Post by Alan Ziobry on Apr 4, 2005 16:53:45 GMT
Modern Hooks are very sharp and that's because of the system used to coat them with a protective layer of enamel,nickel or blue finish.
They are not actually chemically sharpened, but chemically coated to keep them sharp.
Short and medium-shank hooks are considered best in the larger sizes(size 2/0-8/0) for baiting with the dumpy or odd shaped baits,such as mackerel head,flapper,livebait,whole squid or peeler crab, squid and fish strip, for bigger fish.
Obviosly the larger hook size,the bigger the gape between point and shank.The wire needs to be progressively thicker in the larger sizesto prevent it bending under angling pressure.
Most modern hooks are made from carbon steel wire,which is far stronger and less brittle than traditional forged steel.
Hooks were once prone to snapping under pressure, but now modern hooks actually bend slightly before breaking.
Bait barbs on hook shanks are intended to help hold the bait in position. Beware of the bait riding above the highest bait barb, it can be too far away from the hook point, resulting in missed bites.
Bait barbs are best used for large bulky baits, such as crab, squid and fish fillets, to prevent them slipping down the hook shank and masking the point.
It is no coincidence that the best hooks come from Japan, where the first chemically-sharpened hooks were developed.
They are not actually chemically sharpened, but chemically coated to keep them sharp.
Short and medium-shank hooks are considered best in the larger sizes(size 2/0-8/0) for baiting with the dumpy or odd shaped baits,such as mackerel head,flapper,livebait,whole squid or peeler crab, squid and fish strip, for bigger fish.
Obviosly the larger hook size,the bigger the gape between point and shank.The wire needs to be progressively thicker in the larger sizesto prevent it bending under angling pressure.
Most modern hooks are made from carbon steel wire,which is far stronger and less brittle than traditional forged steel.
Hooks were once prone to snapping under pressure, but now modern hooks actually bend slightly before breaking.
Bait barbs on hook shanks are intended to help hold the bait in position. Beware of the bait riding above the highest bait barb, it can be too far away from the hook point, resulting in missed bites.
Bait barbs are best used for large bulky baits, such as crab, squid and fish fillets, to prevent them slipping down the hook shank and masking the point.
It is no coincidence that the best hooks come from Japan, where the first chemically-sharpened hooks were developed.