Ogajiga Posted May 5, 2023 Report Share Posted May 5, 2023 Tho I've not personally encountered any, there have been complaints of Power Pro and Sufix braid counterfeits circulating for years. I got some not available in USA Gami 604 #6 & #4 years ago that were more bendy than what I expected (on eBay haha). Has anyone experienced quality variations in batches of Gamakatsu jig hooks, especially wire strength? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted May 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2023 Right now on eBay there is a glut of Sufix 832 at suspicious low prices? https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=sufix+832+braid+300&_sacat=1492&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=sufix+832+braid&_osacat=1492&_sop=15 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apdriver Posted May 6, 2023 Report Share Posted May 6, 2023 I fish a lot of Gamakatsu 4/0 and 5/0 Octopus hooks in the summers. This has always been a super hook but last year I had a batch that the hook points turned easily. I was really disappointed in those hooks. I could just touch the bottom with those and it was dull. I had to check them often and change leaders way more often than usual. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slammingjack Posted June 2, 2023 Report Share Posted June 2, 2023 n 1988, after significant upgrades to their automated tempering facilities and further expansion in the hook factory, Gamakatsu® Co. Ltd. opened Gamakatsu® International Co., Ltd. in Thailand and Gamakatsu® Shantou Co. Ltd. in China in 1989. Maybe like the other hook maker with the red hooks. I forget the name of the company. Been awhile when that happen. To me if it says China it can be junk! Not sure but makes sense. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD_mudbug Posted June 6, 2023 Report Share Posted June 6, 2023 I once got a bad pack of Gami Superline hooks. The points would bend over on the first fish. Even fishing with a wimpy spinning rod those hooks would bend over. I believe any hook manufacturer can get a bad batch of wire on occasion that can cause a run of bad hooks. Tactical Bassin has talked about it before. Start at 17:30 if you don't want to watch the whole video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91EnJ0dGRXg&t=221s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted September 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2023 Used to be Gamakatsu hooks made in Japan were dependably the best hooks available, but I've gotten quite a few boxes of non-fatal but still annoyingly bendy jig hooks (all at bargain prices on eBay). 604s in particular #6 & #4 black and 2/0 & 3/0 red + 114 similar with different model #s 2/0 & 3/0 black. It might be possible to isolate the bad from good Gamis by checking the boxes or bags. Quality ones specifically state "Made in Japan" and the questionable quality ones lack that and do not specify country of mfg. Part of the blame could be on lawmakers who decided to eliminate the country of origin requirement on imports. I would guess the USA distributor knew about the QC issues and dumped those hooks at give away prices to whoever would buy them including eBay resellers. Should have been a red flag that the hooks were half the going legitimate wholesale prices but I didn't realize that Gami had switched to outside of Japan mfg. Mustad does the same and I've gotten stuck with boxes of slightly defective jig hooks again bargain priced on eBay. Still using those non-Japan Gami jig hooks because they don't catastrophically bend out, but slightly deflect outwards during high stress fish fights not quite enuf for the fish to drop off. The points fold a bit easier but after the first resharpen tend to be more stable. Certainly not lesser quality than other hook mfgs, just maybe not worth the Gamakatsu price point. So maybe not necessary to completely shut the door on Gamis, just make sure they are made in Japan. Thanks to Slammingjack for posting that Gamis can be made in China. Correct me if I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted September 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2023 Just checked my Gami EWGs which I stocked up on - all made in Thailand. Haven't had a problem with Superline 2/0 for catfish up to 30+#, but the 1/0 light wire would frequently snap when dehooking small bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted September 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2023 Yes, customer rep service can make or break, Matzuo was the worst IMO and they are gone. On the other hand Harry Simmons affable communication prompted me to retry Victory jig hooks which are serviceable within their limitations. Quality Gamakatsu hooks I use have no alternative other brand replacements of similar quality. Are you able to elaborate on Gami customer service issues? PM me if you prefer confidentiality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
