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 New Posts  Best all round, all species hook (size 12-18)?
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g4fne
Posts: 15042
g4fne
   Old Thread  #12 6 Jan 2026 at 11.10pm  0  Login    Register
Thanks everyone. Ive ordered some Guru MWG to try. I still have some Kamasan Animals and Drennan Super Specialist in my bag if needed
vossy1
Posts: 7818
vossy1
MODERATOR
   Old Thread  #11 6 Jan 2026 at 10.37pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
⁸As your question was for a all round hook I wasn't going to comment, but as Trotting and Drennan have been mentioned if they're a consideration, the Drennan Silverfish is my fave. I believe Drennan also do a Acolyte version but I haven't used them. I will happily use the SFish for bigger species that don't fight that hard, but I wouldn't use them for Barbel. I also wouldn't call a typical barbel hook a all round hook, just my opinion.

Like the Q of a all round rod.

Edit, just to add, I've used a lot of the ones mentioned, but if it's all species, it really has to be capable of landing the biggest fish you intend to target and in that situation, as such it can't be all round, it's a compromise. You might want to look at blob fly hooks too (amongst others) some are very similar to old lighter Fox Carp & match hooks
JasonM
Posts: 1589
JasonM
   Old Thread  #10 6 Jan 2026 at 8.57pm  0  Login    Register
On the float long trotting single maggot / hemp / tares / casters for chub to 7lb
Drennan hooks to 3lb nylon wide gape micro barb, size 16/18.
If more than one bait small spinner swivel to stop line twist, replaces a shot and makes changing hooklengths quicker.

Larger hooks for legering drennan super specialist.

A lot of my hook choice came from the late Keith Speers, how I enjoyed the chats with him on the Ivel aka Zanderman.
maplecream
Posts: 684
   Old Thread  #9 6 Jan 2026 at 7.29pm  0  Login    Register
Not sure what your main target species is, if any, but I can recommend drennan barbel hooks in small sizes, used for my spring tench fishing, and they've been excellent.
Squimp
Posts: 139
   Old Thread  #8 6 Jan 2026 at 6.03pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #7
I’m using more and more small Guru hooks as time goes by.

The Super MWG is a really good hook and revered in tench circles.

The Guru XS is also a great hook - short shank and very strong. But the sizes are nuts , I use 20’s and they are more like 16’s from other suppliers.
whitey79
Posts: 402
whitey79
   Old Thread  #7 6 Jan 2026 at 4.13pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #2
+ 1 for the animal been using these for years not found anything good to replace them with so if it’s not broken no need to fix it
silverfish
Posts: 2418
   Old Thread  #6 6 Jan 2026 at 3.52pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Middy Saiko hooks or Kamasan Animals
Just had a quick google and it appears that the middy dont list hooks on their website, maybe are discontinued but as a result mostly sold off cheap ie 99p

https://www.allcocksoutdoorstore.co.uk/item/Middy/E300-Barbed-Hooks/P2X

Been a while but these were some of the sharpest hooks I'd used,, very well kept secret.

Ynnek
Posts: 848
   Old Thread  #5 5 Jan 2026 at 6.04pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #4
Drennan super specialist hooks are incredible.
Belch
Posts: 4358
Belch
MODERATOR
   Old Thread  #4 5 Jan 2026 at 5.49pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #3
+1 for Drennan Super Specialists
Scot-chegg
Posts: 130
   Old Thread  #3 5 Jan 2026 at 5.12pm  1  Login    Register
Drennan super specialists,good range of size patterns and guage which you're going to need for different scenarios ie target species and baits.
I think the guru hooks are more geared towards pellet fishing on commercials.
ip100
Posts: 12337
ip100
   Old Thread  #2 5 Jan 2026 at 2.54pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
I like the kamasan animal hooks for this sizes. Good sharp strong hooks
g4fne
Posts: 15042
g4fne
   Old Thread  #1 5 Jan 2026 at 2.22pm  0  Login    Register
Need to stock up on hooks for general coarse river/stillwater - Float/Feeder/bomb etc .... Sizes 12-18. All baits on hook (no hair rigs). I am trying to simplify my life so looking for a good all rounder for all sizes. There are always the classics (Kamasan, Drennan etc) but im leaning towards guru Super MWG (teflon coated) but open to suggestions?

Are there any non brands that can be bought that fot the bill?
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