Hooks for lures

[Capt. Hook]

This is something that for awhile now has confused me. Why is there such a huge variation in small lures? From the no name jobs at R30 to halcos at R100ish to rapalas at R150 to these at R200 to R300? What's the difference

There is a huge difference, the nnb ones usuall cannot swim right to start with, then you must look at how they are made, those pricey ones come from Japan, have laser cut plate through them to keep big fish hooked up, have the kinetc cast system inside for longer casts, each lure has a specific way in which it swims and there is more. You get what you pay for and thise are the best your money can buy. You pay peanuts......, you know the story. Thise lure catch fish and are designed for fishing in high pressure areas where the tiny details matter.

[Capt. Hook]

Tokoloshie, look at the Onda Ondas... They were popular because they produced fish due to their in built swimming ability, now many guys have tried to duplicate them and non of these duplicates work or prpoduce fish properly. Why... becasue the critical design elements have been left out, the weigh distribution way out and the lures also do not have the in built balance, never mind the fact that they do not swim properly. Yes they are half the price, but are actually worthless.

[PH]

This is something that for awhile now has confused me. Why is there such a huge variation in small lures? From the no name jobs at R30 to halcos at R100ish to rapalas at R150 to these at R200 to R300? What's the difference

Good question.
I think the following may have and influence on the price:

1. Name
2. Cost of research and development. I bought cheap lures that swim on their sides.
3. Durability
4. Quality of hooks.
5. Swimming action. Some manufacturers have glass tanks to observe and test swimming action of proto types.
6. Probably also hook-up rate as reported by (paid?) anglers.

A certain make of lure, at about R40 each, were preferred by a well known kayak angler on the South Coast at one stage due to much higher success rate over much more expensive brands. Even if the lip on the lure was metal.

[Half-Pint]

I suppose its a bit of a luck case then. I recently bought a couple of R30 lures and all but one swam well. I guess that could change with one bump

[PH]

The colour of the lure is also important:
I fished in the Sedgefield lagoon once, trolling lures off the kayak. Nothing.
I then went to a tackle shop in Knysna and asked them advice. They sold me and orange belly lure with a blue back, (R120.00 !!) because "that is what works this season for cob". On the first try in the Sedgefield lagoon, I had my first cob.

[Lud]

The colour of the lure is also important:
I fished in the Sedgefield lagoon once, trolling lures off the kayak. Nothing.
I then went to a tackle shop in Knysna and asked them advice. They sold me and orange belly lure with a blue back, (R120.00 !!) because "that is what works this season for cob". On the first try in the Sedgefield lagoon, I had my first cob.

PH Please post a photo of that Orange belly lure with a blue back or e-mail to me. Please

[ianf]

I use Mustad Hoodlum hoos on my lures and gently open them with a side cutter, and then some gentle persuading with a flat screw driver if necesary. When the hook is mounted at the rear of the lure, this ensures the the hook is always facing up (as opposed to sideways if you use a single split ring), which tends to help if you are fishing in rocky areas. (your lure just skims over the rocks)
 
I have broken 1 or 2 hooks while trying to open them, but that was because I was rushing it.
 
I have not had a problem with the hooks rusting (yet)

[PH]

PH Please post a photo of that Orange belly lure with a blue back or e-mail to me. Please

Will post a pic tonight or (early tomorrow morning).
 
 
 

[PH]

Pic of lure