TJN, I released both fish using a shaker stick (if you know how to use them which I do,you don't bend hooks) I'm sure they were both bent before I released the fish. As for price, as a guide I'm going to use the best hook I can find at any price because I will be tipped according to what I put in the box, maybe you don't mind losing an occasional fish if it means saving a little money, but I can't afford to.