dkhunter Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 I am looking for a strong hook in the 3/0, 4/0 & 5/0 hook size to be used in a jig. The jigs will be used in saltwater. I was looking at owner, mustad and gamakatsu. Does anyone know who would make the strongest hook? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psilvers Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 I am looking for a strong hook in the 3/0, 4/0 & 5/0 hook size to be used in a jig. The jigs will be used in saltwater. I was looking at owner, mustad and gamakatsu. Does anyone know who would make the strongest hook? Mustad - get the forged Mustads. Like the one in this link: http://www.terminaltackleco.com/product/640/11 Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Pete gave some good advice. I also like to use Mustad Duratin for salt water applications. The first thing you have to figure out is which mold you are going to use and what hooks are applicable. You may not be able to get a duratin hook on the model of mold you purchase or have. Also if your mold doesn't accept duratin hooks you may have to modify the mold. Just some thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdsaw Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Yes, choose the style leadhead mold, then figure out which hooks will work without modifying that mold However, a mold can be modified to accept almost any hook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Yes, the classic Mustad 34185 short shank and 34184 long shank 60* hooks are stronger IMO than EC 413, but you probably know that since your list didn't mention EC. The classic Mustads usually need sharpening tho. I personally found the 90* long shank classic Mustad 91715 & EC 635 salt water hooks to be weaker and quit using them many years ago. Considering your selection as including Owner & Gamakatsu, maybe you prefer technically sharpened black nickel hooks? For 90*, that limits you to Owner 3x in the sizes you mentioned, altho the Gamakatsu 604 1x in your mentioned sizes seem pretty solid. For 60*, I personally have no problem with Ultra Point BLN at less than 1/2 the price of equivelant O & G. Will you be pouring Do-it molds? If so, what models? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLT Posted June 4, 2011 Report Share Posted June 4, 2011 Where in Pa. are you? Close to Lancaster? I also would like to know what you are fishing for. I make the do-it shad head in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2oz. and tie them up for tandem/spec rigs. Use 1/0-4/0 E.C. 635 saltwater hooks and have no issues or complaints with that hook. I've had anything from Croakers, Flounder, Stripers up to 26", Trigger fish, Stargazors, a shark over 40" and other fish in the De. area on the line and have no issues with hooks bending, and I pull fish over the rail from the water w/o a net. (Not the shark though lol) Only time I bend those hooks is when mr horse shoe crab takes it, I have bent the hook pulling it from the crab. I also use Mus. 91715d, and 91750st for ultra minnow heads, but they are up in the 7/0 and 8/0 range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkhunter Posted June 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I am fishing for Stripers in NJ. I have been using some jigs that have mustad 34185 stainless in 4/0. I have straighted a few on bigger fish recently. No matter how loose you keep the drag they still seem to straighten. I think they are straightening when the fish bites down on the jig. I recently purchased the do-it banana jig mold. We are catching them in shallow water so we like to use a 3/8th bucktail. I am thinking to try in modify the jig to fit a 5/0 hook which might be stronger. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Where in Pa. are you? Close to Lancaster? I also would like to know what you are fishing for. I make the do-it shad head in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2oz. and tie them up for tandem/spec rigs. Use 1/0-4/0 E.C. 635 saltwater hooks and have no issues or complaints with that hook. I've had anything from Croakers, Flounder, Stripers up to 26", Trigger fish, Stargazors, a shark over 40" and other fish in the De. area on the line and have no issues with hooks bending, and I pull fish over the rail from the water w/o a net. (Not the shark though lol) Only time I bend those hooks is when mr horse shoe crab takes it, I have bent the hook pulling it from the crab. I also use Mus. 91715d, and 91750st for ultra minnow heads, but they are up in the 7/0 and 8/0 range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 The 34185 tinned hooks have a rep for strength, could it be that the stainless version isn't as sturdy? Which banana mold do you have? My JY-4-A looks to be easily modify-able for a 5/0 34185, so I'm assuming the JYS-4-A could be too? The in-line production model JY-6-1438 is not practical for a 5/0 34185 mod because the hook points would intrude on the next head cavity shank slots. My 3/8 size is modified for Mustad Ultra Point 91725D long shank 3/0 which IMO is the strongest hook available in that size. Sorry, don't have larger sizes but if you'd like to try the 3/0 version I could send you a few heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkhunter Posted June 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 I will order some 34185's and see how they work. I guess I will have to do some dremel work to the mold to fit the 60 degree hook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 Dremel would work, drill press with cutter bit better. Sent you a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
