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ICAST 2011 Coverage


ICAST 2011 : Gamakatsu spins out a arsenal of new finesse hooks

 

Date: 7/18/11
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Admission: Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer: Gamakatsu
Reviewer: Cal








Introduction:
When we're looking for a quality hook product, Gamakatsu is one of two or three manufacturers we turn to first. The quality of product this company continues to turn out is staggering. Earlier this year, Shin Fukae showed us two products that were planned for debut at ICAST 2011 and they delivered as promised.

 


Shin Fukae's Saiko Series Swivel Shot hook as debuted earlier this year

 

Swivel Shot: Still taking time to iron out the manufacturing process to ensure they deliver a quality product, Gamakatsu just made it to the show with a handful of Swivel Shot hooks for demonstration. We saw these earlier in the year and the great thing about them is the flexibility the drop shot style keeper provides at the tail end of the swivel. There's no need for a second knot to tie to your weight so changes can be made quickly and effectively as you search for just the right distance between the weight and your worm in order to entice the fish to bite. Final packaging, pricing, and availability is still in the works.

 

The Swivel Shot is almost here!

 

Stand Up Alien Head: Gamakatsu's new stand-up jig head is made for hard bottom fishing and comes with their very own bait keeping system designed to hold the bait in place without tearing. It comes with a black finesse hook and in either green pumpkin or black jighead. Expect retail pricing to hit around $8.75 per package of 4 (1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16 ounce sizes with a 3/0 black finished hook).

 


Gamakatsu's new stand-up jig head is made for hard bottom fishing.

 


Expect retail pricing to hit around $8.75 per package of 4.

Jig Head Wacky: With help from Shin Fukae, Gamakatsu debuts the Jig Head Wacky at ICAST 2011 featuring a new head designed to resist snags and a concealed hook tie to better protect your line. The hook is a custom bend similar to that used for shiners and the result is a higher percentage of hook ups, not just bites. The new Jig Head Wacky will sell in packs of 3 for $9.00 (1/16, 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16 ounces with a 1/0 hook).


Shin Fukae shows us the Jig Head Wacky on Lake Lanier, GA


With help from Shin Fukae, Gamakatsu debuts the Jig Head Wacky at ICAST 2011.

Weedless Split/Drop Shot: A favorite of B.A.S.S. Elite Series Pro, Aaron Martens, Gamakatsu's Split/Drop Shot is a mainstay here at TackleTour. Gamakatsu has now improved this product by making it weedless! They've incorporated what they're calling a "hair-trigger" weedguard that is individually hand tied to each and every hook. The new, forged Weedless Split/Drop Shot hooks will come in sizes 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, and 30 and sell in packs of four or five for $7.40 a bag.


Aaron Martens discusses his finesse hook preferences when dropshotting


Gamakatsu has now improved
their Split/Drop Shot hook by making it weedless.


Believe it or not, the nylon hook keeper is hand tied to each individual hook.

Heavy Cover Hooks: Punching and flipping never seem to go out of style but until recently, hook options were somewhat limited. Gamakatsu officially enters this specialized segment of the market with their one two punch of heavy cover hook options, the Super Heavy Cover and Finesse Heavy Cover hooks. Both feature welded eyes and punch wires to hold your bait in place. The ony difference is while the Super Heavy Cover is made with thick wire, the Finesse is made with light wire. Both are cold forged.


The Super Heavy Cover Worm Hook will be available in 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 sizes for $8.00 per 4pack.


The Finesse Heavy Cover Hook will be available in 1, 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0 sizes for $6.80 per 4pack.


Also new are a series of barbless octopus hooks selling for $4.00 per pack of 6 to 10 hooks (depending on size).


Joe Quiocho gives us the rundown with Gamakatsu for 2012.

Conclusion: Since 1955, Gamakatsu has been producing quality hook products for the fishing industry. Once the smallest hook manufacturer in Japan, today, they are #1. They got there with unyielding quality control standards all on the way to ensure that when you lift your rod on a bite, that fish is getting in the boat.


 

   

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