Can I please get feed back on the ESP Trig hammer hooks. I usually go for the Korda Kamakura hooks but am thinking of a change. Any advice would be welcome.
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In reply to Post #1
Feedback on hooks that haven't been out a week yet? Why don't you buy some & see how you get on with them?

In reply to Post #1

In reply to Post #1
Saw my mate using them monday eve, they remind me of the the old cox & rawle sea hooks that were used and bent by carpers circa mid 90's for pop ups. Big hooks for their size but sharp as anything.

In reply to Post #1
Got some samples sent by ESP 2 weeks ago.
They're very very sharp!
Caught 2 fish on them and the points were still intact both times.
Will deffo keep on using them!

Points are not as sharp as the Kamakura but they have not been over-sharpened so a more traditional long point. Still very sharp out of the packet (think Kaptor or Nash PinPoint sharpness). The samples I got last week from a rep look awesome but didn't get round to using them last weekend due to not suitable for the presentation I needed.

In reply to Post #6
Are they a long shank or do they do both ?

I bought some yesterday but not used them yet. I compared them for size with some Nash long shank twisters my go to hook for long shanks. I found that a size 6 trig hammer was the same length as a size 5 Nash hook but has a wider gape. They are very sharp but must say I was surprised by the gauge of wire used, its much thinner than most other hooks size for size. I suppose time will tell if they are strong enough.

In reply to Post #7
They are essentially a slightly longer shank Big T but with a slight curve to them nearer the eye.

I've been tying rigs with them today. They look excellent, are sharp out of the packet and strength won't be a issue (having done a bit of attempted destruction testing!). They come up slightly larger than most hooks as previously stated.

Interesting they flip and turn nicely with pretty much any rig (albeit the palm test is clearly far from the ‘be all and end all'), including without a kicker. Looking forward to giving them a proper go.

In reply to Post #8
I thought the wire was thinner as well when i first received the hooks.
But the lads at ESP told me the diameter of the wire used for the Trig Hammers is size for size the same as any of the other hooks in the Cryogen range.
It's because the hooks are physically larger that the wire looks thinner.
A bit of optical illusion i guess.

In reply to Post #11
Ive just received mine.

Not really into ronnies but they look awesome for a snowman, or a just a general bottom bait imo, cant wait to wang one out!

In reply to Post #12
Used mine both on bottom and Ronnies and caught on both rigs.
The hookholds were perfect!

In reply to Post #13
How do you think they'd suit a multi rig?

In reply to Post #13
Which size will you recommend for a 15-16mm pop up Robby? I have to try them.

Having received a packet of trig-hammer in size 7 this week, was a bit miffed to find the wire gauge is 0.90 compared to 0.95 on the other size 7 cryogens in the range.

No wonder there sharp!

In reply to Post #16
Having received a packet of trig-hammer in size 7 this week, was a bit miffed to find the wire gauge is 0.90 compared to 0.95 on the other size 7 cryogens in the range.

No wonder there sharp!

If the fish can tell the wire gauge difference then they have better specs than I do If I was worried about hook strength, I would be using a different pattern TBH. The Drennan Specimen Barbel hooks are the same pattern as the Big-T but the next wire gauge down & I am yet to open one of those up even with a 3.5lb tc rod & locked clutch!

In reply to Post #15
I used 6s for my 14mm pop-ups mate.
I'm sure they'll be ok for 15-16mms as well.

Would these be classed as long shank hooks meaning they're banned at waters that have no long shank hook rules? Sorry if a stupid question but fancy trying them but all my waters ban longshanks.

In reply to Post #19
They're a replacement for the ESP Longshanks

In reply to Post #19
I would class them as longshank definitely

In reply to Post #18

Oh well never mind, stick to the muggas then, cheers gents

And the promotion clip link

In reply to Post #24
Bought a pack of the 5's this week to have a look. I was sceptical to be honest as the other Cryogens were some of the bluntest I've come across out of the pack.

These are in a different league though, lovely and sharp, nice wire and in my eyes a really nice pattern that will suit both my pop up and bottom bait fishing.

Had a couple on them today, both nailed and showing no signs of strength issues despite prolonged scraps in and out of the dying Canadian. Impressed.

In reply to Post #25
Mine arrived the other day, well impressed, then I checked my syndicate rules, no long shanks DOH

Now these hooks have been out a while, any further feedback from anyone? Are they nice and strong? Any issues with hook holds, etc? Also what size do people find works best for 12mm - 15mm baits?

I'm thinking of using them for my multi rigs.

Cheers

In reply to Post #27
I gave them a go on one rod on my French trip a couple of weeks ago, first 2 bites fell off so I ditched them after that, didn't lose a fish on either of the other rods with gardner or nash hooks.

In reply to Post #27
I had a few fish the weekend on them. All nailed but everyone was turned over once hooked. I've tried the hooks from thinking anglers, did 3 fish Upto 20lb and the hook would have done a 4th bite

In reply to Post #27
Any idea when the Grippers in Size 2 will be out?

they turn spot on but I had points gone over in the pack, points gone over after a night on the river...i really wanted these hooks to be my go to hooks as the shape is great but the points go over way too easy

i had a size 5 open up on me a few weeks ago while playing a sturgeon around 15-20lb

The fish catapulted itself out of the water and shook its head and the hook flew out. Not sure if the weird angle of the fish being upside down etc made a difference, but still didnt expect that from a size 5 and a fish of that weight