Rig World Mike Kavanagh
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
ASHIMA HOOKS
I can only comment on the hook patterns, rather than the actual materials used to construct them, because other than disclosing that a special heat treatment is used in the manufacture of Ashima hooks, that’s all they were prepared to reveal. However, one thing’s for certain, these hooks have always been renowned for their reliability – that’s why suppliers have previously included them in their range under their own brand name. The pattern I’ve used a lot is the C887 Heavy Carp Nick mentioned earlier. It really is a tough, reliable hook pattern which I’ve featured a number of times in the past, so rather than do it again I’ll start with the 410 and 415 Indispensable Carp Hook. Indispensable pattern
If I wanted to use a wide gape barbless hook pattern this is the type I would
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choose, because although it has a If a hook with an offset point, like the rounded shallow bend, the 415 features C415, is dragged with the offset side a hookpoint that is offset and turned in pointing down towards the bottom towards the slightly inturned eye. In my of the carp’s mouth it will penetrate ABOVE Part of the hook range from opinion, this achieves two things. The instantly, without travelling very far, if Ashima. The offset fi rst is where the gape narrows between at all. If the offset side is pointing up, it hookpoint C430 barbed and C415 point and shank, it provides a vice-like is likely to travel further, possibly into barbless pattern grip as it penetrates. The second is the the scissors before finding a penetration offered by Ashima has more to it than off set point can greatly increase antipoint and, like any other flat-sided hook at first appears. ejection with bottom bait presentation. pattern, either hook up, or be ejected BELOW Note the instant hooking To expand on that, I’m referring to a with the bait. Although not a conclusive potential as soon boilie bottom bait presented on a Hair, test by any means, try tying the rig I’ve as the hooklink is pulled, thanks to the semi-fixed via a short section of silicone described and then pull it across the offset hookpoint in the back of your hand offset point down, downward position. tube at the bottom of the bend. This arrangement allows the bait to drag and then again with the offset point up behind the hook, an equal number of “The barbless version weighting down the times and you will, hookpoint so that I’m sure, find point is going to score better it can find the first down the outright when it comes to fast piece of raised flesh winner in the and full penetration” it comes into contact hooking-up stakes. with inside the carp’s mouth. This is The barbless version is going to score more likely to occur when a confidentbetter when it comes to fast and full feeding fish takes the hookbait in a penetration, because a barb is obviously baited area and moves on to the next an obstacle. Having said that, the C410, free offering, causing the hooklink to which is the barbed version of the C415, tighten against the lead and drag the only has a splinter barb that is unlikely hook to its nearest penetration point. to offer much of an obstacle, but should be enough to help stop it twisting in the carp’s flesh. The hookpoint on both the C415 and the C410 is incredibly sharp, which can only add to its penetration qualities and efficiency. The hook is constructed from fairly light gauge wire but its strength will come via the full forged bend that begins halfway down the shank opposite the hookpoint. The Size 8 and 6 both have a decent size eye that will allow a number of modern hooklink materials to be utilised and will very likely be the most popular sizes, particularly as the difference in stature between the Size 6 and Size 4 is quite a big jump. But if you want extra hook and hold power, the Size 4 with its thicker wire is definitely going to provide it! Talking of power, the C415 and the C410 are also available in Size 2, which makes that and the Size 4
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Rig World Mike Kavanagh
ideal for Continental carping. Talking of which…
hooklink material, aptly named Poltergeist, designed to play tricks on, in this case, the carp’s mind!
Goliath pattern
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Now this pattern, particularly in Size 4 and 2, is what I would call belt and braces, strength-wise, in fact Stenick recommend it as a catfish hook as well as for carp fishing. The smaller sizes 6 and 8 are ideal for carp fishing and the pattern is perfectly suited to Jim Gibbinson’s superb line-aligner presentation. The reason I say that is because the best hook-turning action I’ve ever seen is a rig tied by Frank Warwick which featured a medium length shank hook pattern almost identical to the C430 Goliath. The only minor difference was that the tip of the hookpoint was slightly outturned as opposed to dead straight, which appeared to help it snag quickly. Other than that, the Goliath fits the line-aligner bill perfectly. I mentioned strength of build in sizes 4 and 2, but there is plenty of strength in the smaller sizes and, once again, the full forged bend adds to it. Once again, the hookpoint is incredibly sharp, which will fast track penetration and the deepangled bend will progressively increase its grip the deeper the point goes. All the Ashima carp hook patterns appear to have a decent-size eye, in this case a straight eye which will, as I pointed out in the C415 and C410, accept a large number of modern hooklink materials. Bare braid is generally the most used hooklink material for the line-aligner, and, given it is a confidence rig with a twist (if you’ll excuse the pun!), I’m inclined to agree it is probably the best choice. Ashima have a Ground-Hog braid hooklink material that will do the job perfectly, and more on that next month. They have also relaunched their previously popular fluorocarbon
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Poltergeist Fluorocarbon
All the best-quality fluorocarbons originate from Japan, the home of Ashima, hence no quality has been spared when producing Poltergeist. There’s very little I can say about the benefits of fluorocarbon that I, and others, haven’t already said before, except there is 100 per cent fluorocarbon and there are fluorocarbon hybrids, some of which are good by the way. But for hooklinks I think pure fluorocarbon is best, and I understand
“They have also relaunched their previously popular fluorocarbon hooklink material, aptly named Poltergeist, designed to play tricks on, in this case, the carp’s mind!” If it’s strength and a straight point hook pattern you’re after, look no further than the C430 Goliath!
ABOVE LEFT
On its way from Japan, the Poltergeist got lost in the ether for a while, but now it’s back with a bang!
ABOVE RIGHT
Poltergeist will make an effective short stiff D-Rig pop-up presentation like this, but don’t overlook its inherent sinking qualities for bottom baits.
BELOW
The linealigner using the Goliath pattern offers a very efficient hookturning rig that will also stand its ground.
BOTTOM
from Steve that Poltergeist is produced from the best fluorocarbon available. Stenick recommend it for short D-Rig stiff links generally used for pop-ups, but don’t forget, one of the best qualities fluorocarbon offers is its ability to sink like a stone and for periods of time be virtually invisible, so Poltergeist will also be ideal for bottom bait rigs. It comes in two breaking strains, 20lb 0.40mm and 25lb 0.45mm diameter on 25m parallel coiled spools to guarantee flawless quality, and, given the stout diameters, will no doubt provide excellent abrasion-resistance as well.
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