Kicking Off with Success:
Hey fellow, or aspiring, bait makers! Let's talk hooks—one of the most important (and often one of the most overlooked) choices to make when it comes to designing a lure. Imagine making a jig that not only eye-catching but also has a hook that boosts your chances of catching the big one. There are hundreds of different options available for makers to choose from, so which one do you choose? Do you go with a standard option, such as a round hook, that’s been a staple in the industry for decades, or do you explore other options? Personally, I've found a distinct advantage to using sickle hooks for a significant majority of our jigs and their applications. They're a little bit like a secret weapon that makes every cast count – and there’s even science behind it to back it up!
A Personal Touch to Every Strike:
When we're making baits, it's not just about lures—it's about expressing ourselves. Every twist, every color, and, yeah, every hook choice gives our lures a unique style. The sickle hook has become a staple – and a bit of a signature for CR Baits. Let's dive into why these hooks go beyond just doing the job—they bring some art and passion to every fishing jig we create.
Toughness That Lasts:
Think about it—fishing hooks need to handle some serious pressure. Sickle hooks stand out because they're strong and built to last. The unique shape in the hook makes it significantly harder for that new PB of a fish to bend out or break off. The bend changes the angle that the fish is able to apply force on the hook so it needs significantly more pressure to be able to bend out the hook when compared to the standard round hook you see in so many retail options.
Making Hooks Work Smarter:
Now, let's get into why sickle hooks are so cool— they're just way better at catching fish. The unique shape of these hooks means they're more likely to set into the fish when it bites. So, once you've got a fish interested, the sickle hook is more likely to grab on and not let go. The sickle hook has a slightly arched point after the bend, this arch provides downward driving strength that pushes the hook down as you set the hook, this is also the same arch that provides that additional strength to the hook itself.
In addition to the extra hook-setting power, you also get a major advantage fighting each fish once they’re hooked. The bend in the hook makes it significantly tougher for a fish to spit it. On a standard round hook, the force of the fish can slide freely along it, but with the v-shaped bend in the hook, the fish has to generate significantly more force to “slide” off the end of the hook as it has to make an abrupt change in direction.
My Stamp of Approval:
As someone who loves making awesome fishing jigs, I can tell you sickle hooks have been a welcome upgrade for me. They're tough, they work in so many different situations, and they make sure you don't miss out on a good catch. I'm not just saying this—our CR Baits community loves them too! If you want to step up your bait-making game, check out sickle hooks.
If you’re interested in our top picks for sickle hooks, we’ve put together our favorite 3 hooks we use in our products available from our friends over at Barlow’s tackle. Remember to use the code CRBAITS at the checkout to support our little shop! Your support directly supports us and helps us bring you all more bait-making content and analysis!
Top Economical Pick:
Top Premium Pick:
Gamakatsu 4124 Big River Hooks
Top Extra Strong Pick:
Victory 11413TN Jig Hook