NAFA 2005Mustad doesn't just make fish hooks. Its multi-hook jig rigs, pliers, split rings and swivels are arguably the best on the market.
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BOTTOM BOUNCING WITH BIG RED
In late 2004, I spent a few days down Borroloola way, fishing in and around the McArthur River and offshore at the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands. There was plenty of barra action in the river, but one of the real eye-openers occurred in the offshore sessions, when I discovered the fishing potency of Mustad's Big Red Flasher Rig.
I had a local expert onboard in Val Rogers, who is the local charter boat operator based at King Ash Bay. Val takes clients mainly bottom bouncing and trolling for pelagics. Our day was spent working along the coast of North Island. When we tackled the reef fish, the devastating power of the Mustad Big Red Flasher Rig became apparent.
This rig is fitted with three ultra-sharp Mustad Big Red hooks, each adorned with red and flashy material and a red bead. I'm sure that on some fish they would work without bait, much the same as a shiny lure, but a bit of succulent squid threaded onto the hooks proved irresistible to all manner of reef fish. It seems that when jigged a couple of times, the flashy rig draws the fish in and the smell and taste of the squid does the rest.
Using a 50 kg handline, Val was only able to watch as I pulled up an assortment of reefies on my rod and reel outfit rigged with the Big Red Flasher. However, once we tied a 6/0 Big Red Flasher onto her handline, she immediately began to catch fish at the same rate.
"I've got to have some of them!" She exclaimed, and who could blame her? I think many anglers will be saying that once they realise the potential of these rigs.
The Big Red Flasher is basically a larger, heavier version of the common multi-hook bait jig we use for catching baitfish. The difference is, it is built to handle serious target fish. The Big Red Flasher comes in a range of hook and line sizes from 1/0 and 15 kg up to 6/0 and 30 kg. Mustad is now making them in a new pack which includes a special foam winder to store them on after use.
This type of rig is used worldwide and Mustad makes mountains of it for other markets. You'll find them all over New Zealand, along with other Mustad rigs like the Demon Terakihi Flasher (equipped with circle hooks) and the Long Red Flasher, which comes with a special long shank beak hook. I think it's only a matter of time before Australians take to them. They turn routine bottom-bouncing into something special.
MUSTAD HOODLUM FISHING TOOLS
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| Every angler needs a set of stainless steel pliers for unhooking fish or working on their gear, and Mustad's Hoodlum fishing tools are available in 3 sizes for a range of piscatorial chores. |
Like its famous heavyweight, bullet-proof live bait hook, Mustad's new series of fishing tools is called Hoodlum, and described as 'Tough enough to look after themselves'.
The Mustad Hoodlum tool range consists of three types of stainless steel fishing pliers. The 6" Split Ring Utility pliers are good for light to medium de-hooking and general-purpose work, with an efficient split ring tooth for changing trebles on lures. For heavier piscatorial dental work, the 8" pliers, in both Long Nose and Bent Nose types, provide a strong grip on heavy hooks and lively fish.
Leaving aside specialised tools for gamefishing and the like, fishing pliers are a basic item that doesn't rate much media attention. But all pliers are not the same. Some stainless pliers give good corrosion resistance but suffer from softness, distorting easily under pressure. Carbon steel pliers give good hardness but unless the owner is prepared
to look after them, they can quickly degenerate into a useless blob of rust.
I guess most anglers expect their pliers to 'look after themselves', so fishing pliers spend their lives in damp tackle boxes and boat storage compartments. Mustad's Hoodlum tools seem to have struck the right balance between hardness and corrosion resistance. They're hard enough to perform all the essential gripping and wire-cutting tasks well, while showing good corrosion resistance even when left to their own devices. And they're economically priced.
Mustad Oval Split Rings, Swivels And Snaps The Mustad Oval Split Ring has been around a long time and for some anglers, it was the only choice of split ring. That's because with some lure types, especially chromed brass casting lures, the lug is too thick to take conventional round rings. The problem was, Mustad's oval split rings only came in bulk quantities and could be quite hard to find. Now though, they are available in smaller display packs and more realistic quantities. Also re-released in new, smaller packs is the Mustad Easy-Link split ring. This is similar to the Oval split ring, but with a special spigot, which enables easy and quick hook change. There's no need for split ring pliers or even thumbnails. The Easy Link comes in a limited range of sizes and is best suited to large lures. But it is also very useful for rig-making, such as quick-change droppers and leaders. Both the Easy-Links and the Oval Split Rings feature saltwater resistant Duratin plating. To accompany the split ring release, Mustad has also launched a new range of high quality, strength tested swivels including barrel, rolling, crane and ball bearing types, with accompanying interlock and coastlock snaps. A new packaging system comes with it, the split rings in red packs and the swivels in yellow packs. Look for them at all good tackle stores. |