Hook Choice

[dorsetandchub]

I've been using Drennan Super Specialist hooks for years but just wondered if anyone has any recommendations for other makes and models for barbel fishing?

 

[tigger]

I've been using Drennan Super Specialist hooks for years but just wondered if anyone has any recommendations for other makes and models for barbel fishing?

I'd stick with what your using .

 

[dorsetandchub]

Well, that's that then - anyone fancy a pint?

 

[binka]

Have the Drennan given you any reason to change Phil?

I use the same along with Korda wide gape for big, hair rigged baits like larger pellets and meat, Korum also brought out a similar hook which appears to be slightly finer wire but cheaper and still more than strong enough although there seemed to be a one size physical variation, size for size in number, between the two and I can't remember which way around it is.

 

[Keith M]

I often use the Fox SSBP arma-point teflon hook which is very sharp and resilient to blunting over rocky/gravelly bottoms and has a shortish wide gape and reversed point and doesn't glint too much in the light either (see pic).



Another hook that I find pretty good over gravel is the Korda teflon wide gape hook.

If I need a slightly longer shank then I often use Drennan Specialist and Super Specialist hooks.

It usually depends on the baits I'm using and how I'm trying to present them.

Keith

 

[barbelboi]

Usually Drennan SS or SS Barbel. I also like the Gardiner Covert wide gape talon tip.................

 

[john step]

Have alook at ESP Raptor T6. Very strong and sharp with a slightly turned in point to avoid blunting on gravel.

 

[dorsetandchub]

Have the Drennan given you any reason to change Phil?

I use the same along with Korda wide gape for big, hair rigged baits like larger pellets and meat, Korum also brought out a similar hook which appears to be slightly finer wire but cheaper and still more than strong enough although there seemed to be a one size physical variation, size for size in number, between the two and I can't remember which way around it is.

Steve,

No, not at all, mate. I just wondered if there was anything new and amazing I hadn't caught up with.

Thanks so much to all for the thoughts.

 

[graham472]

Have been using Gardner Target specimen hooks from 10 to 14 very strong and sharp from the packet in barbed or barbless when required. I have also been giving a try out to the new ESP cryogen gripper hooks only go as small as size 8 at the moment but very sharp from the packet. Beaked point similar to the target hook.

 

[flightliner]

Super specialist for me, super hooks that do the buziness !.

 

[thecrow]

I was very happy with Mustad eyed specimen until they decided to discontinue them, strong (mid teens barbel on 12s) sharp and cheap everything I needed used them for years, I now use the Korum after being put onto them by Steve, they seem just as good so far.

 

[ken more]

Over the years i have used quite a few different hooks, mainly on a hair-rig set up. I then found the Seamless hooks and i really did like them. Over the years, i have also heard that normal "turned" hooks could cut your line at the eye, and thinking back i cannot remember once having my line cut by other hooks. I think what i'm trying to say is, has anyone snapped or cut there line on a standard hook or are the seamless hooks better

Apologies for the rant, but just back from Holiday yesterday, and still in Vino mode:w:w

 

[thecrow]

Over the years i have used quite a few different hooks, mainly on a hair-rig set up. I then found the Seamless hooks and i really did like them. Over the years, i have also heard that normal "turned" hooks could cut your line at the eye, and thinking back i cannot remember once having my line cut by other hooks. I think what i'm trying to say is, has anyone snapped or cut there line on a standard hook or are the seamless hooks better

Apologies for the rant, but just back from Holiday yesterday, and still in Vino mode:w:w

Not sure how one would tell if the eye has cut your line (other than the hook being missing ) I have never noticed any chaffing of the line next to the hook.

 

[thames mudlarker]

:thumbs:The hooks that I used when fishing for Kennet barbel were the kamasan b983 wide gape specialist,

They are a fine 110 carbon wire pattern but surprisingly very strong

 

[Philip]

Another vote for Super specialists. If it aint broke...well you know the rest..

My only concern is the day Drennan decide to "improve" them. ....Don't do it Drennan ...dont even THINK about it !!!!

 

[Jim Crosskey 2]

I like ESP raptors - G4 in a 10 for pellets, T6 in a 6 or 8 for meat and a curve-shank 10 for just about anything... but then of course they've been discontinued!!

Actually now also using the korum power xperts. Decent hooks, nice and strong but also cheap which comes in to it's own on the wye when a few losses are inevitable.

 

[john step]

I like ESP raptors - G4 in a 10 for pellets, T6 in a 6 or 8 for meat and a curve-shank 10 for just about anything... but then of course they've been discontinued!!

Actually now also using the korum power xperts. Decent hooks, nice and strong but also cheap which comes in to it's own on the wye when a few losses are inevitable.

I didn't realise they had been discontinued. I bought a goodly stock of them. I shall be disappointed when they are used up

JIM, JUST GOOGLED RAPTOR T6 HOOKS AND THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED AS ANGLING DIRECT ARE SELLING THEM??

 

[Jim Crosskey 2]

I didn't realise they had been discontinued. I bought a goodly stock of them. I shall be disappointed when they are used up

JIM, JUST GOOGLED RAPTOR T6 HOOKS AND THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED AS ANGLING DIRECT ARE SELLING THEM??

Maybe I'm wrong then John, it just seemed like all of a sudden they were really difficult to get hold of? Maybe it was just a supply bottleneck, though it did seem like a few retailers who had odds and sods of sizes seemed to be banging them out at a discount, which is also generally a sign of something getting discontinued. I'm also suspicious because they have that new Cryogen range out, looks interesting but I think they're all barbed.

Like you, I recently bought a good supply on ebay of the patterns I get on with best, I should be good for a couple of seasons now.

 

[dorsetandchub]

Jim,

I thought the ESP's had been discontinued as well. A great mate of mine swears by them and was sourcing replacements. Thanks for the shout, John, I'll grab some from there too.

Thanks so much, all - will try them alongside the SS's.

 

[S-Kippy]

I've never got on with Super Specialists. Don't know why...just don't. Call me a tart but to me the shape doesn't look quite right and they always appear terribly shiny. If something doesn't look or feel right to me I wont use it and these never have. I like the Drennan Barbel hook though & The Korda Wide Gape or Mixa.

I couldn't honestly recommend Owners ! Not based on my experiences.