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.