I've used just about every brand of jig hook out there, Mustad, EC, VMC, Owner, Trokar, gammies etc. I still have a bunch of the old stock Mustads and EC's. Totally agree about the red coming off the hooks - every brand red hook it comes off.

In some threads over at TackleUnderground the guys are talking about the new Black Pearl finish Mustads and how well they're working out and not rusting. Gonna try some when I get some cash saved up.

YES - the quality control on Matzuo's sucks!!!!!!!! A few days before I pour I'll dry fit sickle hooks in my molds to make sure they fit right - takes time but doesn't slow me down when I start pouring. If Do-It would listen to it's customers and elongate the eyelet hole it wouldn't be all that much a problem - but I know alot of folks are real nervous about screwing up their molds to make the alteration. Just nick the back edge and you'll have a lead covered eyelet!!!!!!!!

I havent' seen the big increase in catch ratio between the regular aberdeens and sickles - it's 50/50 for me right now so I pour with the hooks I have. But IF I get more sickes they'll be bronze or black nickle.