Mustad 7982HS Double Hook

[Eric Roach]

I got a package of 4/0s to try as belly hooks on needles.

Assumptions:
1. Along with a siwash tail, the double might reduce damage to released fish.
2. On a screw eye, the double might reduce hook rash.

Concerns:
1. Though listed as "2X", the wire doesn't seem that thick (compared to a VMC).
2. Even though it takes quite a bit of effort to seat the double in a .092" screw eye, I'm concerned about twist-out.

Any thoughts or experiences welcome.

[blondterror]

I will be interested to see how they work out... I can see why using a screw eye with the eye parallel to the length that hook rash will be reduced significantly.... Do you need to partially debarb one hook to slip the hook over the screweye...

Definitely a good idea to try...

[Eric Roach]

Originally Posted by blondterror

...Do you need to partially debarb one hook to slip the hook over the screweye...

The barb on the 4/0 is small enough to clear the screw eye without crimping.

I got the 4/0 for needles approximately 1.10" in diameter. I might need a 5/0 for anything thicker. Maybe getting above 4/0 would require crimping.

I thought of trying this with the 2 hook points forward, so when the hook is folded against the rear of the plug, there wouldn't be a third point gouging into the finish. To try and keep this plane, I'd have to forgo a split ring to limit rotation...I keep thinking about limited rotation on the belly while fighting a fish.

[Eric Roach]

Another important mention is cost. I ordered these from an offshore fishing business -- without shipping, these are $1.59 each. I tie flies and have hundreds of hook styles in my basement...These are the most expensive hooks I've ever purchased.

[blondterror]

Originally Posted by Eric Roach

To try and keep this plane, I'd have to forgo a split ring to limit rotation...I keep thinking about limited rotation on the belly while fighting a fish.

I agree try without a split ring... just one more component to fail and it gives the fish more leverage the further the hook is from the plug body

Try the hook in both orientations to see what the data/results say... who says fishing does not have some science in it....