Opinions on Line Color and Hook Brands

[mamba]

Hi All,

I'm looking to restock some of my equipment (via CC), and I wanted to get some opinions on line color and hook brands before I go ahead and place my order.

Hooks:

I have had success with Gamakatsu circle hooks over the years, however, I was wondering if any of you have had luck with some of the other brands out there. I would like to add some larger sizes (10/0-12/0) to my box, and I feel like the cost to quantity ratio for these sizes can be a bit unfavorable when it comes to Gamakatsu hooks. Are any of the other brands stocked by CC that are comparable in terms of quality? The Mustad circle hooks look pretty similar, but I'm curious to know how they perform by comparison.

Line Color:

Historically, I have used Suffix 100lb Performance Braid, but I'm thinking about switching over to PowerPro due to what's available on CC. They stock the traditional moss green, as well as fluorescent yellow. I'm leaning toward yellow, as it has its obvious advantages when it comes to visibility at night. That being said, are cats less prone to strike bait attached to fluorescent line? I feel like line color isn't an issue given the water clarity in the MN River...

Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated!

[DTro]

Just my personal opinion.

I've tried a lot of different brands and styles of hooks and line, and had success with all of them.

In my opinion, nothing beats Gamakastu hooks (both octopus circle and octopus J) and Sufix line (either performance or 832). I could give you reasons why I feel that way, but bottom line is that's how I feel.

As far as color, ZERO concerns about using any color, even in clearer water. One thing to remember is that cats are nearly blind

[Scott K]

+1 on the Gamu hooks, and with Suffix. I personally use 80 pound high visibility. Cats are practically blind, and the high visibility helps me see it better, because my site isnt the best any more either

I have had issues with PP in the past, and I just never went back to it. I would hope they fixed the problems they had, but at the time I switched to Suffix, and I havent ever had a problem, so no need to switch from what is working.

[Mr Special]

+2

i have PP and suffix on my rods and i do beleive suffix is a better line, esp the 832. id go with HiViz they are easier to see day or nite

when it comes to hooks its hard to beat gama's but ive use mustads and eagle claws with good success as well

for the most part an 8/0 circle will be sufficient but im also thinking of goin with a 10/0 plus circle hook. i wish gama made them in that size.

i know the price of tackle can add up quick but the hook is literally the only piece of equipment that connects you to the fish. imma recommended to go with the best u can afford with needing a 2nd loan lol

when that potential state record hits the last thing u want on ur mind is how the hook will perform.

[bobbymalone]

I had bad luck with VMC circles, but that was with smaller size circles for catching suckers/carp. They just wouldn't hook up. Gamas in the same size worked fine, same spot, same day, same planetary alignments to control variables. I tossed the VMCs in the trashcan at the parking lot.

I pretty much use gamas exclusively for all my hook needs.

[bobbymalone]

for the most part an 8/0 circle will be sufficient but im also thinking of goin with a 10/0 plus circle hook. i wish gama made them in that size.

gama doesn't make bigger than 8/0 in their octopus circle line with an offset point, but they go up to something ridiculous like 14/0 for their saltwater circle hooks.

[Mike_Bennewitz]

I would totally recommend looking at the saltwater-oriented hooks from Bass Pro Shops. They have their own name-brand of saltwater gear called Offshore Angler. I bought 25 8/0 circle hooks for $10 on a trip to Sanibel Island FL. I also know of some other tackle sites where you can order even bigger hooks if you want, as I do a lot of Land Based Shark Fishing when I go to Florida and 20/0 circle are the norm. Send me a PM if you would like some links to bigger hooks!

[mamba]

The Suffix 832 prevailed! Thanks for the input everybody!

[Mr Special]

The Suffix 832 prevailed! Thanks for the input everybody!

NICE catch

good job, im just gettin into the swing of things. got out wednesday nite for a bit and my boat got 3runs, 1miss, one 6lbs channel and one 12lbs flat

goin out again tonite

jw,

wat hook ya choose

yep, meant the 8/0 Octo C-hooks

when i go shark fsihing we used 16/0 eagle claw see circles

heres a 5' bullie a few months bak from sebastian inlet

just wanted sumthing with a wider gap for flatten

[FshBloodRiverMud]

Phil where you going tonight. I'm considering spending the weekend around hastings and up the St Croix too.

[mamba]

Nice bull! The flat above was caught on cut with an 8/0 Gamakatsu circle hook. The Gander over in EP has Team Catfish 10/0 circles, so I gave that I shot with a live bullie, but didn't get any runs unfortunately. Haven't had any luck with live so far this year. I'm still guessing it's still a little early for that?

[Mr Special]

all our runs were on live the other night and nuttin on cut

soak them bullies =D