For years, I’ve been using the Gamakatsu SC15 on smaller patterns like baitfish and clam worms. No issues until a couple weeks ago on Block. I was dead-drifting a team of three, when bang! It was an unusual hit for this type of fishing; the takes are usually a subtle pull or a building sensation of weight. When I retrieved the fly from mouth — the fish wasn’t that big, maybe 22″ — I was shocked to see the opening bend in the hook from that hit. I’m wondering if it’s one-off randomness or a recipe for disaster on a bigger fish. I’ll let you know…
I like the Gamakatsu SC15 size 2 for this smaller baitfish profile. The hooks are light, with a short shank, wide gap, tin plating, and they’re sticky, sticky sharp, critical for this type of light-take or quick-bump-and-set fishing. As you can see, the bottom hook experienced significant failure. I used the same hook in a 2/0 without incident.
currentseams.com 
The SC15 comes in two strengths, one a 2x hard. Wonder which you were using in size 2 on Block Island, as I also tie eel/silversides patterns on a size 1, same hook.
Hi Bruce,
I think I have the standard issue. What surprised me is that this had never happened to me before. I’ll look into that other hook for sure.
The 2x hard is twice the price, but……
According to the Gamakatsu website, the smallest size in the 2x strong is 3/0. 😦
Oh, yes. I apologize, as you’re correct.
Check out moonlit barbless hooks
Good health is true wealth
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Those look to be geared toward much smaller (trout) flies. But thanks for the suggestion.
Mustad makes a 1x short tarpon hook, #C68SNPDT that is 2x strong, sized 6 to 6/0.
Sorry I steered you wrong on the SC-15 2h hooks…..I had ordered the 3/0 recently and didn’t check to see if there were smaller sized.
The Daiichi 2546 isn’t short shank, but does come 2, 1, 1/0. It’s not labeled as 2H that I could see, but it is a chunky hook.
All best,
Check out VARIVAS 2600ST-V hooks . Excellent hook . If they’re good enough on tarpon they are good enough on trout.
Those look very heavy. Are they? I’m using this kind of hook for small, dainty baitfish.
They might be. The wire is thicker than the Gammy but a sticky sharp hook . I use them in the salt on the Cape for stripers.
Mustad makes a 1x short tarpon hook, #C68SNPDT that is 2x strong, sized 6 to 6/0.
Sorry I steered you wrong on the SC-15 2h hooks…..I had ordered the 3/0 recently and didn’t check to see if there were smaller sized.
The Daiichi 2546 isn’t short shank, but does come 2, 1, 1/0. It’s not labeled as 2H that I could see, but it is a chunky hook.
All best,
Thanks for the information. 😊
what about the Eagle Claw L253
Sadly not available in sizes smaller than 1/0. 😦
Curious – the only hooks I ever bend are Mustad and Eagle Claw . The Gami’s and TMC’s both tend to be brittle , and I’ve broken quite a few from different eras/batches .
I guess I’m Mr. Bend-But-Not-Breaking. 🙂