Great allround maggot hook.

[andreagrispi]

Drennan super spade size 18 - this is a hook which has caught me bream to 14.12 tench to 9.10 chub over 7 with multiple ton plus catches up to 300lb. Sometimes I increase to a size 16 or drop to a size 20 - I can only think of a handful of occasions in the last 15 years when the hook has let me down.

 

[andreagrispi]

Only issue is when you get the hook stuck in your finger - ****** to get out!!

 

[chub_on_the_block]

Another vote for Drennan Super Spade. However, if i was sure i was only getting bits and no lumps then a fine wire barbless should be better - the maggot(s) will be more active and last longer on the hook.

 

[Graham Elliott 1]

Green packet drennan wide gape match microbarb.

Ideal for roach grayling.

 

[Tee-Cee]

Yes, I would agree with Chub on the Block in that the hook type is critical to what bait you're using as well as the size of fish expected....
I'm sure the Drennan Super Spade is a very good hook for bigger specimens, but when targeting roach specifically a fine wire hook is more suited to smaller baits such as hemp etc although for crust, flake and suchlike it would, no doubt, do the job.

No one hook could possibly cover every situation hence the necessity to chop and change the type, as and when, rather than 'make do' for all baits.
That said, I am guilty of 'making do' on the odd occasion, particularly if the fingers are a bit stiff with cold !!

 

[anglerpaulm]

B911, B511, B560

All great hooks!

 

[Richox12]

I use kamasan B611's, but I've been thinking about trying a different pattern,
As they seem to pop maggots too often, in the barbed version. Unfortunately there's little variety locally.

If you're bursting maggots the hook is too big (thick) or you're trying to hook the maggot too 'deeply' and not just nicking it.

---------- Post added at 21:56 ---------- Previous post was at 21:52 ----------

I also like the wide gap by Drennan and the same brand for the Silverfish Maggot in 18 and 20....

Whilst on the subject of small hooks, suggestions / recommendations for :

Tares ?

Hemp ?

Caster ?

( in self tie spades )



Apologies to the OP (again!)

thanks

Tares = B511 (or B611 if really catching)

Hemp = B511

Caster = Carbon match (long-ish shank) for roach etc

 

[itsfishingnotcatching]

If you're bursting maggots the hook is too big (thick) or you're trying to hook the maggot too 'deeply' and not just nicking it.

Or just holding it too tightly

 

[sam vimes]

Looks like a lot of people rather like the Super Spades, I do too. However, the hooks concerned are quite different. I have no hesitation in using Super Spades when the intended quarry is on the larger side, chub, barbel, carp, tench etc. The Wide Gape Match I use when targeting grayling and roach when there's a chance of a bonus chub, barbel, tench, carp etc showing up. If I'm out and out tiddler bashing, I'd switch to Carbon Match.

 

[bracket]

I have always used Drennan Match, in size 20, when float fishing for grayling and had no trouble hooking and holding them. The problem has been with trout, which invariably open up the hook, requiring it to be changed. On occasion I have got through a dozen hooks in a four hour session. I have tried the hooks you recommend and so far they have been a great improvement, so thanks for that Sam. Pete.

 

[paul1234]

b911s,and kamasan animals would be my 1st choice but then i use them for most of my float/feeder work