Esp Big T Raptor hooks are a very strong teflon coated hook available in sizes 1- 10. The larger sizes are only available in barbed (sizes 1-4)The smaller sizes are ideal for Carp, Tench and barbel whilst the larger sizes are more suited to Catfish and large carp. You need to be a bit carefull as to what style you buy they offer 2 patterns in very similar packaging, the G-4 is a long shank version and the T-6 is a wide gape version more suited to pop ups.

I used the sizes 1 and 2 for catfishing just recently and whilst i was abit concious of how heavy gauge the steel was, i was more than willing to give them a fair try. I tried to pinch the barb in to make them near barbless as possible using forceps and pliers but these are seriousy strong hooks and that barb was not moving.

The hook hold of these was fantastic, the hooks penetrated with no effort and was easy to remove from the mouth. They stayed sharp fish after fish (plus the odd tree etc)

Downsides: the steel is very heavy gauge, they dont offer barbless in the larger sizes

Costs: they retail for between £2.80-£3.65 per pack of 10

Rating

Available from jp-tackle