Gamakatsu
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks
A short shank, an up-eye and a point that stays sharp.
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A hook has no redundancy. Every other part of the setup can be merely adequate if the hook is sharp and strong, and nothing else can compensate if it is not. Gamakatsu built its reputation on points, which is exactly the right thing for a hook company to be known for.
Why the Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks stands out
Chemical sharpening, and why it lasts
A mechanically ground point is sharp in a straight line. A chemically sharpened point is sharpened from every direction, which produces a finer point that survives contact with a fish's jaw. It is the difference you feel when a hook is still sticky after three fish.
A short shank hides in the bait
The Octopus bend is compact, which lets a live bait swim naturally rather than dragging a length of wire. A bait that swims properly gets bitten; one that does not, does not.
The up-eye is for snelling
An up-turned eye is designed to be snelled, which makes the pull come in line with the shank. On circle versions that geometry is what the hooking mechanism depends on, and on bait hooks it improves the hook-up angle.
At a glance
| Point | Chemically sharpened |
|---|---|
| Shank | Short |
| Eye | Up-eye, for snelling |
| Best for | Live and cut bait |
The verdict
Buy these when the hook is being shown to a wary fish. Keep cheaper hooks for snaggy bottom where you lose three a session.
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