Matzuo Sickle Jig Hook 9014

[mythos]

I'm looking to purchase a darter jig mold and was wondering if anyone has tried the Matzuo Sickle Jig Hook model 9014 for it?  Will the 4/0 hook size fit the darter jig mold by do-it?  And how does the hook hold up...does it straighten, etc.?

 

Thanks.

[smalljaw]

Which darter mold? if you are looking at the 1/4oz and 3/8oz  then yes, the sickle hook in 4/0 will work. The 1/16oz and 1/8oz mold is a different story, more often than not, a Do-it mold will accept a size larger hook so the 1/8oz may be able to take a 4/0. As for the hook itself, yes, they are considered Aberdeen hooks which are made to straighten out with pressure but the 3/0 and 4/0 sizes are stout, however if you are going to use 30# braid and a heavy rod then you won't want that hook. I'll say that 10# like and a MH rod will be fine for a darter with that hook.

[mark poulson]

I have some weighted Matzuo light wire swimbait hooks and they are very strong.

I don't know about their jig hooks, or whether they will fit your mold.

[mythos]

Thanks guys.  I'm planning on using it for light setups.  8-10# mono/fc line and/or 30# braid.  Rod will be a dobyns 702sf or 703sf.

 

Just want to make sure they'll fit before I purchase the mold and hooks.  Also, if you guys have any other hooks you guys would recommend, please do share.

[smalljaw]

With those rods you'll be fine. Mark, no disrespect buddy but the light wire swim bait hooks aren't 90 degree Aberdeen hooks, these types of hooks are made to straighten out on snags but with a 3/0 and 4/0 it would take a lot of pressure to do it but it you use a heavy enough rod and line you could get the hook to flex but this isn't a problem when fished on medium light to medium power spinning rods which the hooks are specifically made for.  The sickle hooks aren't expensive and they are wicked sharp, I use them a lot for small hair jigs and I use the 3/0 for 1/4oz ball head jigs for swimming grubs, but I have another suggestion that will work for you, the Owner 5318 jig hook, it will fit you mold and it is super sharp, I will draw blood when tying hair with these hooks and being sharp with light wire makes them penetrate super easy. The downside is they are a lot more than the sickle hooks which, in my opinion, are really good too and the one big problem is Matzuo doesn't have good QC, you  will get 3 to 5 bad ones out of 100 but much improved over what it used to be. For the price there is nothing that comes close, and make sure you get the black chrome, their bronze hooks rust quickly.

[mark poulson]

Smalljaw,

I'm offended!!!....NOT!  Hahaha

 

I am constantly torn between light wire jig hooks that will bend out on a snag, and hooks that won't open on a nice fish, or rust from salty trailers.

I've settled on BLN light wire hooks from Eagle Claw and Mustad that are strong, stay sharp, and are salt resistant.  My buddy pours my football head jigs, and I powder coat them, so we're not tying anything, just threading on twin tail hula grubs and fishing.

We lose them so often that it would break my heart if I had put in the time and effort you guys do to tie some of the stuff I've seen in the gallery.

[mythos]

thanks again Smalljaw!