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| Introduction: |
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| Owner's high-quality, super-strong "Aki" hook has become quite popular with flyrodders targeting tarpon and offshore species in the past few years. The hook styles #’s 5170 and 5370 (slightly shorter shank) provide a special “Cutting Point” that helps the hook to penetrate on hookset, and resistance to penetration actually decreases as the cutting point penetrates. Since owning American Angling Supply back in the 1990’s, I have used Owner-Aki hooks when fishing for large offshore billfish. They are sharp, strong and durable. Now, for the same reasons, these hooks have become my choice of hook for most of my saltwater fly patterns. |
| Review: |
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| I have spent the past few winter months fishing Florida Bay for tarpon, snook and redfish. My arsenal of flies consisted of most of the recognized fly patterns tied on a variety of hooks from many manufacturers. We jumped numerous tarpon but our hookup successes were dismal at best. Fortunately, before arriving in Florida, I purchased several dozen 2/0 and 3/0 Aki #5170 style hooks. I proceeded to tie up a bunch of the better patterns on the Aki hooks. Our hookup success improved with a few solid hook sets. However, we had quite a few tarpon track my offerings without taking. So I contacted my tarpon mentor Stu Apte for his council. “Its simple” he said, drop down to a 1/0 Aki and tie an “ Apte Two” pattern. I did as instructed and tied up six on the 1/0 Aki.
 The next day the results were as expected, a 40 and 120 pound tarpon in the boat! We had no jumped fish that got off. We had almost every fish we cast to track the fly until we ran out of “track”! There is no doubt in my mind that the Aki hooks made all the difference in our ability to get fish hooked and stay hooked. The Owner-Aki hooks definitely give the angler the edge when pursuing large gamefish. Our hookup and landing ratio had markedly improved. |
| Angler Richie Campiola |
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It is my opinion that when fishing for any species, anglers should use the very best hooks, lines, leaders and terminal tackle available to give us the best possible outcome. Many of us spend large sums of money on boats, fishing trips and guides. The cost of these exceptional hooks is ~ $ 0.50 (+/_ ) per hook, well worth it! Common sense would mandate that you use Owner-Aki hooks for your flies and other fishing uses. We had great results during the fall of ’05 using Owner treble hooks on our hard baits for school sized bluefin tuna. I have no personal affiliation with Owner and I purchase my hooks like everyone else, therefore, my statements are completely objective and honest.
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