MT01

Gonna throw this out here because I'm updating my hook inventory. Mustad vs Gamakatsu hooks? I've been using the Gamakatsu Nautilus Circle, but heard many great things about Mustad Ultrapoint Circle. Opinions?

Texasblue

Just my humble opinion but, for me, there is no target species or nuance that would drive me to use a Gama vs a Mustad for Saltwater targets. Further, I believe Mustad is a better value. There are several Eagle Claw or VMC hooks that get the nod before Gama.

On the other hand, freshwater (Bass), I'm pretty much Gama.

hardtocontend

djy

pje

I use the Demon inline circles for bottom fishing , and sometimes for marlin depending on bait size . Mostly use the Eagle Claw circles for billfish and everything else with ballyhoo . I have been wanting to try the VMC , but haven't been able to find what I'm looking for in the stores .

NcStateFisher

Small game I use some gamakatsu but have broken some on cobia and grouper and tend to shy away on anything bigger than about a 5/0

Never had issue with larger mustad or honestly my go to bottom fishing are usually eagle claw lazer sharps, they do great and never had an issue

MT01

Thanks for the input!

Bgoodman4

Gama

Morris_Lures_Hawaii

I really love these for live baiting. This is my go to hook. I have had the hook break only 1x it was a YFT about 180lbs just pulled it over the rail and the hook snapped. It didn't penetrate all the way through the jaw so it had a ton of pressure on the shank of the hook. Caught tons of YFT and Marlin and it has never let me down. For Opelu which is a type of mackerel about 9-12" I use the Gamakatsu Octopus 7/0
https://amzn.to/2K2L97C

tarpononecharter

To me Mustad are "value" hooks. Their cheaper line are dull and I won't even consider them. The Ultra Point are sharp but I have had a few of them bend or break on big fish. When it really matters, I use Owner hooks. And it usually really matters.

popeyeiii

Vmc

HookMeUpII

You absolutely cannot answer this question without knowing what species and how you plan to target.

For example:

There's not a hook in Gama's lineup I would use to target tuna on the troll. Mustad, one or two. Owner even more. Quick Rig/Roddy Hays are my go to.

Chunking tuna, different story.

petrel

I agree. Certain brands have hooks that stand out for certain applications.

sharktripper

tarpononecharter

And I have had a number of Gama's break also. Mustad straightened. Never a problem with Owner.

ubettcha13

I use the 3x demons for chunking and the Trokar's for giant fishing. Light circle hooks for stripers and tailing white marlin on spinners I use light wire Owners. Once it wears a skirt I try to use a stainless hook either J or Circle

Busstufjg

MT01

So I'm getting that for the most part everyone thinks the Owner is the top of the line?

HookMeUpII

At this point I'm pretty much only using 3 different hooks:

Roddy Hays/Quick Rig for ballyhoo rigging.
Owner for my Bomber trolling plugs AND tuna chunking circles.
Mustad for my stingers on spreader bars (I just like the shape there of the southern style tuna).

There is one Mustad hook that I like for chunking. It's NOT a circle but it always somehow ends up right in the corner of the mouth. Between a buddy and I, it's killed:

1- 180# swordfish
1- 200# swordfish
1- 220# bigyee
Bunch of 40-60# yellowfin

I can't remember the model number. I have a box of them down by the boat.