gang hooks

[Stottles]

advice for making my own gang hooks, type, size, methods etc etc

Cheers

[Vindicator]

G'day Scottles, I use 3 4/0 or 5/0 tru turn hooks, depending on the size of the bait with a small swivel in between each hook. That way the hooks are free to turn whichever way they want on hook up.

Kezza

[Vindicator]

Sorry stottles not scottles just realized I made a typo::)

[rockfisho]

Hi mate

I use mustad 4200 D hooks. These are the salt water hooks which most people use for gangs. There is another hook available which has an open eye; the 4202 D, but this is a bit more expensive, and if you only use these, you will have the top hook with a turned down eye.

the method is pretty simple. I get a pair of wire cutters and place it between the end of the eye (bit of metal touching the shank) and the shank. I squeeze here, this will open the eye only about 2 mm (i use the tapered surface of the cutters only, not the cutting part itself), which is all you need to put the point of the next hook through. But before I put the next hook in i'll turn the eye down with some pliers. I'll then put the point through first, and close up the eye.
Make sure it is closed just enough so that the hook wont come out, but the gang is free to move and jingle about. Otherwise this will impede hookup.

For tailor i'll link 3/0 and 4/0's together in gangs of 3 or 4.
ive also made up a set of 3 x 6/0's for jew and bull sharks

cheers

Owen

[jtpython]

Seems to be simliair methods i use the saltwater mustard or similiar brand use a pair of hook openers that have a replaceable hook opener when one wares down. From rigging 3 5/O's then i use a 4 foot long single strand wire trace twist thru the eyelet of the hook and the swivel and bob's ya uncle.
And depending on size of the bait i may use 6/O 's for pike or mullet.
JT

[disorderly]

use a pair of hook openers that have a replaceable hook opener when one wares down.
JT

Jt, what's a hook opener?and where do you get them?

[charleville]

I used to use Mustads but had a few too many failures with them so I now buy Gamatsu "Gangsters".

They are much more expensive hook but you will see the difference between them and the Mustads just by looking at them. They are a thinner hook with a more polished surface which makes them easier to penetrate the baitfish. I have no evidence but I suspect that they are of a better quality stronger metal also.

[jtpython]

Jt, what's a hook opener?and where do you get them?
Mate they are like a pair of large oversized long nosed pliers, and where the handle section is there are some cone shaped pins that go into a hole and you adjustment is by a screw that allows the cone shaped pin to go further into the hole to allow the eyelet to open.
$27 from local tackle shop here or i have seen them at BCF they have adjustable cones to replace if they ware down.
They are great Scott and i only use them for that reason otherwise they may get bit surface rust from the saltwater so they stay home.
Cheers buddy
JT

[johnlikes2fish]

Gamakatsu Gangsters in gangs of 3 or 4 depnding on hook and bait size I use a swivel on the first hook to reduce line twist, have a look and feel at these hooks and you wont buy another brand these are the sharpest hooks going full stop.

[charleville]

have a look and feel at these hooks and you wont buy another brand these are the sharpest hooks going full stop.



Yup - that is my sentiment. Worth the extra cost.

[Cheech]

I am not a fan of using a swivel between the hooks. You soon learn how to hook up a pillie without it and they sit very flat. I have seen a number of separations with the swivels between hooks.

Just one swivel on the top hook and make sure the top hook is straight not turned in as the turn in can lead to the swivel not sitting right.

[oldboot]

I've had some problems opening up the eyes on some hooks.

some hooks are made of high carbon steel and seem to be heat treated after the hook is formed.
If you open up the eyes on these hooks the close em back up ... failures occur in the eye.

some hooks have problems others don't.

Dont use you good side cutters either..... if the hooks are hard... they will make a mess of your cutters.

proper hook openers may work better too.

cheers

[manchild]

Second that Charlie.Once you used the gangsters,you never use anything else.Hook up is just about a sure thing with them and they are still sharp after a couple trips.Only downfall is i cant seems to get them under 3/0.
George

[Seahorse]

where do u buy the gansgters. not at bcf.

[charleville]

I am not a fan of using a swivel between the hooks. You soon learn how to hook up a pillie without it and they sit very flat. I have seen a number of separations with the swivels between hooks..


One benefit of the Gamatsu Gangsters is that because they are a thinner smooth surface hook, they are a lot easier to thread through the baitfish. There is less friction between the shank of one hook and the eye of the next so you would not need swivels between hooks with them anyway.



where do u buy the gansgters. not at bcf.

I get mine from BCF.

They are boxed - not cheap but very good.




.

[jtpython]

The joys of rough weather
Set out all your rigs and do as many as you can
I have all my reef rigs all done up and put in single sandwich snap clip bags ready to go
And all my mackeral rigs done up with trace circled up and done the same in snap clip sandwich bags
And the reason i use the snap clip bags apart from keeping moisture out is i put back any bait while we have been fishing all day and bring home so i can throw into the food processor for berley when i have enuff, Plus the snap clip bags keep everything nice and tidy in ya tackle box

[jtpython]

The joys of rough weather
Set out all your rigs and do as many as you can
I have all my reef rigs all done up and put in single sandwich snap clip bags ready to go
And all my mackeral rigs done up with trace circled up and done the same in snap clip sandwich bags
And the reason i use the snap clip bags apart from keeping moisture out is i put back any bait while we have been fishing all day and bring home so i can throw into the food processor for berley when i have enuff, Plus the snap clip bags keep everything nice and tidy in ya tackle box
JT

[Seahorse]

i will have another look at bcf.

thanks
greg