We use big hooks because it is the PENINSULA! Sorry but the sound of the "Skykomish" and "Cowlitz" just doesen't elicit that warm, fuzzy feeling that the "Peninsula" does. I've gotten my ass kicked by Ike and my eyes scratched-out by Tina one too many times out there.

Story time!!!! Last year on the Duc while I was testing out 20lb Gammy-Line for mainline, I hooked up with "Ike Tyson." The Duc was up and relatively mucky (12-18 in vis), so I rigged with a really sloppy-looking rag. The b-rod was cut at least an inch and a half, and was tied with a 20 in. leader of 20lb UG and a 3/0 gammy -- according to Hawk's standards, "meaty," to say the least. To make a long story short, halfway through the fight it thrashed on the surface, rolled up the line like a silver, then jumped. The mainline broke during splashdown. It was quite the beast. Just put it this way, until it came to the surface ten minutes into the battle, my partner and I thought I had latched onto a huge springer because of my inability to even move it. Also, it's not like we didn't know what a big metalhead felt like, because we both have toasted with the Knights of the Roundtable on many occasions.

Sorry, long story and the solution may have nothing to do with a hook. Maybe 40 lb mainline next time? Nonetheless, the gist of this true story is that a #2 hook looks mighty silly tied to 40 lb line.

Peace Out...