Comparison of in-line circle hooks

Barefootin · 06-06-2009, 06:11 PM

I would like to compare a few of the more popular in-line circles used for rigging lures and would appreciate any feedback from those that are familiar with the models or can offer other options. A bit of pricing info; all of these are 8/0 multi packs:
Eagle Claw L2004 $.36 ea
VMC 7385BN $.28 ea
Gamakatsu 265418 $.47 ea
Owner 5379 $.65+ ea

The VMC hooks were a surprise price that I found on Shark River but have never used them. I have read comments that the Eagle Claws corrode quickly. I use the Owners for Snapper / Grouper & chunking; my go to hook for such applications. The Gamakatsus are very close to them, just slightly longer.
I would like to rig jigs with circles for "legal" reef fishing in the Gulf.
Thanks,

floridadeckie · 06-07-2009, 10:45 PM

Listed in order or preference:

#1: Eagle Claw
#2: Gamagatsu
#3: VMC

VMC has the best price, but I've had a few break during hookup. Break, not bend. Cost me some good fish. Eagle Claw is my go-to hook, I like the sharpness out of the box and havent had a problem with strength. I like the Gamagatsu for sharpness and stength, but they are pricey

fish4bills · 06-14-2009, 12:14 PM

I've lost a couple nice fish due to the VMC's breaking as well.

I now stick with the eagle claw's.

fishinkeywest · 06-16-2009, 10:39 AM

I have yet to find a circle hook that will not break if the point of the hook is stuck in the bone. I prefer VMC hooks because of the gap and the strength to thickness ratio. I like all fisherman test the hooks in different ways. No matter what hook you choose you have to believe in it or you wont catch. I'm not says blind faith but we have all had bad experiences with hooks. I have broken off more Eagle Claw hook points in tarpon than I care to remember.
There is no perfect hook. We all have our favorite thats why they are all still in business. VMC has been in the business for almost 100 years so they must be doing something right.
IT is absolutely arrogant to say this hook is the best and we all should use it. There is no perfect boat and no perfect hook.

gtrfred · 06-30-2009, 12:07 PM

no one uses the mustad ultra point fine wire demon circle hooks 39951BLN?

we switched over to using them this sailfish season. they are much thinner in wire size than anything else. so far we havent had any issues with them.

Mokarran · 07-31-2009, 10:44 PM

The VMC's are the only one's i've had any problems with breaking. I'm guessing here but, I thought they were more brittle b/c of the thinner diameter they got more heat treating. I've only broke one eagle claw and that was a 5/0 two weeks ago snagged on bottom with 50# mono.

06-16-2009, 10:39 AM	#4
fishinkeywest #1 Lurker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Key West Posts: 1 Credits: 106.0 Home Port: Key West Best Catch: My lovely wife Occupation: Charter Captain	Circle Hooks on going debate I have yet to find a circle hook that will not break if the point of the hook is stuck in the bone. I prefer VMC hooks because of the gap and the strength to thickness ratio. I like all fisherman test the hooks in different ways. No matter what hook you choose you have to believe in it or you wont catch. I'm not says blind faith but we have all had bad experiences with hooks. I have broken off more Eagle Claw hook points in tarpon than I care to remember. There is no perfect hook. We all have our favorite thats why they are all still in business. VMC has been in the business for almost 100 years so they must be doing something right. IT is absolutely arrogant to say this hook is the best and we all should use it. There is no perfect boat and no perfect hook.

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06-07-2009, 10:45 PM	#2
floridadeckie Crab mustard is good Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Big Bend, Fl/Islamorada, FL Posts: 645 Credits: 2,298.4 Boat: hula girl Home Port: islamorada Occupation: fulltime freelance deckie	Listed in order or preference: #1: Eagle Claw #2: Gamagatsu #3: VMC VMC has the best price, but I've had a few break during hookup. Break, not bend. Cost me some good fish. Eagle Claw is my go-to hook, I like the sharpness out of the box and havent had a problem with strength. I like the Gamagatsu for sharpness and stength, but they are pricey __________________ *SALTWATER COWBOY OUTFITTERS* Serving the Florida Big Bend to the Keys with all your guiding, deckhand, and detailing needs PM me for rates and details www.saltwatercowboyoutfitters.com Jimmy D.

06-14-2009, 12:14 PM	#3
fish4bills Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Wrightsville Beach, NC Posts: 271 Credits: 1,543.6	I've lost a couple nice fish due to the VMC's breaking as well. I now stick with the eagle claw's.

06-30-2009, 12:07 PM	#5
gtrfred Pit Monkey First Class Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Posts: 23 Credits: 1,469.7 Boat: 25 Sea Vee Occupation: CPA	no one uses the mustad ultra point fine wire demon circle hooks 39951BLN? we switched over to using them this sailfish season. they are much thinner in wire size than anything else. so far we havent had any issues with them.

07-31-2009, 10:44 PM	#6
Mokarran "If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving" Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Amelia Island FL. Posts: 129 Credits: 1,738.1 Boat: 2320 Parker Occupation: Blue-water daydreamer	The VMC's are the only one's i've had any problems with breaking. I'm guessing here but, I thought they were more brittle b/c of the thinner diameter they got more heat treating. I've only broke one eagle claw and that was a 5/0 two weeks ago snagged on bottom with 50# mono.