i just recieved an order of some different kinds of hooks to try out. among them are the lindgren pitmann 18/0 circles and Eagle claw Lazer sharp 20/0 circles. the LPs are pretty solid and seem like they'll hold up to alot of pressure and abuse. the EC hooks, however larger, are a bit thinner and i can make them flex with just my hands. I like the lighter wire hooks because they go in and out easier and there's no big bloody mess to deal with but most strong, light wire hooks are smaller, in the 10/0-12/0 range and they kind of just disappear in a grouper or tuna carcass.
Anyone have problems with the eagle claws? my plan is to see if there are any tigers around yet next weekend and will be using the eagle claws and LP's with respectively sized baits on a 9/0 with 50lb mainline and a 12/0 with 200lb braid and mono topshot but running 35-40lb of drag, not in the 60's. (i'm only doing that because i bought it spooled and plan to replace it with 3/4 spool of 150lb braid and top off with 100 or 130lb mono later on)
That Eagle Claw hook is good stuff made from hardened steel. I use their hooks and Mustad hooks for when I'm surfcasting for shark. Love them. Then again I love the Pitmann for when I kayak my baits out. They are a high carbon steel, but softer than the Eagle Claw.
My humble opinion In the big picture you can't go wrong either way, since most of your shark will be 7 feet long or under. But when you hook a Colossus, the Pitmann will beat out the Eagle Claw. Forged hooks like the Pitmann won't straighten out under heavy load as easily.
That Eagle Claw hook is good stuff made from hardened steel. I use their hooks and Mustad hooks for when I'm surfcasting for shark. Love them. Then again I love the Pitmann for when I kayak my baits out. They are a high carbon steel, but softer than the Eagle Claw.
My humble opinion In the big picture you can't go wrong either way, since most of your shark will be 7 feet long or under. But when you hook a Colossus, the Pitmann will beat out the Eagle Claw. Forged hooks like the Pitmann won't straighten out under heavy load as easily.
when targeting the smaller shark's we've been using 10/0 owner circle hooks. its worked out very well so far. Now that i know what is prowling our shore line right now and soon to come i won't be relying on 30lb mono and 10/0 hooks.
I cant wait to get this baby in the water. (left)
and here's my double rig i'll be trying out next weekend. i re did the second leader and put the second crimps past each other so i have the wire twisted the whole way with no gaps. since 250lb coated wire is much easier and cheaper to find than 400, rigging this way saves a little cash.
I'm going to save those eagle claws for larger baits on the 9/0. that way i don't have the chance to apply too much pressure.