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Hook issue
I just recently started tying hair jigs. Yesterday while fishing these jigs I set the hook on a crappie. There was nothing, the jig was gone. I never felt the fish. Upon inspecting my line I found my loop knot was still intact and not broken. A short time later it happened again.
When I got home I inspected the remainder of hooks I had in inventory as well as other hand types.
I found 1 in three had a gap in the loop which allows this to happen.
These are Eagle Claws 570 size 2.
How common is this?
I would think it's a manufacturing error.
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It can happen pretty regularly I find, especially if using smaller fishing lines. Some brands more than others. Try crimping close with pliers. Could also help seal up when the jig heads are painted or glue/clearcoat. I also tie a palamar instead of loop knot to hold jig better and not allow line to slip through the jig eye. Hopefully some of those ideas help.
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I always check for gaps in the hook eye. The smallest gap you can lose a jig especially with braid and a loop knot. I feel like won the lottery when I get a box that the eyes are fully closed. You can either close shut with pliers or I run the paint up over the gap of the eye. This seals off the gap.
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I might also say, I’m not fond of eagle claw hooks. I know they’re popular but they are cheap in my opinion. It was Eagle Claw Lil Nasties that had issues back during Covid where the hook would break. Put a bad taste in the mouth of fisherman and now many think all sickle hooks do this when they don’t. I prefer Mustad over Eagle Claw. I just received some Victory hooks and like them too.
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Not a fan of Eagle Claw either. Had a batch years ago that broke at the bend whenever I hooked a fish. Lost four good fish due to broken hooks so the rest went in the trash.
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I tie a palomar in braid & run the tag end back through & tie a half hitch on jigs with a gap & it seems to work ok. I wish all hooks had solid eyes.
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I don't think I've ever bought any brand that didn't have eyelets not fully closed.