Eagle Claw worm hooks allowing line to slip out hook eye

[wasabi_VA]

Today I was using these new Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp 'Jason Christie' worm hooks and twice my line slipped out from the hook eye on 2 fish. At first I assumed my line broke but each time my knot was still there when I reeled back the line. Is this a common thing, either with this brand or worm hooks in general? I'm doing a lot more worm fishing this year and it hasn't happened yet with my various other brands.

 

Just did a close-up and I guess I have my answer. Not good.

 

[greentrout]

i use eagle claw bass hooks for t rigs .. never experienced this problem ... i'd contact them ... they are located in Denver Co. and have been selling hooks for a long time ...

 

good fishing ...

[Bluebasser86]

I use those almost exclusively for worm fishing and haven't had the same problem. The close up picture looks fine, it's not going to be completely closed. 

[fin]

Eagle Claw's EWG hooks have been redesigned this year. Most noticeably, the neck has changed.

 

 

Old on the left, new on the right.

 

I don't know if they manufacture these themselves, or maybe they've farmed it out to somebody different.

 

I don't think there's any way to tell the difference without looking at the hook. I don't think the package or item number has changed. Personally, I prefer the old and had to dig to the back of the rack to find some of the old ones. I have a couple packs of the new I'm going to return.

[the reel ess]

Gamakatsu 4 Life

What type and diameter line are you using with it? It looks like it would be hard to force line through that opening unless the eye is flexing a lot.

[wasabi_VA]

10 lb braid.

[jbrew73]

19 minutes ago, wasabi_VA said:

10 lb braid.

That’s a really small diameter line and could be your problem.

[Scott F]

I had the same problem with 8lb braid. It was one of the reasons I switched to 10, but closing up the eyes on the hooks and buying "superline hooks", solved the problem.

[The Bassman]

I've had break offs on hook sets for that very reason. That small gap will cut light braid right now. One of the downsides of not using a leader. Some have suggested leaving a knot in the gap then tying the main line to the eye.

[fin]

VMC EWGs have a "hook eye that is sealed shut with smooth epoxy resin to prevent your line from slipping through or getting damaged."

[J._Bricker]

@wasabi_VA, if you’re using 10lb braid, that’s close to 4lb test mono and could be your problem. Old school solution would be to run a couple of loops of braid through the eye and with a good, solid knot and push it up against the gap. Then tie your knot on the opposite side of the secured loops. I experienced this with 20lb braid and some BPS hooks and this is how I solved my similar problem.

[Munkin]

3 hours ago, wasabi_VA said:

10 lb braid.

That is like 2lb mono equivalent which is why you are having problems. Maybe try a floro leader?

 

Allen

[Bluebasser86]

That's a heavy wire hook, which isn't a good hook choice for a braid that light regardless. They're made to be used with heavy line and stout rods. The Skeet Reese version is much thinner wire and would be a better option for light line. 

[wasabi_VA]

Yes, it is heavy wire so perhaps that is contributing to the issue. I did compare it to all my other worm and jig hooks and it was clearly the worst offender. I gave each a few taps with a ball peen hammer and it closed up the gap nicely. I also bought a pack of similar weight Gamagatsu hooks and those were very tight. 

[the reel ess]

I'd use a leader of a different line type. In fact, I do.

 

Just curious if that light line is necessary. 20# braid has a diameter similar to 8# mono. That's my go-to for bass spinning.

[keagbassr]

Ive had this happen with mustad grip in hooks even with 30 lb. Braid. I 'll either put a drop of superglue in the gap or just tie a 'dummy knot' and slide that against the gap. Both seem to work ok to solve the problem.

 

[paulmandude]

The knot you are using makes a difference also. You have to use Palomar knots with braid to avoid slip. At least that’s the easiest one I know lol

[J.Vincent]

Yes, Braid will slip with the wrong knot and the low diameter braid you chose can easily slide off the eye of a hook. Definitely consider a uni knot to a mono leader and then the leader to the hook eye. Should fix the problem , hopefully !

[Deleted account]

If you insist on using those hooks with that line, you could tie a palomar with some 10 lb mono, trim both ends flush, and snug it over the gap, but why? Also a rod that is going to drive that hook properly might be too much stick for 10 lb braid, again, why? Matching hook to line to rod is one of the most overlooked things, and often the source of many issues.