Getting Nasty…
Eagle Claw brought out its line of TroKar hooks, and fishermen have taken to them because they are extremely sharp.
The downside of this popularity is that the Lazer Sharp series of hooks are mostly overlooked. That’s unfortunate, especially for saltwater fishermen who trash hooks on a regular basis. Unless you’re using stainless hooks, every trip to the saltchuck means that the hooks you use are toast.
Sure, you can make do by washing your gear when you get off the water, but the reality is that non-stainless hooks are done after one trip—something that is especially true if you pinch the barbs down and break the finish.
Enter Lazer Sharp hooks. They are quality hooks that won’t break the bank, so you won’t be crying when you bin a day’s worth. Granted, they are not Trokars, but they don’t cost as much as other premium hooks on the market, and they perform as well in all saltwater applications.
Two new hooks this year are worthy of mention: the Big Nasty, L11, and Big Nasty Siwash (open eye), L206.
Both versions sport the aggressive “sickle” bend, one that seems to have better retention than either the standard Siwash or Octopus hook bends, something that is an advantage when you’re pinching the barbs down to comply with regulations.
Another point in the hooks’ favor is that the barbs are very small, and that reduces the breakage in the finish when they’re pinched. It also reduces the bump that occurs when a large barb is pinched down.
While not terribly expensive, the Lazer Sharp line of hooks is of high quality. The points are thumbnail sharp, and the steel is strong.
The up-eye, Octopus-style L11 is available in platinum black in 1/0 through 7/0. The Siwash version, the L206, is nickel-plated, comes with an open eye, and is available in 2/0 to 6/0.
For more information, go to: www.eagleclaw.com.