A Tackle Shop Guide to Mustad Hooks
With a history stretching back over 100 years, the Mustad range of fishing hooks is enormous, and choosing the right one can be a challenge. The key is to understand that behind the vast selection are a few iconic, purpose-built patterns that have become staples in Australian tackle boxes. This guide will break down the most popular models we sell and explain exactly what they're for.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"In the shop, Mustad is one of my top recommendations and when a customer asks me to choose a packet of hook for them I’ll often just grab some Mustad’s off the pegs. They’re a great brand for anglers who want a high-quality, reliable fish hook without the premium price tag of some of the other big name brands in the market. Mustad represent incredible value for money.
We sell thousands of packs of their Big Gun, Big Red and Bloodworm hooks in particular every year, and the feedback from customers is consistent: they're sharp, they're strong, and they just work.
Mustad have been the foundation of my own personal bait fishing too for over 20 years. For everything from chasing trout in Pejar dam on a Mustad baitholder to sending down big baits for snapper offshore. They're just a classic, trustworthy hook brand that I believe every angler should have a few models of in their kit."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop | Mustad Hook Retailer 20+ Years
A Guide to Iconic Mustad Hook Patterns
While the range is huge, your choice can be simplified by focusing on these legendary, purpose-built patterns:
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The Big Gun: This is the ultimate heavy-duty bait hook. A thick-gauge, chemically sharpened hook with an offset point, it's designed for brute strength. It's the top choice for presenting big baits for powerful reef fish with crushing jaws like snapper and morwong.
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The Big Red: Arguably the most popular all-round suicide (or 'beak') hook in Australia. Its offset point makes it incredibly versatile for everything from presenting a prawn for bream to a whole blue bait for tailor.
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The Bloodworm: The finesse specialist. This is a fine-wire, long-shank hook perfect for presenting delicate baits like beach worms, pipis, and prawns. Its fine wire and sharp point provide excellent penetration for fussy, small-mouthed species like bream and whiting.
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The Hoodlum: The live baiting special. The Hoodlum is an incredibly strong, 4X extra-strong J-hook designed for rigging live baits for big, aggressive predators. It's the hook you can trust when targeting hard-fighting species like kingfish, tuna, and mackerel.
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The Sneck: A unique hook with a squared-off bend. This design is a top choice for targeting fish with small mouths and delicate bites, like luderick (blackfish), as the shape helps the hook find a secure hold.
Pro-Tips for Your Mustad Hooks
- Understanding Ultrapoint: "Ultrapoint" is Mustad's name for their unique three-stage chemical sharpening process. It creates a needle-sharp point that is also very durable, meaning it's more resistant to rolling or losing its edge compared to standard hooks.
- Match the Gauge to Your Target: Always consider the hook's wire gauge. A fine-wire hook like the Bloodworm is perfect for finesse fishing, but it will straighten out on a big snapper. For tough fish, you must step up to a heavy-gauge hook like the Big Gun.
- Rinse Your Hooks: A quick rinse of your hooks (and your whole tackle box) in fresh water after a saltwater session will prevent rust and keep those chemically sharpened points in good condition for your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Mustad hooks been a staple in Australian tackle boxes for so long?
For decades, Mustad has been one of the most trusted names in fishing because they deliver on their core promise: reliability at a great price. They are known for making consistently sharp, strong, and dependable hooks that simply get the job done without the premium price tag.
Are Mustad hooks as sharp and strong as more expensive Japanese brands?
This is a common question. While premium Japanese brands are exceptional, Mustad offers an incredible balance of performance and value. Their chemically sharpened Ultrapoint hooks are very sharp out of the packet, and their heavy-duty patterns like the Hoodlum and Big Gun offer ample strength for the vast majority of Australian fishing situations.
What's the difference between the Big Gun, Bloodworm, and Hoodlum hooks?
They are purpose-built for different jobs. The Big Gun is a heavy-duty bait hook for big reef fish. The Bloodworm is a fine-wire hook for presenting delicate baits to smaller estuary species. The Hoodlum is an extra-strong hook specifically designed for live baiting for large, powerful predators.
What does "Ultrapoint" technology mean on a Mustad hook?
Ultrapoint is Mustad's proprietary chemical sharpening process. It creates a very fine, incredibly sharp point that is also designed to resist rolling or dulling, ensuring the hook remains effective for longer.
What is the best all-round Mustad hook for general estuary and beach fishing?
For a versatile, do-it-all hook, it's hard to beat a classic Mustad Baitholder or Octopus pattern. A size 1/0 or 2/0 in one of these styles is a fantastic starting point that will handle a huge range of common baits and species.
