Monday, June 11, 2012

Zoom Horny Toad Hook Review

   Colors: 2    Sizes: 3/0,4/0, 5/0, 6/0    Pack Count: 2 or 5   Feature: Nose Screw

Intro:

This is the first non frog review on the site, so bare with me as I get a grasp on how I want to have these reviews read. Im starting this off with the Zoom Horny Toad hook, in my opinion this is the best swim frog hook on the market toady and should be a staple in every frog fisherman's arsenal                    
Overall Rating: 8.6/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality,  Presentation,  Available Options,  Product Availability & Price

Quality/Durability: 4.5/5


I have been using these hooks for a couple years now and I have no issues with the overall quality. The hooks are very strong with a good point, simply put.. fish stay hooked.

The 60 degree angle places these hooks nicely along the back of most soft plastic frogs and keeps the bait weedless without altering its presentation in any way. 

The Screw/insert holds up well for multiple fish and multiple baits. Like with all "nose screws" these will eat up your baits so be prepared. 

The Horny toad hook is one of the few single point hooks designed specifically for frog fishing. It's biggest competition comes from Stanley, Gambler and Gamakatsu, all of which have double hooks. 

 

Availability & Price 4.5/5


Like all Zoom products these hooks are pretty widely available. I find them in most of my local haunts as well as my favorite on-line retailers. Watch you pricing as with many products you will pay a premium locally and can get a better deal when you buy on-line.

When we talk pricing Im only going to compare these hooks to other "frog specific hooks" fair is fair..
Priced on average at $2.39 for a 2 Pack (in 5/0 and 6/0 sizes) the math works out to about $1.20 a hook. Befor you start running for the hills, compair this to Gambler Cane toad hook at $2.45 a hook and Stanley's Ribbit hook comes in at $2.30 a hook, so overall $1.20 is not that bad.


Options : 4.0/5

 
For options, you have a few. The Horny Toad hook is available in two colors, red and nickel. I do carry both and to be honest I dont have a huge preference between the two. When it comes to sizes I do..

the Horny toad is available in 3/0, 4/0, 5/0 and 6/0 sizes, personally I will usually stick with the 4/0 and 5/0 sizes and rarely do I use a 6/0 and never have I purchased the 3/0 version. Over 90% of my frog arsenal will fish perfectly on a 4/0 or 5/0 hook.

The only possible option I could see missing from this line of hooks is a weighted model. Many of the competitors carry one and although I prefer not to use them, it does not mean Im in the majority

Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.



Land Big Fish ($2.19 - $3.19)

Bass Pro Shop ($2.49 - $4.99)

With 3 sizes of hook available and two color options, these hooks will vary in price depending on the reatiler. Like with most things, if you choose the smaller size (3/0) you will get more hooks in the pack.

Tackle Warehouse and BTD only carry one size (5/0) so if you are looking for more options check out Land Big fish for the full collection.




Personal Experience:

I have had great success with these hooks and find that they excel when used with swim frogs. They have just the right strength and weight, and you can throw them with smaller, lighter swim frogs without altering the presentation. 

If you prefer the heavier buzz frogs like a Stanley Ribbit, they work will there two, but there is something to be said for the double hook approach when using heavier frogs. These are a finesse hook for finesse frogs (swim frogs)





1 comment:

  1. If you want to keep your fish hook on your hat permanently, you can sew a small loop of fabric onto the brim of your hat and attach the hook to it with a split ring.

    ReplyDelete