Drennan ESP Super Specialist Barbel Hooks
Size 14 to 4 - £3.50 per pack of 10
by Matt Brown
Spec - These teflon coated barbel hooks have a straight point, fairly short shank, microbarb and a very neat eye closure. They are availble in size 14 though to size 4 with a few odd size thrown in for good measure (size 5, 7, 9 & 11).
Pros - The straight point is more likely to prick a fish and the dull coating is less likely to spook fish than traditionally coloured hooks. However the thing I like most it that they are availble in the smaller sizes - unlike the vast majority of carp hooks. I use the size 14 for almost all of my daylight barbel fishing and all of my tench fishing. In the last year or so that I've been using them, I haven't had a single one straighten out.
Many people will baulk at the price but to me the hook can make much more difference than anything else in your tackle box.
Cons - As with other teflon coated hooks I've used they don't keep their point forever, but then what do you expect? I'd also like to see a smaller size 16 so I can balance small baits when tench fishing, or when trotting maggot for barbel.
Conclusion - Quite simply, they're the only hook this as strong as this and that's available in the smaller sizes, so give them a try if you use small baits for big fish as much as I do.
Drennan ESP Super Specialist Barbel Hooks
Size 14 to 4 - £3.50 per pack of 10
by Matt Brown
Spec - These teflon coated barbel hooks have a straight point, fairly short shank, microbarb and a very neat eye closure. They are availble in size 14 though to size 4 with a few odd size thrown in for good measure (size 5, 7, 9 & 11).Many people will baulk at the price but to me the hook can make much more difference than anything else in your tackle box.
Cons - As with other teflon coated hooks I've used they don't keep their point forever, but then what do you expect? I'd also like to see a smaller size 16 so I can balance small baits when tench fishing, or when trotting maggot for barbel.
Conclusion - Quite simply, they're the only hook this as strong as this and that's available in the smaller sizes, so give them a try if you use small baits for big fish as much as I do.