Matzou sickle vs. gama octopus hooks

[sawtooth]

My supply of gama octopus hooks finally ran out and I will be buying a new supply soon. I have noticed a few manufactures are using the Matzou sickle hooks on their spinners, bugs and other koke lures and was wondering how people like them. Are there any noticable advantages to their design and do they hold a point as well as the Gama's? I have been real happy with what I have been using, but like most fishermen I am always looking for every advantage I can get.

 

[Mav186]

Hey Saw...I just purchased a few packs of #2's for myself too. I'm going to use them for the new Brad's cut plug baits for cutthroats, as well as this year’s wally worm harnesses and Koke spinners. I think they should provide excellent hook setting capabilities based on their design. I'll keep you posted, as I'll start putting them to the test within a couple of weeks!

 

[Mr. D]

I switched to the Matzou sickle hooks a few years ago, #4 & #6. Gami's are good, I used them for years but I'm 100% sold on the sickle hook.
Not to brag, OK a just little, here's how the sickle hook helped me just last season. I don't think I'll be switching anytime soon. LOVE THOSE HOOKS!!! The secret is out, DAMN IT!!!

2010 Lake Pardee CIFFI kokanee derby 1st Place $500.00
2010 New Melones Kokanee Power 2 day tournament 10th Place $250.00
2010 CIFFI New Melones tournament 3rd Place $1250.00
2010 Kokanee Power Stampede derby 7th Place $175.00
2010 Kokanee Power Lake Pardee kokanee derby 1st Place $600.00

Mark

 

[Pogue]

Matzu sickle hooksthumbsupthumbsupthumbsupthumbsup!! I don't use any other hooks.

 

[DLM]

I have always used either Gami or Mustad drop shot hooks, which increased my fish in boat ratio highly over the octopus hooks. The problem with these is that I cannot find anywhere that offers bulk orders.

But this year I have laid in a supply of the sickle hooks and will give them a try.

I rarely loose many fish once I get the line off the release. What I hope the sickle hook will do for me is decrease the drive by hits that don't fully get hooked.

 

[platypus]

-Matzuo.. mainly because here Canadian Tire carryies both Matzuo and Gam but usually have full selection of Matzuo... for some reason they think Gama is for salt water even in their interior stores so they don't always have smaller hook sizes.
--As available local at a reasonable price I don't have to buy bulk once per year.
--Kokanee don't seem to be able to throw the sickle style hook easily and we have many lakes that only allow single barbless.. I often tie the hook trailing rather than direct to a spoon or spinner.

 

[BonkinKokes]

I have used them both. I went back to only the Gami as I wasn't convinced that the sickle hook was any better. A fishing buddy likes to use drop shot hooks.2cents

 

[sawtooth]

For those who have switched over to the sickle hooks, are you using the sickle octopus or the aberdeen style? Also which size are you using? 2's? 4's?

 

[Bug_Spin_Dokta]

Sickle Hooks are the best hooks i've ever used for Steelhead, King's, Coho's, Kokes and Trout.

 

[Mr. D]

For those who have switched over to the sickle hooks, are you using the sickle octopus or the aberdeen style? Also which size are you using? 2's? 4's?

I've been using the octopus sickle (red) They're good sharp hooks for the $$$. For my spinners, RGT's & smaller hootchies I use (2) #6. For larger hoochies or bigger spinners such any with dakota blades I use (2) #4. Nothing bigger than #6 or #4 red octopus sickle for me.

Mark

 

[sawtooth]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful feedback. I just put an order in for 100 size 4 Matzou sickle hooks. Can't wait for the weather to turn warmer so I can give them a try.tooexcited signfishin

 

[SuperD]

I have used them both. I went back to only the Gami as I wasn't convinced that the sickle hook was any better. A fishing buddy likes to use drop shot hooks.2cents

I'm trying some drop shot hooks this year because the shanks are just a bit longer than the Gami hooks. I found them a lot easier to tie.

 

[bob r]

I haven't tried the sickle hooks yet but I've had better luck with the light wire red Tru-turn hooks, the longer shank and cam action seems to hook and hold better then the gamas, maybe the lighter wire makes for a smaller hole in those soft mouths? The gold is easier to find, Cabela's has them. I'll try the sickles and get back with results from American lake. Bob R

 

[DLM]

I'm trying some drop shot hooks this year because the shanks are just a bit longer than the Gami hooks. I found them a lot easier to tie.

The mustad dropshot is even easier to tie, if you are working with 12 or 15 lbs leader. The eye on the mustad is bigger and makes it much easier to tie the eggloop.

 

[Old School]

I've been using #4 Octo Gami's for two years for all my koke lures. Its nice never having to hand sharpen hooks anymore which is the real reason I commited to the Gami's in the first place. The only thing I dislike about the hooks is the price, but I guess that is fairly standard nowdays. I like the concept of the Sickle hooks and per your recommendations I just purchased a bag of 25 from Ebay for a little over $5 to give them a try. If they are as consistently sharp as the Gami's and improve the drive by hook ups then I may consider permanently rotating them into the mix.

Thanks,
Old School

 

[Mr. D]

Old School,

I think you will find that the Matzou sickle hook will not only hold it's sharpness just like any Gami but your catch/landing rate will improve. That's what I noticed for the last 2+ years I've been using the sickle hook. I use #6 & #4 for our Ca. kokes. Size 4 does excellent on Gorge size kokes.

Mark

 

[sawtooth]

It seems that half the people here like the length of the drop shot style and the others like the shape of the sickle design. Has anyone tried the longer Aberdeen version of the Matzou sickle hook? Could it be the best of both designs?

 

[byousey]

Where did you order them and what was the cost? I need to gt some also.

 

[sawtooth]

Where did you order them and what was the cost? I need to gt some also.

Picked my sickle hooks up from Cabelas. They are on their website. Wouldn't be surprised if some of the sponsoring companys have them also.

 

[SuperD]

Time for a follow up. All you that tried the sickle hooks, still with them or back to octopus?