the G-Force curve in size 4's, no longer around, my choice is the RM curves.
Curves are pretty much the only hook i use and have used for years
the best ever was the G-Force curve in size 4's, no longer around, my choice is the RM curves.
In reply to Post #13
Not a lot no, 5 or 6 strokes with a Jag file just to hone the point.
I've had 2 hooks snap from 11 bites so it's like it's happening often and both fish were landed. I'm just wondering if these heavy gauge hooks are more 'brittle' than the thinner options which will obviously flex a bit more. Im not sure how to post pictures but they don't seem to snap where you would expect them to which I find interesting.
Not a lot no, 5 or 6 strokes with a Jag file just to hone the point.
I've had 2 hooks snap from 11 bites so it's like it's happening often and both fish were landed. I'm just wondering if these heavy gauge hooks are more 'brittle' than the thinner options which will obviously flex a bit more. Im not sure how to post pictures but they don't seem to snap where you would expect them to which I find interesting.
In reply to Post #16
Nah, embrittlement is related to the mechanical properties of the steel rather than dimensional properties (i.e. wire gauge). Assuming a thinner/thicker hook is made from kosher wire, and processed (heat treated) correctly, the gauge will have no relevance to embrittlement. Of course it stands to reason that a thinner hook will be weaker then a thicker one, but seeing a XX snap is very unusual.
A few years ago I tested a bunch of hooks in my lab at work and the Korda jobbies were the softest of the lot (but still within a range more than acceptable). So to see one bend maybe a possibility but to see one snap is really odd. Snapping almost always occurs below the barb, next to the bend of the hook. It's almost always caused by improper loading of the hook which as you rightly say acts as a spring. This is normally caused by a dodgy hook hold. You might just have been really unlucky in this regard.
Nah, embrittlement is related to the mechanical properties of the steel rather than dimensional properties (i.e. wire gauge). Assuming a thinner/thicker hook is made from kosher wire, and processed (heat treated) correctly, the gauge will have no relevance to embrittlement. Of course it stands to reason that a thinner hook will be weaker then a thicker one, but seeing a XX snap is very unusual.
A few years ago I tested a bunch of hooks in my lab at work and the Korda jobbies were the softest of the lot (but still within a range more than acceptable). So to see one bend maybe a possibility but to see one snap is really odd. Snapping almost always occurs below the barb, next to the bend of the hook. It's almost always caused by improper loading of the hook which as you rightly say acts as a spring. This is normally caused by a dodgy hook hold. You might just have been really unlucky in this regard.
In reply to Post #15
Joss those G-Force curves were special along with the Blackout Hooklink. The RM ones are good though and sharp out of the packet.
Joss those G-Force curves were special along with the Blackout Hooklink. The RM ones are good though and sharp out of the packet.
In reply to Post #18
yeah the blackout in 20lb was perfect for the multi rig, the thickness was spot on for the hook eye reducing any slips.
Ive still got both hooks and blackout
yeah the blackout in 20lb was perfect for the multi rig, the thickness was spot on for the hook eye reducing any slips.
Ive still got both hooks and blackout
In reply to Post #15
In response to you and the OP, Did you ever try these from VMC?
VMC Mystic Curve
Just remembered I had some rigs tied up with these that I was given as samples.
They hold their points sharpness very well, and are a good strong hook.
Biggest problem I had was getting hold of them. They were sold in UK for a year or so then disappeared, but are a French based company I think so might be more easily available in Belgium.
The other very strong curve shank, stronger than Gardner, were Gamakatsu GP204's. Again, I can't get hold of them.
In response to you and the OP, Did you ever try these from VMC?
VMC Mystic Curve
Just remembered I had some rigs tied up with these that I was given as samples.
They hold their points sharpness very well, and are a good strong hook.
Biggest problem I had was getting hold of them. They were sold in UK for a year or so then disappeared, but are a French based company I think so might be more easily available in Belgium.
The other very strong curve shank, stronger than Gardner, were Gamakatsu GP204's. Again, I can't get hold of them.
In reply to Post #15
Sorry dp
Sorry dp
In reply to Post #4
I can bend Muggas, but only on a straight pull with 15lb line. I actually like them when Barbel fishing on the tidal Trent for that reason, sometimes you get snagged on rocks and I'd rather get the gear back with a bent hook than pull for a break and leave it out there.
Never had one go on a fish though and they get a real beating.
I can bend Muggas, but only on a straight pull with 15lb line. I actually like them when Barbel fishing on the tidal Trent for that reason, sometimes you get snagged on rocks and I'd rather get the gear back with a bent hook than pull for a break and leave it out there.
Never had one go on a fish though and they get a real beating.
In reply to Post #20
not come across those mate
not come across those mate
In reply to Post #20
J precision, ridgemonkey, nash, and avid are all VMC hooks I believe.
J precision, ridgemonkey, nash, and avid are all VMC hooks I believe.
In reply to Post #24
If they are then they are worth using. Well other than I will try not to put any money in KN's pocket unless I have to.
Shows how one manufacturer manufacturers for other brands though. I do prefer to go direct to source if possible.
I've just been going through my rig bin, the VMC rigs tied up show signs of being used. I had to replace the battered coated braids and shrink tubing, but the hooks themselves are still draw blood sticky sharp
If they are then they are worth using. Well other than I will try not to put any money in KN's pocket unless I have to.
Shows how one manufacturer manufacturers for other brands though. I do prefer to go direct to source if possible.
I've just been going through my rig bin, the VMC rigs tied up show signs of being used. I had to replace the battered coated braids and shrink tubing, but the hooks themselves are still draw blood sticky sharp
In reply to Post #25
i remember using G-Hards back in the day at Les quis, they were very good hooks, only in barbless, expensive them days £10 a pack
i remember using G-Hards back in the day at Les quis, they were very good hooks, only in barbless, expensive them days £10 a pack
In reply to Post #1
Mugga continental for me , standard mugga take some beating , I've had cats around 100lb mark on standard muggas
Mugga continental for me , standard mugga take some beating , I've had cats around 100lb mark on standard muggas
In reply to Post #20
These VMC look a lot like the Ace curve shank hooks.
These VMC look a lot like the Ace curve shank hooks.
Nash fangs for me
In reply to Post #1
Had the same issues with the Korda's, its even on the forum here somewhere. Same replies and everything ("its not the hook, its your rig"). Switched to Mugga's and have never again seen a hook come up snapped or bent. Then again I never sharpen but change hooks.
Had the same issues with the Korda's, its even on the forum here somewhere. Same replies and everything ("its not the hook, its your rig"). Switched to Mugga's and have never again seen a hook come up snapped or bent. Then again I never sharpen but change hooks.
Mugga continental. Simples. I use the size 4's in hit and hold situations all of the time. I've never come close to bending one.
In reply to Post #30
Will give the continental muggas a try, thanks for all of the input from everyone 👍
Will give the continental muggas a try, thanks for all of the input from everyone 👍
In reply to Post #32
Great hooks, certainly stood the test of time
Great hooks, certainly stood the test of time
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