Sickle hooks

[Ketchn]

Crazy Angler makes a soft bronze sickle hook that I use all the time and it bends out well , but a pre bent hook will bend again soon and its likely going to a big fish that does it ....just saying

[wicklundrh]

The issue with these hooks is that they are chemically sharpened. It is the chemical that causes the brittle issues with these hooks and I doubt heating them will help much (it might a little).

I sold 15 to 20k of these per year over the last few years. Last year, I switched from the red to black and also bronze. It was my belief that the chemical sharpening along with the chemical dying process caused brittle hooks. My customers were very happy with the change and had less breakage.

This was with the Matzuo hooks and dealing with 3/0 and 4/0. For smaller jigs, I used the Eagle Claw Lil Nasty hooks. Bronze did better than other colors.

Only downfall with the chemical sharpening is that you can't really touch up the hooks with a file.

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[FurFlyin]

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't get a chance to try any hooks out today. I was too busy trying to make money to have play time.

[skeetbum]

You might try a smaller hook. I use a 6 in brush and bigger in open water. The hookups are so much better with the sickles that I just deal with their shortcomings. I've landed lots of big fish on 6 and8 sizes because they bury in the roof of the mouth more. I also lose my share no matter whose book is on the end.0

[MNCrapps]

I started using 10 lb. braid with lite wire hooks and have not even broken off 1 time since then. The hooks just straighten out a little bit and come right out. Bend them back with your fingers and you're back in business.


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[FurFlyin]

A smaller hook would most likely help. Most all of mine are #2's. I'm sure braid would help too.

It's not so much that I mind losing a few jigs. It takes a while to get to $1 worth but it cuts down on the fishing time when you have to re-tie pretty often. They've obviously started making hook eyes smaller than they were 20 years ago. I seem to have a lot more trouble getting the fishing line in them now than I use to. In reality though, it's true that your eyesight starts going after 40. I hung on to 20/15 vision until the age of 45, then the wheels fell off, overnight.

[cwright]

I pull jigs, crankbaits, and tightline so needed a line to do all. Switched to 12 lb yellow braid. I use KastKing on ebay. Very good price and great line. Never had any issue. I also use a lot of litewire's hooks and they do great, but with 12 lb braid you can usually save anything. Only drawback is it tangles worse when tightlining.

[SKs Crappie Catching Adventures]

I myself have zero use for lite line, increase your line poundage & be happy your sickle hooks are not bending so easily.... when getting into the bigger feesh last thing I want is a flimsy hook to worry about.....especially with my BAAM hook-set.....LOL
FEESH ON.....

[Atimm693]

I use Arkie Sickle hook jigs.. If I get hung by the hook it will always just straighten out and come loose. Never had one break. I use a 6lb Trilene leader.

Unfortunately I seem to only get hung by the hook about 50% of the time, if hung by the head or eyelet I have no choice but to break it off.