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Terminal Tackle Review


Gamakatsu's Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot Hook (continued)

 

Rigging: We fished the Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot hook on both casting and spinning gear all in drop shot configurations on line ranging from four to ten (4 - 10) pound test. The hooks sizes we used most were #1 and #2. Rigging is pretty straight forward with a drop shot and naturally, there were no issues tying this hook on.


Rigged with a Roboworms FX Sculpin bait in Morning Dawn.

Effectiveness: The real question is whether or not the hooks make a difference. We all know they're going to work, but are those claims of increased hook up percentages valid? In a word? Yes. I'm not so sure it's the TGW as much as it is that nano-coating, but one thing is for sure, the combination of both is scary effective in helping you hook fish.


Cal Jr. with a baitfinesse fish caught on the Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot Hook... Zander Jr. is in the background.

I never set when drop shotting, but simply lift my rod, ensuring there's a good bend through its length and apply pressure on the fish. This usually is enough to ensure a good hook up. Usually - of course you lose the occasional fish when they break the surface and shake their head or turn suddenly when they see the boat - but not with this hook. I must have fished this hook a full day on three or four trips before I lost a fish. It's pretty phenomenal - and I don't throw that word around lightly.


It took a handful of trips, but we're believers now.

Durability: Another thing that nano-coating seems to do is help preserve the hook point. If you don't lose or misplace your hooks, a single pack can last you quite some time. I've fished one hook continually tied and retied to the same rod and reel combo through four trips on one occasion without swapping the hook out. It wasn't until I finally lost a fish that I had the thought maybe I should swap out the hook.


The real difference can be seen towards the hook point where the hook shank is noticeably thinner.

Price & Applications: Gamakatsu's Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot Hook took a while to hit the market in good numbers, but it is now finally available in four sizes (2, 1, 1/0, 2/0) and sells for $3.99 per six pack. This equates to roughly $0.67 per hook.

Ratings:

Gamakatsu Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot Hook Ratings (?/10)

Construction/Quality Excellent quality from Gamakatsu 9
Performance Zero complaints 10
Price Considering how long these hooks last, a very good price 7.5
Features TGW + Nano Coating = high marks 8
Design (Ergonomics) Designed by Aaron Martens! 8
Application This is a deadly drop shot hook 8

Total Score

8.42
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

 

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus

Minus
+ Incredible hook up ratio - Where are the bulk packs?!
+ Nano Coating makes a difference  
+ Did we mention the hook up ratio?  

  

 


These hooks are my new favorite and it's thanks to that nano-coating.

 

Conclusion: It's not often the hype on a product matches the performance and granted, Gamakatsu hasn't really hyped the effectiveness of this hook - but they should. Maybe it has something to do with Aaron Marten's more understated nature, but I'm here to tell you these hooks, and really, anything Gamakatsu makes with that nano-coating, are my go to hooks. Buy yourself at least one pack. Give them a try over the course of one or two trips, and see if you don't come to the same conclusion.

 

Looking for Gamakatsu Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot Hooks? Try TackleWarehouse


 

   

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