Eagleclaw Hooks
90-years-in-the-making, it’s finally time to say hello to Eagle Claw’s first range of carp hooks – a collection so cutting-edge they should really come with a box of plasters as standard. Seriously.
In the early 1920’s, American angler, Drew McGill was fly fishing on the upper Colorado River. That morning’s fishing hadn’t been a good one, and even though the rainbows were rising, they were difficult to hook. As he rested, Drew noticed the effortless flight of two large eagles flying above him and marvelled at their amazing ability to catch fish in their talons mid-flight over water. Intrigued by his newfound insight, McGill tweaks his hook’s pattern to mimic their talons and bang – his success-rate went through the roof.
Fast-forward almost a hundred years and Eagle Claw – named after that fateful day – is one of the most innovative hook companies in the world and this month they’ve arrived at our shores with a range of carp hooks which feature a VERY unique point.
Surgically Sharpened Technology, or SST, is the term used to describe the one-of-a-kind machinery and manufacturing techniques used to grind and hone the three-sided symmetrical point that is scalpel sharp. To give you an idea of how sharp these hooks are, in tests against other leading brands, TroKar hooks consistently pierced with half the pressure required for other hooks – TroKar hooks: 60g, competitors’ hooks, 120g!
As anyone who sharpens their own hooks will know, whilst a super fine point does equate to quicker and more efficient penetration, it also means it’s brittle and more likely to “turn over”. TroKar hooks are different. They are sharpened to mimic the strongest natural shape in nature – a three-sided triangle (think: skyscrapers, span-bridges – a triangle point helps to disperse pressure amongst its three symmetrical sides.
The new TroKar Carp Collection aren’t just sharp, they’re strong too. They’re made from high-carbon steel called Q741 which then undergoes a unique tempering process, manipulating the molecular structure, bringing out the maximum strength and imparting just the right amount of flex to resist breaking. The hooks are finished off in Eagle’s signature nickel PTFE coating, which ensures a sultry and sexy finish that is not only pretty but functional too, providing corrosion protection for that ridiculously sharp point of theirs.
And the awesomeness doesn’t end there. Along with the three-sided triangle point, super strong steel make-up and PTFE coating, each eye is sealed with an epoxy resin, meaning there’s zero chance of any hook link slippages/breakages. Neat, eh?
There are currently five patterns in the range: Long Shank, Wide Gape, Chod, Curved Shank and Wide Gape HD, all available in barbed and barbless and in sizes 4, 6, 8 and 10. For updates, 'like' the Reuben Heaton Facebook page. “GIMME”: £5.99; reubenheaton.co.uk
The hooks are currently available to buy online from Keswalls Angling Centre, Total Fishing Tackle, Veals Fishing Tackle, Harris Sports Mail, The Tackle Box, Hinders Fishing Superstore, Cheshil Bait & Tackle, Avenue Angling, My Hills Pet & Garden, Specimen Angling, North Herts Angling Centre, Taverham Mill, Tackle Fanatics, Fat Fish Tackle, County Angling and Angling Essentials. For a full list of retailers, click here.