Long Term Test: Gamakatsu Specialist Wide Gape Hooks - 02/07/2009

I was first shown them by none other than Will Raison, who uses these exclusively for all of his hair rigging when using hooklengths of 0.16mm or greater. I’ve used them for over two years since that day and cannot find a fault with them.

The smallest size in this pattern is currently a size 12, although I reckon it equates to a 14 in other patterns as it’s a bit undersized. I know that Will is trying to persuade Gamakatsu to produce the hook in a smaller size, so watch this space! Importantly, the eye on the size 12 is large enough to pass 0.22mm line through twice in order to tie the knotless knot.

As you can see from the close-up picture, the Wide Gape has a Teflon coating that darkens the wire, making it less conspicuous. The wide-gape bend is ideal for hair rigging and the beaked point further increases the hook-up potential. I use this hook for pellet-waggler fishing, Method fishing and feeder fishing, in fact any hair-rigging tactic for big fish when I’m using hooklengths over 0.16mm.

The Wide Gapes also come in a barbed version, so I have a few of these tied up in case I ever draw a peg on a river that demands a robust hook for barbel or chub. But why do you need my recommendations when you have the current World Champion’s to start with?

• Mark Williams