There are four sickle hooks and they are all the same size and come in the same colors. The 9024 and 9044 is the cheap ones and for the most part what you will find here in Texas. The 9014 is the middle of the road. The 9064 is the better one, but since they are all same size #4 .028 and #2 .030 and the same colors the only way to know is when you order them. The only place in Texas that I know of to get them is Barlow's.

Talked to my buddy that is in my book a pouring guru, where he buys them they have 4 numbers and each is for a different color. Also the last number may be the size. No different quality numbers.


Skip

Yea, found out Matzuo gave me some info that is not right. Was talking to the people that work the retail stuff. The ones in wholesale are suppose to call me back this afternoon. But did find out they are running behind and the hooks should get better some time after first of year. From what I was told they are having to send out some hook that was not made here in the states.

I'm pretty sure all Matzuo's are from China.

I do not believe any of them are made in the USA! All China and why they are cheap for a hook so sharp. All other good shel hook cost a lot more.

Skip

I know most people prefer the black chrome Matzuo sickle and I have used all the different colors
but I have less hook failures with the gold hooks. The guys that fish regularly at the Graham crappie
house all want the gold hooks. There are times of the year that they may want to use red hooks but
as soon as those few days are over its right back to gold hooks.

Johnny

Could someone please be more specific on the specifics on the numbers to colors of hooks.I'm confused.
i.e. What number is the black chrome or black nickle hooks?

These numbers above are not right, they are what the retail people use. None of them are what the hook company use.
black 44.55
bronze 29.95
gold 44.55
red 53.55
This is the price of one of the local company's per 1,000 hooks. Easy to see they must be something that is not the same. And there is just 4 colors of hooks.

I'd just like to know where can I get some GOOD 1/16 & 1/8 #4 sickle's that I don't waste my time tying on for the hook to constantly break or straighten out on hook sets???

silentkilla I only know of 2 sickle hook makers. They are Matzuo and Eagle Claw. Eagle Claw just
came out with a sickle hook called Lil Nastys. I just got my first batch of the Eagle Claw and I
am pretty sure I won't be buying anymore, they are no where near as sharp as the Matzuo's. As for
having problems with the hooks that seems to be something you put up with on sickle style hooks.
I now only use the gold Matzuo sickles because I have less problems with them than any of the colors.
I have witnessed 2 catfish between 18 and 20lbs caught while crappie fishing and neither of the hooks
suffered any bending or breaking. Both of the brands are made in China and I wouldn't be surprised
if they came from the same factory. If you buy from here http://www.captainhookswarehouse.com/ or
from here http://www.grandpabobscustomjigs.com/ you will usually find the best prices.

Johnny

Mustad has the 37188BR that is a wide gap hook. They don't call it a sickle but it has the bend behind the hook point and a lot better hook. No one I know in Texas uses it because it is about eight thousands bigger hook and will not fit the jig molds. Any one who wants to do their own its very easy to take the 32 dollar do-it jig mold and use a needle file to make it fit. Just be sure the mold will take the eye.

Thought Eagle Claw were made in the States...

They are.