A Tackle Shop Guide to Owner Hooks
Owner's reputation as a premium, high-performance hook is well-earned. While their range is extensive, it's built around several key series, each designed for a specific, demanding style of fishing. This guide will break down the most popular types of Owner hooks we sell to help you choose the right one for your application.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"In the shop, the conversation about Owner hooks almost always starts when a customer is rigging lures. Anglers upgrading the trebles on a new hardbody or choosing the perfect assist hooks for a jig know that Owner is the benchmark for strength and sharpness. We see customers specifically seeking out their heavy-duty trebles and singles before a big trip north for barra or a session chasing kingfish.
They are an investment, but it's one you make for peace of mind. When you're spending good money on a premium lure, using an Owner hook means you're giving that lure the best possible chance of success."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ Years Experience with Owner Hooks
A Guide to Owner Hook Types
The secret to success with Owner is matching their purpose-built designs to your fishing style.
✔
Treble Hooks: These are the gold standard for lure upgrades. Patterns like the ST-66TN are the go-to for anglers chasing powerful predators like tuna, giant trevally, and kingfish who need a hook with the best chance of holding up without straightening.
✔
Inline Single Hooks: A popular choice for anglers wanting to replace the trebles on their lures. An inline single provides a super-strong alternative that is often better for the fish's welfare, making catch-and-release easier and safer.
✔
Circle Hooks: The top choice for catch-and-release bait fishing. The unique inwardly-turned point is designed to prevent gut-hooking, instead locking securely in the corner of the fish's jaw. They are perfect for fishing with set rods, as the hook sets itself when the line comes tight.
✔
Jobu Hooks: The ultimate heavy-tackle bait hook. The Jobu is a powerful, wide-gape hook designed for presenting large chunk baits or whole baits when targeting serious offshore species like marlin, sharks, and big tuna.
Pro-Tips for Your Owner Hooks
- The Power of the Cutting Point: Many Owner hooks feature their unique, patented Cutting Point. This is a triple-edged point, like a tiny knife blade. It's designed to penetrate tough, bony mouths with significantly less pressure than a standard needle point, resulting in more secure hooksets on hard-fighting fish.
- The Lure Balancing Act: When upgrading treble hooks on a hardbody lure, the goal is to match the weight of the new hook to the old one as closely as possible. A significantly heavier hook can kill your lure's suspension or lively action. The best practice is to take one of your old hooks with you to a digital scale to find its exact weight, then choose an Owner treble of the same size and strength rating that is as close to that weight as possible.
- Match the Gauge to Your Drag Setting: Owner offers hooks in different strengths (e.g., 2X, 4X). It's critical to match this to your gear. There's no point using a 4X strong hook if your drag setting is too light to make it penetrate. As a rule, the heavier your drag, the stronger the hook you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Owner hooks cost more than other brands?
The price reflects their use of premium Japanese high-carbon steel and a meticulous, multi-step forging and sharpening process. This results in a hook that is significantly stronger and has a more durable point than cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. You are investing in a higher level of performance and reliability.
What is Owner's "Cutting Point" technology?
It's Owner's unique, patented hook point design. Instead of a simple needle point, a Cutting Point has three distinct, razor-sharp edges. This design allows the hook to slice through and penetrate hard, bony jaws with much less force, which is a major advantage when targeting tough fish like big snapper or coral trout.
How do Owner hooks handle saltwater corrosion?
Owner hooks have excellent corrosion resistance due to their high-quality finishes. Most of their lure hooks feature a tough, black nickel finish, while their heavy-duty jig and bait hooks often have a vacuum-tinned finish. Both are designed to stand up to the harsh saltwater environment. However, like any premium hook, it is always best practice to give them a quick rinse in fresh water after your trip to keep them in perfect condition.
How do Owner hooks compare to Gamakatsu?
It's a classic debate between two exceptional Japanese brands. The main difference often comes down to the point design. Gamakatsu is famous for its incredibly fine, needle-sharp points that are second to none for initial penetration. Owner, with its Cutting Point, is renowned for its combination of sharpness and incredible point durability, making it a top choice for anglers who are tough on their gear.
What are the most popular Owner hook patterns in Australia?
For lure fishing, the ST-66 and STX-58 trebles are the undisputed kings for upgrading hardbody lures for barra, jacks, and kingfish. For bait fishing, the SSW pattern is a legendary all-rounder, and for heavy-duty offshore work, the Gorilla and Jobu hooks are the trusted choice.
