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Pallatrax Gripz Match (wide gape, spade end)

Chris Jones

Chris Jones

Senior Member
Pallatrax GRIPZ Match Fishing Hooks - Pallatrax

I've seen the odd babel angler mention the eyed Gripz hooks, but has anyone got/used the spade end version?

What's the sizing like compared to something like the Drennan Wide Gape Match or Drennan Acolyte Gripper?

How have you found them generally? Are they really the missing link between barbed and barbless hooks?
 
I have used the Gripz wide gape exclusively for barbel fishing for around 3 seasons
Cannot fault them
Haven’t lost any fish due to a lack of microbarb and much easier to unhook than a microbarb
Very sharp out of the packet and strong, never had one open up
Wire is thicker than Drennan wide gape so I use Gripz with pellets , small boilies etc
If I’m fishing maggots or castor for big chub or barbel I will revert to Drennan wide gape which are also a favourite and reliable
I will do some comparison pics at weekend and post them
 
Paul, can you confirm that are you talking about using the spade end Gripz Match hooks? I know some folks love the eyed Gripz, but I've yet to see anyone mention the spade end match versions.
 
@Chris Jones
I’ve only just seen this.
I’ve got some. They are ok but I wouldn’t say anything particularly special over a barbless hook pattern that you would normally like.

you want to be ordering a size down

So if your after a typical “super spade” side 16 in the grips hooks you should order the size 18
The shanks are not particularly long but the gapes are wide which are both qualities that I quite like in a specialist hook for big fish.
 
I bit the bullet a couple of days back and bought some in 18, 16, 14 and 12. I'd noticed the wide gape and shortish shank that fits my usual preferences. Being a specialist brand, I'd sort of assumed that they'd be on the large side. The biggest issue is that I don't particularly like any barbless hooks, though I'll use them if I must. If they are even a smidge better than a standard barbless, they may be worthwhile. However, I've a feeling that they may be ok for thicker, rubbery lipped cyprinids. I have doubts about them becoming my go to grayling hook.
 
Chris Jones said:
I bit the bullet a couple of days back and bought some in 18, 16, 14 and 12. I'd noticed the wide gape and shortish shank that fits my usual preferences. Being a specialist brand, I'd sort of assumed that they'd be on the large side. The biggest issue is that I don't particularly like any barbless hooks, though I'll use them if I must. If they are even a smidge better than a standard barbless, they may be worthwhile. However, I've a feeling that they may be ok for thicker, rubbery lipped cyprinids. I have doubts about them becoming my go to grayling hook.
Click to expand...
I use barbless hooks in bigger sizes like 12 snd above. There is no need for a barb imo on big hooks
Smaller sizes a micro barb does help keep afew more on. Anyway. They look alright but I don’t think they are going to be a favorite of mine.
 
If anyone else is interested. I was interested to see that the sizing and pattern of the Pallatrax Gripz Match and the Browning Beasts are very similar.
Hook comparison.jpg
 
After what seems like an eternity trying to shake off a nasty cold, I finally managed to get out and try a Gripz Match hook. The intended quarry were grayling and I managed a meagre three. I also had a trout and a very unusual (on the stretch I was fishing) chub. I had five bites, hit them all and landed them all. The only minor foible with the hook so far is that the Gripz ridges make threading a maggot up the shank unexpectedly difficult.
 
Chris Jones said:
After what seems like an eternity trying to shake off a nasty cold, I finally managed to get out and try a Gripz Match hook. The intended quarry were grayling and I managed a meagre three. I also had a trout and a very unusual (on the stretch I was fishing) chub. I had five bites, hit them all and landed them all. The only minor foible with the hook so far is that the Gripz ridges make threading a maggot up the shank unexpectedly difficult.
Click to expand...
Yeah I noticed that aswell Chris. I didn’t think it was the ridges but the way the point sort of flares at the sides. Super super sharp mind you. Buggers pegged me a few times
 
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