Long Term Test: Preston Innovations PR36 Hooks - 23/04/2009
I have to admit that I wasn’t too keen on these hooks when they were first released, as they just seemed to be different for the sake of it! But after studying the way a hair-rigged hook bait sits when fished shallow I realised why they were being championed by anglers such as Andy Findlay and Des Shipp.
The out-turned eye sends the hooklength directly upwards away from the hook point. This allows the hook bait to hang much straighter, which can’t be achieved when you hair rig with a normal eyed hook as it ends up forming an exaggerated circle shape.
I’ve found them excellent in a size 18 for hair-rigged baits while fishing shallow for F1s or carp. I think you connect with more bites on these hooks because the hook point is angled the correct way, with the hook bait dangling below it. I also use PR36s on the feeder/Method feeder when I’m hair rigging baits for smaller carp up to about 4lb. Having spent a lot of time in the last three months fishing a small Method feeder for F1s and odd carp, I’ve exclusively used a size 18 PR36 and I’m completely sold on them. The points stay pin sharp, enough for the fish to bolt against the resistance and fully hook themselves while the eyes are a consistent size to allow lines up to 0.18mm to be used for the knotless knot.
If you’re looking for a small eyed hook for winter feeder fishing or summer shallow fishing then the PR36 should be right at the top of your ‘to-try-next’ list.
- Mark Williams
