I know this issue was a hot topic several years ago. Just wondering how everyone feels now that it has settled down.

 

All the information out there indicates many think it makes a great difference and some say only a small difference. My question is if they all feel it makes a positive  and never a negative difference, why not use them all the time?

 

Whats your thoughts?

All I know is they do not last as long as a standard nickel plated hook.  I don't use them.

They give me more confidence in my bait if nothing else, which is a big part of catching fish.

Several years ago red was the only hook I would fish with. I don't care much for them now. Black Nickel is what I use. 

Several years ago red was the only hook I would fish with. I don't care much for them now. Black Nickel is what I use. 

What made you stop liking them?

What made you stop liking them?

 

A few things actually. They chip pretty easily after a few fish, which then turns the color of the hook from red, to gold. I also noticed that my catch rates were the same when I used red vs black nickel. Also, like someone mentioned earlier, I lost my confidence using that hook color. Please do not mistake what I am saying however. I caught numerous bass, over a 4+ year period, but I don't feel it was because of the hook. I would have caught the same fish with a regular black hook. But.... if you like them and you feel they are working for you, then have at it. I used Gami's. I just love their needle points. 

The only red hooks I've used were a cheaper brand that I bought at a convenient store.  They bent easily, the points rolled over and the paint chipped off.  Never did believe they helped get bit. 

 

Not to change the subject much, but the only hooks that I've used that were other than black was some gold colored ones.  They were about a size 10 or 12 and yellow perch would bite on just the hook.  That was about 60 years in Wisconsin.

I used red hooks primarily this year, due mostly to the fact that they were cheap at the start of the season.  

 

My catch rates were significantly higher with the non-red hooks.  Certainly not a scientific test, but *I* developed 'negative confidence' in them.

It's mostly a confidence thing. A better idea would be to buy a red Sharpie and colour the bait red like the Strike King bleeding colours. Not to say that there isn't a time and place for them, but I personally change them out if I get red hooks because I'll have to do it later when they lose their colour.

It's mostly a confidence thing. A better idea would be to buy a red Sharpie and colour the bait red like the Strike King bleeding colours. Not to say that there isn't a time and place for them, but I personally change them out if I get red hooks because I'll have to do it later when they lose their colour.

 

Are they defective when they're no longer red? The red VMC's I use work just fine even when they're mostly silver instead of red. I'll often use the lost of color as an indicator that it's time to change my hooks though. 

I only know what I saw at Lake of the Woods Canada two years ago.  The Rat-l-traps with red treble hooks caught probably 3 or 4 smallies to 1 over the non-red variety.  Is this always the case?  Probably not.  Last year it mattered not.  Catching ANY smallies last year was a challenge.  But I do keep some spare red treble hooks just in case.

Are they defective when they're no longer red? The red VMC's I use work just fine even when they're mostly silver instead of red. I'll often use the lost of color as an indicator that it's time to change my hooks though. 

 

I can't say that after the hooks chip and lose their colour, it won't catch fish. It's the same as buying crankbaits that have cheap paint. Strike King, specifically their chrome baits will lose their colour very easy and it bothers me even though I continue to catch fish on a bait that has less than half the chrome left. I'm just picky like that.

Red hooks do instill a bit of confidence - with some of us. I mean, let's face it, the color red has been employed just about every lure manufacturer since the 20's. The red head, white body lure color combo has probably sold more lures and produced more fish than any other.

 

As far as hooks go and the red "chipping" off; they do nick easily. But as long as the base underneath is GOLD (i.e.: Gamakatsu hooks), you can refurbish the finish quite easily with a quick dip in red Dykem metal dye. You machinist out there know what I'm talking about. However, if you buy the less expensive red hooks (i.e.: VMC or Eagle Claw) with an aluminum base, the dye will not last well at all.