Just got my hands on these Mustad Ultra Point hooks, and here's the real deal after testing them out.
The Good: These hooks are *crazy* sharp—like 'accidentally stab your finger while unpacking' sharp. The kirbed point design really does help with hook-ups, and I noticed fewer deflections compared to my old J-hooks. Plus, the black nickel coating held up well in saltwater—no rust after a full day of fishing.
The Confusing: The sizing is weird. My '3/0' hooks felt more like a 2/0 from other brands. Wish the product pics had a banana for scale (or at least a ruler). Ended up keeping them but had to reorder a size up for my intended use.
Unexpected Win: Swapped out the trebles on my trout lures with these, and wow—way fewer lost fish. The offset shank + ultra point combo is lethal for aggressive strikes.
Pet Peeve: Calling these 'long shank' feels like a stretch. They’re *slightly* longer than standard J-hooks but not by much. Fine for live bait rigs though.
Verdict: Great for the price, but double-check sizes before buying. 4/5 stars—would be 5 if the sizing matched expectations.