Sticky Sharp Gamakatsu Hooks for El Salto and Picachos
Gamakatsu Hooks were the first premium hooks that I used, all the way back in the early 1990s, or perhaps even the late 1980s. Compared to the low-quality versions that were more or less standard back then, they blew my mind – one of the rare times where a gear switch or upgrade made an immediately meaningful improvement in catch rates.
Decades later, there are numerous other top-notch brand, but Gamakatsu remains a market leader because they have so many useful designs and the quality never wavers. I always have some in my boat or travel bag, but when we’re headed to Anglers Inn El Salto or Picachos, there are certain staples that are packed, regardless of what season we’re visiting. Here are six you should consider:
This is the go-to utility player that we use with big worms, lizards and Senkos, on both Texas Rigs and Carolina Rigs, most typically in the 5/0 size. If you bring nothing else, bring a bulk pack of these.
The guides tend not to do as much close-quarters flipping as we’d like, possibly because they assume many clients are not ready for it, but this is a great option for creature baits in thick bushes, or flipped to the deep hardwood trees along the river channel.
We don’t do a ton of dropshotting in Mexico, but this is a fantastic wacky worm hook. It may look small, but it’s available in sizes up to 3/0, and I’ve never had one bend out, even on bass up to almost 9 pounds.
When we’re on a good jerkbait or topwater bite, I’m certain to change out hooks daily, or sometimes even more often than that. These super-sharp trebles are remarkably strong, and they’re lightweight so they won’t impact the buoyancy of delicate baits.
For the same reasons as with the G-Finesse non-feathered trebles, there are going to be times when using pliers to dig ‘em out necessitates frequent changes. These are good hooks, tied well, and they pulsate nicely.
While I know that some of you prefer short shank or EWG trebles for certain purposes, if you’re only going to bring one style in a given size, these will give you the best bang for your buck on these super-strong fish.
And remember, even premium hooks get dull. If you can’t or won’t sharpen them manually, preserve the catch of a lifetime by swapping regularly. It’s a small price to pay for the memories.
