Extra Light Wire Hooks

[Fishawk]

Do any of you use extra light wire hooks? Do you feel confident that they are strong enough to land a trophy crappie even if you have your drag set properly?? In my opinion they are but then I've never caught a 3 pound crappie. I don't understand why they aren't more popular because they are easier to pull free from a snag. After reshaping the hook a few times I'm sure it will make the hook bend even easier. What are your thoughts?

[DEX]

i have never had a hook break on the extra lite wire the line always break first.

[PBUG2009]

im with you fishawk, more metal bends the weaker it gets

[creekslick]

Jerry Blake and Darryl Morris are guides on the lakes around Hot Springs Arkansas and a #6 cricket hook is what they use for live bait rigs. They have put some 3 pounders in the boat while using them. I caught a 2.5 lb black wih one.

[Fishawk]

Jerry Blake and Darryl Morris are guides on the lakes around Hot Springs Arkansas and a #6 cricket hook is what they use for live bait rigs. They have put some 3 pounders in the boat while using them. I caught a 2.5 lb black wih one.

What is a "cricket hook"?

[blairarnold]

What is a "cricket hook"?

A #6 aberdeen hook with a longer shank. Darryl and Jerry also use the extra light version. It saves them a lot of reties when they are guiding.

I have to admit, though, that I'm okay with the extra light hooks, but I like a 2/0. I think I get a better hookset on big crappie, and you would not believe how small a crappie I can catch on that bigger hook. I mean crappie have some pretty big mouths.

[Mississippi Slab]

Eagle Claw EL214 is the only hook I use and its a very light wire hook

[creekslick]

What is a "cricket hook"?

Here you go hawk. The point is sharp as a needle. Could not find eagle claw.
Mustad Cricket Hook

[MePreach]

Dont know if it really works or not but my uncle swears that the smaller diameter wire hooks help keep his minnows alive longer due to less damage when putting them on hook! I guess that makes sense!

[brushnjigs]

MePreach is correct with his answer. I have also landed 5# largemouth and cats up to 20# with no problem. Take a look at Owners hooks, fine wire and scarry sharp and they stay sharp over several trips.. They are more pricy than mustads, but I want the best hook I can get.