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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31/03/2014 11:16