Guys, on my 5 day excel trip this year, I used almost exclusively Mustad 94150 hooks in 4/0 and a few in 2/0. I used these simply because that is what I had. A fellow on the trip gave everyone a small pack of Owner ringed hooks in 3/0 which seemed to be about the same size as my 4/0 hooks. When the bite was really picky, I used the ringed hooks and I am convinced they do help. I see that Chark has Owner hooks on sale.

My question is how do I compare the owner sizes to Mustads? Again, the Owner 3/0 seem about the same size as the Mustad 4/0.

Each maker of hooks size their hooks to their own spec's, meaning that Owner, Mustad and Gamakatsu or any other makers size's will differ. Some may very a little and some much more so. The best way to make hook selections IMO depends on the size of the bait your fishing with.

A ringed hook IMO allows the bait to swim more freely by not having the line tied directly to the hook.

Bring some 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0 Owners and you will be set for sardine and most mackeral baits.

I'm assuming you are referring to Owner Gorilla hooks due to the sizes and the reference to the Mustad 94150. You might also want to consider Gamakatsu "Live Bait" ringed hooks, they are made with a bit lighter wire than the Gorillas. I'll dig around in my hook boxes and see if I can come up with some of each (Mustad, Owner and Gamakatsu) in 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 and I'll post a picture of them for you.

Hook sizes, especially circle hooks, should be "standardized".

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Keta,

Keta, that would be great. On my trip, as I said in my original post, I used the Mustad 4/0 almost exclusively. The owner Gorillas seem a bit larger but not much. It would be nice if a 4/0 hook was the same from manufacturer to manufactuer.

It's a good I told you I'd get a picture, my supply of J hooks didn't get replaced after the Louisiana trip. DO'H!!! #1, #6/0 and #8/0 is all I have in the Gorillas but my circle hook supply will last a trip or three.

Did Beth or Mark put you up to this post? Oh well, I would have had to replace them sooner or later or not have them on the January 15 day.

I'll get together a photo after my next order.

Keta,

It sure would be nice if they could standardize the numerous hook sizes among all the various manufacturers. But, I just use what looks right unless the deckhands tell me otherwise, which doesn't happen too often, but they are the experts so it's usually wise to defer to their advice.

Guys, my problem is in TN, you can't buy all of the "designer" hooks, so I have to rely on folks at CharkBait. It makes it very hard to outfit a tackle box that way. I am happy with the 94150's but I do want some ringed hooks.

Have you considered ringing the Mustads. Ringing hooks isn't that hard.

Outhouse,

I work at Charkbait and like I said before 1/0,
2/0 and 3/0 Owners should be fine for your needs. We are talking 5 day trips here so going bigger on hook size will not be too much of a factor.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SoCalAngler,

SCA,
Would you recomend adding some 4/0 for a 15 day?

Yes on a 15 day trip I would be going bigger for sure. Also I would bring some larger hooks with swivels on them for chunk fishing like 9/0 super mutu.

I have plenty of circle hooks, both ringed and swiveled up to Mustad 16/0. Lots of Mutu's from 2/0 to 5/0 and enough large Super Mutu's for two trips, most swivled. Everyone on the Venice, La trip liked my swiveled Gorillas for chunk fishing and they went fast, the swiveled Mustad 94150 in 2/0 went next. I was the only one using circle hooks for YFT on that trip, mostly Mustad hooks but some Gama's and Owners, that I put swivels on. When we had blackfin tuna to cut up for chunk we could use larger hooks and still get bites.

I am a bit bumbed out right now as I just heard one of my older brothers just passed away. Need a diversion so I came here where I always find enjoyment in my new hobby.

Guys, I think I am going to go ahead and order some #3/0 and #1/0 and hope that works. Go call your brothers and sisters and tell them you love them!!!!

Sorry to hear the bad news.