Reef Hook -which type shark hook

[imtoad]

Disclaimer: I have read what seems to be hundreds of posts here debating the issues involving the use of reef hooks and have decided that I want to have one on hand to use "in case of emergency" while diving in areas known to be susceptible to sudden strong currents. Please direct your opinions about hook use to those threads. Thank youi!

I bought the trident hook with quick release clip but it seems rather large and heavy and the line looks flimsy. I want to make my own hook from a shark hook but there are two types, a "j" hook and a more circular hook. Which one will work better and what type of line should I use.

Thank you,
Hilary

 

[geoff w]

We're going back to Palau in October, and decided to make my own reef hook to take with us. I checked with Chris at Palau Dive Adventures and he said they use "Hook size is 11/0, snap is 3 & 11/16th inches, stainless hook, brass snap"

I bought a five pack of 14/0 stainless fishing hooks from eBay seller 2catchfish and they seem just fine (5 for $17). I got the "J" hook type. I cut off the pointy tip and ground it smooth with a Dremel. I bought some 7/32" dyneema line from West Marine. I want the final length to be between 5 and 6 feet for the reef hook, so figure starting with 7 feet to account for knots. Dyneema isn't good for knots, so am planning to use a uni knot for fishing line backed up with a figure 8. Also, you can't burn the ends of dyneema line; the West Marine rigging department recommended using heat shrink tubing. I'm not a fan of snap hooks for diving, so am trying to figure out what size stainless bolt snap to use to attach to my BC

eBay link to the hook I bought: 5 7731 14/0 SS Shark Wahoo Marlin Giant Fishing Hooks

West Marine Dyneema line: AmSteel-Blue Dyneema® AS-78 Single Braid | West Marine

 

[JohnnyC]

Don't tie Amsteel, splice it. Even a non-rigger can splice a whoopie well enough that it will work. Takes nothing more than a piece of thin wire and some patience and is actually secure.