Ohio River?
I use the good hooks there, that's where the good fish are *LOL*
Why worry about the hook when you spent $30 on gas to get there & the boat too? I have to admit, my hooks are about 50 cents each too. I'm just finding it humourous to see how there was some chiding to have a $100 rig & a cheap hook to a $500 rig with Kahle hooks
My best fish come from the river, so I use no shortcuts there. I pull out all the stops. With that being said, I'm not paying $2.00 for a hook as long as my other hooks work.
Now, I have a question for you hook experts. I just got some 10/0 lazer hooks. I'm guessing they're Eagle Claw (off ebay).
They are circle hooks, strong wire, big gap, I put them side by side with the Gamakatsu hooks I use(8/0) and here's what I noticed. They aren't as sharp, the steel isn't finished as well, but the big difference is the eye. The eye is straight with the shank, where the Gammy is turned/bent out from the shank.
I can hone them a little & I like the size. I'm just wondering about the eye being turned-not turned will make any significant difference on the hook ups.
I know I read somewhere this guy was taking his pliers & bending the points to point towards the eyes. I'd be afraid of breaking the hook. I can see how the pressure will be a little different on the hooks. Maybe I'll take a picture next time I have them in my hand. Thanks, Jim