Thread: Weak "RED" Hooks

I have bought many kinds of red colored hooks and found that they are weak and briddle. I have found the jigheads usually break near the line eye. Has anyone used these red hooks and if so what did you think?

I've used them also and it seems like I get alot more strikes on them than regular hooks, but like you said, they are alot more brittle. You can't hang up and expect to pull it loose by straightening the hook. If they bend any at all and you try to bend them back into shape, they are going to break. I've been experimenting with different nail polishes and am looking into some kind of epoxies to paint my own with. I haven't found any of the red hooks that won't break and I've tried several different kinds.

Generally speaking if the hook is breaking high on the shank or near the eye, as in your case, it usually means that the lead was too hot when the jighead was poured. This weakens the hook dramatically. Sickle hooks definitely have a tendency to break more often than others if you have to start bending hooks back in shape. I personally havent noticed red hooks breaking more than others.

i thru all mine in the lake.

I use the Bass Pro Shops Premium Jig Heads with red hooks and I don't have the problems you are describing. I believe they use a Gamagatshu hook but I could be wrong and its too cold to go out to the boat tonight and check. LOL.

I'm with Pastor. I've got the same jig heads with the red hooks from BPS and I cant recall any just breaking. I have seen the red paint wear away somewhat but no big deal.

I pour my own jigs and have been using the MATZOU 9046 Red Sickle hooks for a couple of years with little breakage if any. I do agree that the lead temp might have a lot to do with it but I pour mine at the lowest temp I can to still fill the mold without a cold pour.

I think you may on to something there satdoc1.