Gamakatsu new hook options for cats.

[Ed Carlson]

Gama has a few new hook options out that catfishermen/catwomen should take serious note of.

Big River Hook "New Sizes available"

The Big River Hook has been out for a while and is a serious player for big baits on big fish. They now offer smaller versions down to 6 O/T and this fills a niche we were missing.

The Big River hook has a serious sharp point and a deep gap that hold cut baits well. One can set the hook with confidence and the extra sharp point Will find it's mark.

The new 6 0/T size is ideal for most cutbait situations where a circle is not quite cutting it due to short bites.

Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky

Another new hook from Gamakatsu with a purpose for us cat wranglers is the Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky hook. Built on Gamakatsu proven Shiner hook, the Wicked Wacky features a durable hand tied weed guard that provides anglers the confidence to throw their rig in and around heavy cover. In a high water year floats will be used often and this is a great hook for the job.

In addition the Wicked Wacky takes power drop rigs to a new level. Gamakatsu designed the Wicked Wacky with an innovative hollow tube, hand tied on the shank. Simply run the tag end of your line through the tube, tie on your weight for a disposable drop shot rig, and pitch the Wicked Wacky into the heaviest cover for a whole new power vertical bait presentation.

This is an ideal hook for Cork'n in cover and snag prone areas. Available in sizes 1/0-5/0 NS Black.

A couple fine new sharp tools for the cat tackle arsenal. Well worth a try.

[Brad B]

Ed,

hopefully this new smaller size will help with less fish being killed do to gut hooking or damage to the throat from such a large hook. There was a thread on these on a different catfishing site. plus another thing that is a negative about these is the cost of them verses the qty you get.

[TruthWalleyes]

Huh, I have never, never gut hooked a cat. Odly enough all have been in the lips. Never though about it before.

[blakeb]

I have heard bad things about these hooks after i started using them, i use 12/0 and 10/0 they sit in the back of a bullhead so good. i dont gut hook cats.

[Ed Carlson]

I use circle hooks for the majority of my cat fishing, but not all.

When quick hard sets are required a more exposed straight point alignment hook like the Big Water hook is ideal. I do not let cats run with baits. I set the hook as quickly as I can.

The Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky hook is an ideal vertical presentation and drop-n-drag hook fishing like with frogs for instance. Wide gap hooks hold cut baits well and are less prove to deep hoking fish.

The 6 O/T are $3.99 a pack, 10 O/T and 12 O/T are $4.99 a pack. I have seen the 10's and 12's as high as $5.99 at some retailers. You may buy them in 50 packs from Gamakatsu at a reduced cost per hook if you burn through a lot of hooks.

A quality hook is the most critical component in a catfishing rig, so I look for quality first and foremost, then I manage the cost.