The only steelhead I've ever hooked in the guts were taken on divers with shrimp trailers, using double hook setups.
I've never had one take a egg/bobber combo so deep that I couldn't get it out.
I always used VMC's or Mustads, sharpened til they jumped at you on their own accord. I *always* put pressure on the curve of the hook to open the bite up a bit. I never have cared for the tips of the hook to be incurved the way they are out of the box.
In the last several years ( and I haven't taken fishing anywhere near as serious as I used to ) I've been using Gamagatsus, like everyone else. I'd go back to my old Mustads without any qualms, though. It's just that now, my husband buys the hooks.
I don't think brand matters. I think >sharp< matters. As sharp as you can make 'em.
diana