Ashima SUPREME TREBLE HOOKS
reviewed by metallurgist & lure-angler Chris Jeffries

EVERY HOOK UNDER THE SUN
Sometimes it feels just as though I've tried almost every type of treble hook under the sun in my search for the best replacements for those rubbishy hooks that you get on some new lures — I'm sure you know exactly what I mean and have been there, done that, and got the T-shirt etc., etc!

You know how it is ....after shelling-out seven or eight quid .. or more ... it's a real pain when you have to replace two or even three trebles on a new plug ... yet more expense! But for all the right reasons, I like my hooks to be clean, strong and very sharp.

Whisker Barbs
I know that there's been a lot of debate about barbed versus barbless hooks and I think that whisker barbs are the best solution.

I won't bore you with the great long list of different hooks that I've tried because you've probably done exactly the same as me and will already know most of them anyway, but what I would like to tell you about is some nice trebles that I discovered not that long ago.

SUPREME TREBLES
Suffice to say that when I stumbled across some Ashima Supreme Trebles at a tackle exhibition and managed to beg a couple from the Stand, I immediately felt that I'd found something special.

Chemically-sharpened, Needle-sharp Hook-points
With a good, classic round bend, these Ashima hooks, forged from high-carbon steel, are very strong and have chemically-sharpened, needle-sharp hook-points.

There are two types available: the Whisker-barbed F-80 Supreme Trebles and the semi-barbless F-80SB version — although they're called "semi-barbless", in fact they have one of the hooks with a whisker barb and the other two hooks are barbless — the choice is yours!

I've been using these F-80 whisker-barbed Supreme trebles for over two years and I can honestly say that I have been very satisfied with them. I've had several 20+ lb pike and encountered more than a few immovable snags but I've not had a single hook break or even open-out on me.

For me as a lure-angler, the really big bonus with these Ashima trebles is that in spite of their great strength, they're not heavy and so they're ideal for replacing the naff hooks on some of my lures without my having to worry overly much about them affecting the lure's action.

Split-rings
I always use split-rings to attach new hooks to the hangers on my lures and with some of the Supreme trebles in the smaller sizes the eyes are quite small and even oval shaped so I have to come down a size with my split-rings but that's not a problem.

A Ha'p'orth of Hooks
Cost! Obviously you're not going to get owt special for nowt extra, and so these forged, high carbon steel and chemically sharpened trebles of this high quality don't come cheap but they are very good, if not one of the best types of treble hook on the planet. I personally don't like to spoil my lures for a ha'p'orth of hooks or more.

As for what they'll actually cost you, that'll depend on the buying power and volumes of your retail outlet — I normally pay around 50p each; now that may sound a lot especially in terms of a cheap lure, but after all, what's the most important part of any lure? Well, there you go!

If you want to find your nearest stockist of these Supreme trebles, you can email the guys at Ashima ashima@ashima.demon.co.uk , with your post-code, and they'll be only too pleased to help.

Alternative Options
Of course there are loads of other alternative replacement hooks and far be it from me to try to convince other anglers who prefer to use cheaper replacements such as Eagle Claw and to sharpen them up when they get blunt; that's fine by me but what I would say in all fairness is "Don't knock something until you've actually tried it for yourself".

And Finally
It's an open secret (isn't it?) that several top tackle companies turn to Ashima for their expertise, design and supplies of hooks (and not just trebles ! ), boxed and badged-up in their own livery and logos — either way, I've got to say, they are truly supreme trebles ... but don't take my word for it ... why don't you give them a try and see what YOU think! Chris Jeffries.

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