Joyce: I like and use Kamasan hooks which I get from England, somewhat hard to get in North America. I've never had the breakage problems that you talk about. Sure, if one drops one's backcast and hit a rock they will break, but so will any hook.
It is interesting that there are only three hook manufacturers in Japan. I suspect that Kamasan come from the same factory as Daiichi as does another British brand called Drennen. Tiemco and Targus are also from the same factory. They are just marketed differently. Does anyone know of a supplier for Gamakatsu fly hooks? I would like to obtain some S10U and R10 BN to try out. http://www.gamakatsu.com/catalog/fly_hook.htm I have favourite hooks for certain applications but I do prefer up eyed hooks for dries. Dai Riki are OK but I was put off when I discovered that they have moved production from Japan to Korea. It is a bit like comparing a Hyundai to a Lexus. They both have a sun roof, air conditioning auto transmision, CD player, etc., but which one would you prefer? Neville Gosling Greater Vancouver, BC Canada I was interested in your use of Kamasan hooks..my experience is that I have the highest rate of breakage on the stream with these..no longer use them commercially as too many on the stream failures. They were very brittle and the ones that survived the vise test were broken off on the stream..clean breaks at the bottom of the bend..and I didn't mash the barb on these. Wonder if I got a bad batch or two. See..that just goes to show, one man's wonder is another one's failure. Joyce
