Picked up first mold a used do it banana jig mold with 570 or 575 hooks. 2/0, 3/0... I see online that’s a Eagle Claw hook. Is there a substitute Gamakatsu or quality brand? Any tips for a first timer? Any thoughts on this mold and jig? Hopefully this is a gateway mold to get me into casting. Currently a pistol and rifle bullet caster only. Thanks 

Don't be scared of Eagle Claw, it's all I use in my molds and what I use for at least 75% of my hooks. They're upped their quality big time the last several years. Look for models with the "BP" (black platinum) designation as those are their top of the line quality hooks, but still way cheaper than most others.

Bluebasser86 is correct, Eagle Claw hooks are very good now. However if you are stuck on brand then yes, there are plenty of alternatives that will fit. The Gamakatsu 114 should work as should the Mustad 32746. 

I have switched from Mustad to Eagle since Mustad’s quality took a nose dive.

18 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

I have switched from Mustad to Eagle since Mustad’s quality took a nose dive.

Really? That's sad to hear about Mustad. I didn't know Eagle Claw was getting better either, been avoiding their products for so many years now. Very interesting.

Lots of guys that pour a lot have switched from Mustad to Eagle Claw.  EC finally got on the ball, and I'm sure they can see it in their sales. Also Eagle Claw is made in the USA.

31 minutes ago, cadman said:

Lots of guys that pour a lot have switched from Mustad to Eagle Claw.  EC finally got on the ball, and I'm sure they can see it in their sales. Also Eagle Claw is made in the USA.

Not to mention the price difference.  The last 5000 hooks that I have bought are EC.

15 hours ago, Michigander said:

Really? That's sad to hear about Mustad. I didn't know Eagle Claw was getting better either, been avoiding their products for so many years now. Very interesting.

I use their worm hooks and their straight shank flipping hooks and have been for several years now. Not sure what you spend on a pack of worm hooks, but I'm spending less than $15 on a 100 pack of 4/0 Mag worm Eagle Claw hooks ?‍♂️  I'd bet a vast majority of guys still think of EC as the cheap gold and bronze hooks that are only good for panfish or catfish. Same company that makes Trokar. I just need them to work on their treble hooks a little more and then I'd be almost all EC. 

 

 

Just now, Bluebasser86 said:

use their worm hooks and their straight shank flipping hooks and have been for several years now.

I'm kind of in the same boat. Most of my round-bend and EWG hooks are EC, and my flipping hooks are Trokar. I do go to Owner or Gammy for specialty hooks, and the majority of my treble replacements were with VMC, but I agree that EC makes good hooks - for the most part. Until their trebles come up to par, it'll be VMC for the most part for me.

Just now, MN Fisher said:

I'm kind of in the same boat. Most of my round-bend and EWG hooks are EC, and my flipping hooks are Trokar. I do go to Owner or Gammy for specialty hooks, and the majority of my treble replacements were with VMC, but I agree that EC makes good hooks - for the most part. Until their trebles come up to par, it'll be VMC for the most part for me.

I'd take EC straight shank flipping hooks 10/10 times over a Trokar straight shank. They have some pretty nice specialty hooks also. I have some wacky rig and Neko EC hooks that I really like. I haven't found an EC replacement for the Owner Cover Shot hook yet though. I like the EC EWG trebles, but their regular round bends don't have a very wide gap, although they are pretty sticky and I've used them in a pinch with good enough results.

1 minute ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I like the EC EWG trebles, but their regular round bends don't have a very wide gap, although they are pretty sticky and I've used them in a pinch with good enough results.

I haven't upgraded any to EWG trebles, and the VMCs have come to me very sticky, so I'm happy.

 

Plus Normark is based here in MN, so buying VMC, I'm supporting a 'local business'.

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

I haven't upgraded any to EWG trebles, and the VMCs have come to me very sticky, so I'm happy.

 

Plus Normark is based here in MN, so buying VMC, I'm supporting a 'local business'.

I've used a lot of VMC trebles. They're not quite Owner/Gamakatsu sharp, but plenty sticky enough to get the job done and much more affordable.

I have a lot of old stock Mustad's that are excellent compared to the new ones.  but I was surprised about the treble hook comments.  I've been using a lot of the EL374BP treble hooks with no problems at all.  I use them on my spinners and for replacing hooks on crank baits I pick up at the flea market.