I think the point here is that you really cannot expect a very small hook, such as some of the sizes mentioned here, to be strong enough in true 'Hit and hold' situations.
It's true that some small hooks are stronger than others, but surely it's obvious to anyone that however strong the better hooks are, it's a comparative thing. They may be stronger than the very fine wire models, but the plain truth is, they cannot make tiny hooks in the same gauge of wire as the larger, genuine 'hook and hold' versions...it's not practical.
The old advice to use balanced tackle is still very true, but it's also true that however well balanced it is, it's still poor practice to use tackle that's not up to the job. Another truism (one that many find hard to swallow) is that just because anglers of the skill levels of the much missed Keith Speer can safely land large barbel on small hooks...does NOT mean that every Tom, Dick and Harry can do the same thing. There are other anglers of that same skill level, of course there are...but we lesser mortals need to accept that that does not include us, and adjust our tackle to safer proportions.
It may also be useful to note that even Keith would only use light tackle in situations where he new it was appropriate, were he could safely do so. There is no way on God's earth that he would use it in snaggy areas, let alone out and out hook and hold situations.
Cheers, Dave.
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