A couple of members have asked the make of the hooks I have been using? I purchased these in the UK a few years ago and I really couldn't remember. Last night I wrote to Alan Yates, who at the time was the hook's promoter, I asked if he could direct me to a company that sold them and did overseas' sales?

Alan replied that particular brand of hook is no longer sold but they have been taken over by a company that manufacture the same hook under the name of 'Varivas Big Mouth XTRA'. The 'Big Mouth refers to the wide gape of the hook.

These are the hooks most widely used in the Euro surfcasting match fishing fraternity but they don't come cheaply. Including air freight, four boxes each containing thirty hooks cost around $60.00 ... about fifty cents a hook.

Regarding crimping, I am never too old to learn and welcome lessons, although I must record I have never experienced the failure of a crimp. I use them when I wish to tie traces and rigs, plus long-line traces, all at exactly the same length. I find crimps far more accurate than knots, also a damn sight easier to execute when the eyesight started to suggest I should find an easier method.

I find the Gemini Clip to be the best invention since sliced bread when it comes to putting together end rigs, especially with cold wet hands.