In all fairness, the hook problem is Mustad's, not Gibbs. Atom and Superstrike use the same 3x strong Mustad open eyed hooks, and they fail with the same (almost uniform
) regularity right out of the package. Grab the eye with pliers and with only light pressure, they'll either break or bend open effortlessly.
VMC or Eagle Claw 4x, closed eye and used with HD rings, are the only way to go. VMC's are better IMO due to their shorter profile---even with the addition of a split ring, the overall hook profile is the same or even shorter than an open eyed Mustad in sizes up to 4/0.
I use those HD rings that The Surfcaster and SOL sell.
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