Victory Hook first impression

[Cray]

Finally got a order in yesterday. Used Matzuo from when they first came out until quality went south and Eagleclaw came out with littlenasty then when Mustad came out with theirs with much better quality and a better barb I shifted to them. Now this is on 1/0 hooks because I use very few smaller hooks. So comparing the to, seems the Victory has the old Matzuo sharpness compared to Mustad and eagle law with skin and fingernail test, they seem to have just a slight wider gap than the other two, only real disappointment is they still seem to have the almost non existent barb as the Matzuo had. Now that’s only the eye test from some tired old eyes but for spider rigging with minnows that was a drawback to the Matzuo because minnows would slide right off because of the lack of a barb. Now if you stuck a fish it was highly unlikely you would lose him because those hooks buried in roof of its mouth. Need to pour up a few and field test to see how they do in the catching department. Plus they were about 2.25 a hundred higher than the Mustad so they going to have to go a ways to justify the added cost to me.

[Micanopy]

Interesting thank you. I’m learning about hooks now, so looking forward to your observations.

[skiptomylu]

Thanks for the update and look forward to hearing about any more you learn!

Skip

[Cray]

Did a little looking on their web site. Instead of calling it a sickle they are calling it a V-Lock plus a good thing unlike the others they are offering it in different wire diameters and styles for bass and larger fish jigs. That should be a plus for some of the guys who pour different styles of jigs for different species. They even have a 60 degree flat eye hook for bass jigs.

[Cray]

Looks like right now only place to buy them is Do-it molds, lure parts online or Barlows which is where I got mine.

[SuperDave336]

Looks like right now only place to buy them is Do-it molds, lure parts online or Barlows which is where I got mine.

Patrick sells them at Woods and Water Outdoors as well.

[skeetbum]

Glad to hear of options. After buying a 7000 hook order of matzuo several years ago, I’m finally getting down to where I’m thinking of another order. Nothing near my last one. I also like the 3/0 for salt water as they just don’t miss on the hookset. Waiting a little to see your further reviews. Thanks for the skinny Charlie, hope you get out some soon.

[Fridays86]

In regards to the barb I know they sent an entire order back because there was not enough of a barb on them. That is why some supplies are limited. Waiting on those to be replaced. They are very aware and want to make the best hook available. I can give the designer feedback as well if you want to pass on information.

[GrumpyLoomis]

This is all good info and thanks to you folks.

[JCnMS]

I used matzuo as long as I could get them. Tried eagle claw but wasn’t happy with sharpness. I only make jig heads for tubes and plastics so bait swimming off isn’t a concern. So my questions are: How we’ll do they hold fish? And How we’ll do they stay sharp? Matzuo sickles were excellent on both.