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ESP Gripper v Korda Wide Gape (13 posts / 2,686 views)
Carpy-Angler Carpy-Angler
Posts: 541
Post #1 1 Apr 2021 10:09
0
Barbless water so I'm down to these 2 any pointers which are the best out of the 2 😎
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #2 1 Apr 2021 10:28
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In reply to Post #1
I prefer beaked point hooks if have to use barbless and if fishing on gravel as the points stay protected better
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #3 1 Apr 2021 11:06
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In reply to Post #1
Use your usual hooks that you have confidence in, and pinch the barb down. No need to change hook patterns for barbless rules
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #4 1 Apr 2021 11:20
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In reply to Post #3
Some places won't allow crushed barbs
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #5 1 Apr 2021 11:25
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In reply to Post #4
Really? Not a rule I've ever come across. Do you know what the logic is behind it by any chance?
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #6 1 Apr 2021 11:33
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In reply to Post #5
No,as you would think if it's crushed it's barbless but not good enough for some places it would seem
OatcakeFred OatcakeFred
Posts: 1,466
Post #7 1 Apr 2021 11:41
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In reply to Post #5
Yeah, some waters state "barbless hooks only, crushed barks are not acceptable". But Blakemere in Shropshire says something along the lines of barbless hooks only, crushed barbs will be accepted as long as they don't snag in the bailiffs clothing. I guess the rationale is that if a fish is left with a barbless hook in it's mouth, they can easily shed it, whereas sometimes when you crush a barb down, there's a little bit left that can snag in a fishes mouth.

And I agree, no need to change hook pattern for a barbless water rule.
Richpp1989 Richpp1989
Posts: 2,078
Post #8 1 Apr 2021 16:17
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In reply to Post #4
Two of the lakes I fish won't let you use crushed barbs it states that it has to be barbless out the packet, I don't know why they say it but they do
Jamesvg Jamesvg
Posts: 1,165
Post #9 1 Apr 2021 19:59
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In reply to Post #1
I'd go for the ESP personally, I prefer the pattern for no particular reason but have also found the ppints to be sharper and more durable.
The wire gauge is slightly finer than the widegape B and also feels stronger to me.
MARKerz
Posts: 1,949
Post #10 2 Apr 2021 08:13
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In reply to Post #1
Haven't used them in barbless but was very happy with Korda wide gapes in size 8's.
Halfcentury
Posts: 1,284
Post #11 2 Apr 2021 08:22
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In reply to Post #1
Not the only manufacturer I use but the Korda wide gape is an excellent hook pattern that has never let me down.
Jimmers532
Posts: 889
Post #12 2 Apr 2021 20:26
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In reply to Post #1
I use both of these regularly and can say they are both great hooks, I like the grippers in a 6 but if I'm fishing snags then I use a size 6 widegape x, both fantastic hooks that are very sharp out of the packet.
duggs
Posts: 5,559
Post #13 3 Apr 2021 19:24
0
In reply to Post #2
Beaked point or curve shank for me if it's barbless only.
I tend to file barbs off rather than crush them, they will pass the cloth test but I also think the indent it leaves would help it hold. I have been meaning to try and put a series of indents in some like the pallatrax gripz, but life's to short and I don't catch enough to test whether it makes a difference
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