I wanted to let folks know of something I have encountered while running boats this summer using the two name brand hooks above. These hooks are acid tip sharpened and seem to loose their sharpness after a 1/3 of the day or so. You will see the tips turn orange or on the red hooks turn silverish on the tips. I personnally use Eagle Claw 7/0 &8/0 tournement circle hooks for white marlin fishing and have never had a problem.

Also watch out for the VMC hooks. Several boats have had boxes with out a barb on them. Sucks putting baits out and them coming off and also fish as well.

Just an FYI!

Use a sharpie and color the tip black it slows down the electrolysis.It works we do it after every trip.

Good stuff!!!! IM going to leave it here .... and dupe it in the "tackle forum"!

Mega bite,

They only last half a day. The Eagle Claws stay sharp for a few trips. Not to mention why worry about whether the hook is going to be sharp all day when the Eagle claws stay sharp. We lost four whites because of the VMC & Gamakatsu's becoming dull and the lack of a barb on Thursday. I watch the hooks come out of their mouths on two of them from the tower. That is why the guys in South America swear by them and I have to.

The sharpy thing works great for mustad's and bet it will slow the process on the other hooks, but I am not going to take the chance. good info for others though.

I will never buy either one of these brands of circle hooks.