Hello!
This is Koki Wada, a Vanfook Field Staff member.
This time, I would like to introduce the difference between the SP series and the SW series in Vanfook trout area hooks.
First, let’s talk about the “SP series”.
The SP series has been popular and standard models since its release about 20 years ago.
It is a well-balanced hook, with neither too narrow nor too wide in gape, and is available in four types in order of power and strength: SP-11F, SP-21F, SP-31F, and SP-41F.
SP Series: SP-11F, SP-21F, SP-31F, and SP-41F, in descending order of wire diameter.
I usually set up the SP series for spoons first.
Specifically, I set the spoon and the hook in balance with below:
[Spoon Weight] —— [Model]
Less than 1.4g —— SP-21F
More than 1.5g —— SP-31F
This is a very versatile series that can cover most of your fishing needs.
However, if the fish is small or the speed of the bite is slow, choose SP-21F for spoons even more than 1.5g.
Similarly, when the fish is large or the bite is strong and powerful, you may choose SP-31F even for spoons weighing less than 1.4g.
And as for the SP-11F, which has the thinnest wire diameter, the super fine wire.
This is excellent for use with micro spoons with spoon weights up to 0.6g.
The SP-41F, which has the thickest wire diameter, is ideal for targeting large fish.
I often use the SP-41F #4 and #6 on minnows when targeting big trout such as Ito (Sakhalin Taimen).
I change the split ring to a double-ringed with Expert Ring #00, #0, #1 in such situations.
Example of SP-41F hook setting for large trout:
And about “SW series“.
What is the difference from SP series? >>> It is the width of the gape.
The “W” in “SW” stands for “WIDE”.
The wire diameter is the same as that of the SP series, but it is a wide gape.
Previously, only SW-21F was available, but SW-11F and SW-31F were added to the lineup this autumn.
SW series: The center is the existing SW-21F model, and both sides are the SW-11F and SW-31F added this autumn.
Here are some specific examples of use.
First, a situation where it is used with a spoon.
The wide gape hook is used in situations where the bite is fast, the fish does not turn back, and the fish does not close its mouth very much.
The wide gape makes it easier for the hook point to touch any part of the mouth when a bite occurs.
Therefore, it is easy to hook the fish in the above situations.
Perfect hooking by SW-31F size #6.
And as for the newly released SW-11F.
It is recommended because it is easy to hook up a bite that pops up or does not turn back when reeling near the surface with a micro spoon.
And the best match lure for wide gaped hook is plugs.
It is all-purpose for plugs such as cranks, bottom plugs, topwater lures, minnows, and so on.
Why wide gape for plugs?
Plugs have a less stable hook position than spoons, and depending on how you fish them, they tend to bite “early.”
The body of a crank bait moves much more to the left and right than that of a spoon, and fish tend to bite roughly, so a wide-gape hook is more advantageous to catch them.
(*Slow sinking crank baits are often used to “show” the fish and get bites similar to spoons, so the SP series is sometimes used!)
Minnows, tops, and bottoms (especially metal vibes) tend to get bites faster because they turn on the fish’s appetite.
The new SW-31F is for cranks, bottoms, and minnows.
If the fish are smaller or have difficulty getting on the hook, rotate to the SW-21F.
For top water, SW-21F is recommended considering the buoyancy of the lure.
In this way, the SP and SW series have their own specialty situations.
And often the hooks can make a noticeable difference in how you catch fish!
I hope everyone enjoys fishing by selecting the right hook for the right lure and situation~ ^-^
