LONG TERM TEST: Gamakatsu Gama Green And Black Hooks - 26/03/2009

Apart from the obvious colour differences, Gama Greens are ultra-fine while the Blacks are a slightly thicker-gauge wire; this, according to Gamakatsu, makes them 25 per cent stronger. I started using both patterns for bloodworm fishing at Barston Lakes after suffering inexplicable fish losses with other makes. Since switching I haven’t been disappointed. The size 22 and 20 Greens are great with single bloodworm for roach while the size 20 and 18 Blacks are that little bit tougher for bagging up, bigger baits and bigger fish.

I’ve since tried them elsewhere with just as much success. I now use the size 18 and 16 Blacks for light winter carp and F1 fishing while the size 24 Green Gama is currently my number one canal hook for bloodworm and joker work. I always assumed this hook was too big for joker fishing on rock-hard canals but my results this winter have proved different! I’ve regularly caught 100-plus fish on the same hook without them ever blunting.

• Jon Arthur