Lost opportunities and lesson learned

Saltwater Striper Fishing
21

Normark/Rapala owns VMC.

quote:
Originally posted by dano

Bowhunter,

I had a similar experience this summer with Eagle Claw 197. I bought both the 197 (black finish) and 198 (mine were not free :sunglasses:) primarily for the big eye. Always used -and was very happy with -Gamakatsu circle hooks. But with my close-up vision and the small eye on Gamakatsu, I was having trouble tying a good palomar knot. Too many years looking at spreadsheets has taken its toll!!

I tried several brands of “big eye” hooks last summer and settled on the 197 and 198 - no issues at all - caught plenty of nice fish on them last year without breaking a single hook - so I stocked up on several boxes this year and switched all my FL and PB’s over.

Several of the 197’s broke on me with good fish - but never the 198. I figured I got a bad batch of 197’s. Sorry to hear that you are having same issue with the 198.

Just recently picked up several boxes of VMC 7381 circle hooks. The eye looks like it will be easy for me to tie. Gonna rig some up this weekend and give them a try. VMC trebles are the hooks found on Rapala baits.

If the VMC hooks don’t work out - I may have to invest in a fly tying magnifying glass and switch back to Gamakatsu to tie my leaders.

<’)))))<
Tight Lines!
DANO
Hurricane 198 w/115 Yamahammer

22

Bowhunter,

I went on Eagle Claw website - clicked on “Warranty” tab (I think) which resulted in a sort of “Contact us” deal. Shot off an email about my experience with their broken hooks.

A rep wrote back the next day saying they are proud to make Eagle Claw hooks in the USA, proud of their quality - but sometimes things happen - I probably got ahold of a bad batch etc. The rep asked me to mail back the hook packs for testing, and he will replace them with new hooks.

I have decided to send the hooks back and see if they are as good as their word. Will let you know what happens.

<’)))))<
Tight Lines!
DANO
Hurricane 198 w/115 Yamahammer

23

Good for you Dano!!

24
quote:
Originally posted by dano

Bowhunter,

I went on Eagle Claw website - clicked on “Warranty” tab (I think) which resulted in a sort of “Contact us” deal. Shot off an email about my experience with their broken hooks.

A rep wrote back the next day saying they are proud to make Eagle Claw hooks in the USA, proud of their quality - but sometimes things happen - I probably got ahold of a bad batch etc. The rep asked me to mail back the hook packs for testing, and he will replace them with new hooks.

I have decided to send the hooks back and see if they are as good as their word. Will let you know what happens.

<’)))))<
Tight Lines!
DANO
Hurricane 198 w/115 Yamahammer

I did the same thing and got the same reply. Only issue that I have is that I threw all my hooks away. No big deal, though. Getting my money back won’t put those lost fish in the boat. Like I said, it was a lesson learned and won’t happen again. I just ordered a bunch of Gamakatsu hooks.

Molon Labe!

Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France (paraphrased)

RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. Still can’t get him out of my mind. What a special friend he was.