Gilt Hooks or Gilt Hooks to Nylon

[Aitch]

Drennan also make red hooks for red maggot of bunches of bloodworm.. think these do down to a size 20 I have seen the gilt hooks but as you have already said only down to a 14

[Banksy]

A couple of questions.
Why were spade-end hooks traditionally whipped with yellow thread?
Was this because many hooks were gilt, and this was an attempt to match the colour of the hook?

And does anyone still use the hook whipping method described by W.E. Davies (Uncle Bill) in his "The Technique of Freshwater Fishing", i.e. that of plunging the nylon into hot water to soften it, tapping it with a hammer to flatten it, then whipping it to the hook using silk?
The idea being that the nylon will attempt to regain its shape, thereby securing it to the hook? The hook in the illustration in the book has no spade end.

[Olly]

I think that was written some years ago when nylon was not as we know it now!!

The book was first published in MCMLII - rewritten in MCMLXVII - which is 1967 if my translation is correct! Page 30 describes the method above. I have some old hooks tied to nylon - and gut - and would not trust either - now!

Luron was the first nylon I used - very stiff and coarse compared to modern lines! I have their brochure some where - made by ICI - I think.

The illustration shows a straight/tapered hook shank to which you whipped your line - no eye or spade.

I have some pike tackle - two trebles - with exactly the same finish only a twisted wire (gimp) trace.

If anyone is interested I have also found some barbed gold hooks, both spade (small 16/18 ish) & eyed (14/12) crystal. Plus some 10/12? round bend versions.

[Nigel Rainton]

I only use black barbless hooks. I remember the Goldstrike hooks or 'Everblunts' as they came to be known. I must have lost hundreds of carp as a result of using them. I tried to sell my remaining stock on ebay, nobody wanted them ! Not surprising given the massive advances in hook design and production.

[Tonytoned]

I only use black barbless hooks. I remember the Goldstrike hooks or 'Everblunts' as they came to be known. I must have lost hundreds of carp as a result of using them. I tried to sell my remaining stock on ebay, nobody wanted them ! Not surprising given the massive advances in hook design and production.

That's interesting Nigel

[Santiago]

I have four packet of VMC Crystal Match hooks in sizes 16-20. They came with other tackle when I bought an mkiv carp rod. I have no idea how old they are. Possibly '70s. Any ideas chaps.

[Phil Arnott]

I still use these hooks -

Do a search for Au Lion D'or on a certain website size 20 to 12 available.

[Tonytoned]

I still use these hooks -

Do a search for Au Lion D'or on a certain website size 20 to 12 available.

Crystal Bend hooks. I thought they stopped producing that style of hook.

[Olly]

Drennan sold crystal hooks up to 2's - bread hooks for chub - flake or crust - even carrot crust!

[NiceRoach]

Distinctly remember buying packets of hooks to nylon with gilt hooks from Woolworths