Best Braid Hook

[CFFF 1.5]

I have been having problems recently with breakage issues when setting the hook while using braid. Maybe the knot is slipping through the bend, maybe my knots are bad (not getting curly cue line after breaking), or maybe my hooksets are too strong. I believe the braid I am using is 40lb Tuff Line XP. BPS Nitro Reel with 7'6" Telescoping Field and Stream Tec Spec. I admit my hooksets are hard and fast and the until I got this rod about a year ago I never truly had a flipping rod before. I want to try some superline hooks but I'm not sure what is the best to get. I am looking for a 5/0 hook EWG wide gap hook. If anyone thinks this may be a knot issue recommend a better knot. I currently use a an improved cinch knot for most of my knots.

[Lrbergin]

I haven’t tried very many different brands, but I’ve not had the problem you described since using the Gama EWG Superline hook. I’ve been happy with them. I’m thought my problem could have been the knot as well, but haven’t had anything come off since the switch so I’d say my problem was the hook itself.

[msolorio]

i use 50lb braid for heavy cover and stained water flippin/pitchin and never have issues with breakage. i never ever use an ewg for flippin and i never ever use any knot other than a snell when using braid. i prefer straight shank hooks as well as offset round bends over ewg's. ill use ewg hooks depending on what bait im fishing but like i said, i prefer a straight shank or offset. now the reason for using the snell knot is because it actually kicks the hook up and out against the sinker and hooks the fish in the roof of the mouth most the time, not to mention its mad easy to tie and super strong. the reason for my hook preference is simple, the hook point isnt straight in line with the eye of the hook. that in itself can sometimes cause a missed hook sets. if you prefer an ewg, use a pair of needle nose pliers to bend the shank up a bit so that the hook point isnt directly inline with the eye.

[msolorio]

oh yea, forgot the mention that if you dont want to use a snell knot, use a palomar. easy, fast, and mad strong.

[ShawnMull103]

For the 20lb braid that I use I really like the double palomar knot. It's very easy to tie quickly and is very strong. There's a video on youtube that is great for learning it (It has some advertising on it so I don't know if it's cool to post here)... Quick search and you should find it in a second.

[SirSnookalot]

If one is having problems it's most likely user error. Simple clinch knots hold 100# fish on 30# test with no problem. Eagle claw and Mustad hooks don't break under the pressure of some very hard fighting good sized fish. None of my lines, braid or mono break, regardless of brand. True I do not make hard hooksets, but have discovered I really don't have to. If one chooses to use better quality, hooks, lines, rods and reels, then there should be even less of a problem. There is no magic bullet that replaces knowing how to catch and land fish, improve your technique, you'll be further ahead. If I lose a fish I take the blame, I don't look for excuses............No lands them all.

[loodkop]

I always understood that the reason for using Superline hooks was to prevent the hook flexing on the hook set. Imo line breaking on the hook set has more to do with the knot and line strength than the hook type.

[LgMouthGambler]

65# Spiderwire, Palomar knot, and BPS EWG Magna Hooks. No problems.