If experience in hook making is something you look for in a brand, Mustad has the years to show it. With an incredible startup story that dates back to 1832 in Norway, Mustad knows the ropes of hook manufacturing. Though anglers may not consider Mustad the top hook maker as in years of old, they still offer quality hooks at a price that other brands struggle to match. Mustad Circle Hooks are no exception to this rule. Take a closer look at Mustad’s Demon Series Circle Hooks in the following review.
Mustad Circle Hooks
Product: Mustad Circle Hooks – Demon Designs, In-Line & Offset.
Overall Ranking: 88 out of 100.
Price: Middle range.
Company/Owner: O. Mustad & Son.
Website: Mustad-Fishing.com.
Intro To Mustad Circle Hooks
Mustad Circle Hooks come in several different designs with the Demon being the feature model. Wire diameter is denoted in strength. For example, the 1X Strong Demon Circle Hook is lighter than the 2X Strong Demon Circle Hook, which is lighter gauge than the 4X Strong version. Other designs include perfect or classic circle shapes, in-line or offset points, and a Tuna Circle Hook option. Check the details of each design by model, size, and packaging below.
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Mustad Circle Hook Models, Specs, & Features
Circle Hook Models
Mustad Perfect Circle Inline Hook – Model 39944-BN
The standard size of the inline series, Mustad Perfect Circle Inline Hooks have the lightest wire. Fully approved for tournament use by the Billfish Foundation, they pierce with Mustad’s MTL-V1 point technology. Consisting of high carbon steel, these inline circle hooks hide well in saltwater with a black nickel finish.
specs
Mustad Perfect Circle Inline Hooks are available in sizes as small as #4 and as large as 10/0. Anglers have packaging options in small amounts or larger quantities. Check the details below.
- #4 – 10 Per Pack | #2 – 10 or 50 Per Pack
- #1 – 10 or 50 Per Pack | 1/0 – 8 or 50 Per Pack
- 2/0 – 8 or 50 Per Pack | 3/0 – 8 or 50 Per Pack
- 4/0 – 8 or 50 Per Pack | 5/0 – 8 or 50 Per Pack
- 6/0 – 5 or 50 Per Pack | 7/0 – 5 or 50 Per Pack
- 8/0 – 5 or 50 Per Pack | 9/0 – 2 or 50 Per Pack
- 10/0 – 2 or 50 Per Pack
Mustad 2 X Strong Demon Perfect Circle Inline Hook – Model 39933NP-BN
Mustad 2 X Strong Demon Perfect Inline Circle Hooks use the lightest gauge wire in their type. Their inline design and 90-degree point to shank angle make them Billfish Tournament Approved. Perfect for aiding the swim action of smaller live bait, the hooks consist of high carbon steel. A black nickel finish protects them from corrosive saltwater elements. Use the snell knot due to the upturned eye of this particular model.
specs
Mustad 2 X Strong Demon Perfect Circle Inline Hooks come in sizes #2 through 9/0. They are available in small packages or bulk quantities as per the following details.
- #2 – Packs of 10 or 25 | #1 – Packs of 10 or 25
- 1/0 – Packs of 10 or 25 | 2/0 – Packs of 10 or 25
- 3/0 – Packs of 10 or 25 | 4/0 – Packs of 7 or 25
- 5/0 – Packs of 7 or 25 | 6/0 – Packs of 7 or 25
- 7/0 – Packs of 6 or 25 | 8/0 – Packs of 6 or 25
- 9/0 – Packs of 25
Mustad Demon Wide Gap Perfect Circle Hook – Model 39950NP-BN
Another inline wire design, the Mustad Demon Wide Gap Perfect Circle Hook features a 3 X strong gauge. With sizes as large as 16/0 and wider gape, these hooks will wrangle enormous billfish, tuna, swordfish, or shark. The wide gape helps the circle hook catch better in the corner of the mouth and leads to missing fewer strikes. Demon Wide Gap Perfect Circle Hooks consist of high carbon steel with a black nickel finish.
specs
Anglers can pick up Mustad Demon Wide Gap Perfect Circle Hooks in sizes as small as #2 and up to a 16/0. Packages are available in standard or bulk quantities and in the following specs.
- #2 – 10 or 25 Per Pack | 1/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
- 2/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack | 3/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
- 4/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack | 5/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack
- 6/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack | 7/0 – 6 or 25 Per Pack
- 8/0 – 6 or 25 Per Pack | 9/0 – 5 or 25 Per Pack
- 10/0 – 5 or 25 Per Pack | 11/0 – 3 or 10 Per Pack
- 12/0 – 2 or 10 Per Pack | 14/0 – 2 or 10 Per Pack
- 16/0 – 2 or 10 Per Pack
Triangle Demon Perfect Circle Hook – Model 39950TNP-TS
As a brand new design in fishing hook wire, the MTC (Mustad Triangle Concept) was first introduced in 2016. In looking for a design that could hide better when presenting live bait, Mustad found a wire that’s 10% stronger than the traditional round shape. The Mustad Triangle Demon Perfect Circle Hook features a 3 X strong shank that goes through a special forging process. Additional features include a welded eye, Mustad’s UltraPoint technology, and their new T-Steel Finish.
specs
Mustad Triangle Demon Perfect Circle Hooks start large at 4/0 and move up to a 9/0 size. They are currently available only in small quantity packs.
- 4/0 – 3 Per Pack | 5/0 – 3 Per Pack
- 6/0 – 3 Per Pack | 7/0 – 3 Per Pack
- 8/0 – 3 Per Pack | 9/0 – 3 Per Pack
Mustad Demon 1 X Strong Perfect Offset Circle Hook – Model 39940NP-BN
Lightest of the Mustad Demon Offset Circle Hook models, the 1 X Strong wire is a heavy gauge. Instead of the perfect 90° angle of the inline circle hooks, the offset versions have a point that angles 96°. This slight difference helps to ensure a better bite to hookup ratio while still directing the hook to the corner of the jaw.
Mustad Demon 1 X Strong Perfect Offset Circle Hooks consist of high carbon steel and have a black nickel finish. They feature Mustad’s UltraPoint technology and a wide gape.
Specs
Mustad Demon 1 X Strong Perfect Offset Circle Hooks are available in sizes #1 through 6/0. Anglers can pick them up in small quantities or in bulk packs as shown below.
- #1 – 10 or 25 Per Pack | 1/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
- 2/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack | 3/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
- 4/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack | 5/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
- 6/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
Mustad Demon 2 X Strong Perfect Offset Circle Hook – Model 39941NP-BN
2 X Strong versions of the Mustad Demon Perfect Offset Circle Hooks offer anglers a step up in wire gauge from the 1 X Strong option. With all the same features, they’re perfect for landing big game fish using a bit larger bait. As the wire gauge increases, so too does the availability in hook sizes. Check the specs below for full details.
specs
Mustad Demon 2 X Strong Perfect Offset Circle Hooks come in sizes 2/0 through 9/0. They are available in the following small or bulk quantity packages.
- 2/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack | 3/0 – 10 or 25 Per Pack
- 4/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack | 5/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack
- 6/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack | 7/0 – 6 or 25 Per Pack
- 8/0 – 6 or 25 Per Pack | 9/0 – 25 Per Pack
Mustad Demon 3 X Strong Perfect Offset Circle Hook – Model 39942NP-BN
Moving up to the 3 X Strong wire gauge gives an angler a circle hook fit to wrangle in the beasts of the ocean. These hooks feature the same wide gap, black nickel finish, short shank, and UltraPoint technology as the other Mustad Demon Perfect Offset Circle Hook models. Make sure to have larger chunk or live bait available for use with this extra strong wire gauge.
specs
Mustad 3 X Strong Perfect Demon Offset Circle Hooks are available in sizes 1/0 through 10/0. Anglers can pick them up by size in the following quantities.
- 1/0 – 10 Per Pack | 2/0 – 10 Per Pack
- 3/0 – 10 Per Pack | 4/0 – 7 Per Pack
- 5/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack | 6/0 – 7 or 25 Per Pack
- 7/0 – 6 or 25 Per Pack | 8/0 – 25 Per Pack
- 9/0 – 25 Per Pack | 10/0 – 25 Per Pack
Mustad Demon 4 X Strong Offset Circle Hook – Model 39943NP-BN
Heaviest of all the offset circle hook models, the 4 X strong suits anglers who chase the giants of the oceans. Nothing changes about these hooks compared to their lighter gauge matches except the size. They consist of the same high carbon steel and also feature the black nickel finish. With even larger hook sizes available, be sure to increase the size of your bait to match.
specs
Mustad 4 X Strong Demon Offset Circle Hooks come in sizes 4/0 through 12/0. Pick them up by size in the following quantities.
- 4/0 – 7 Per Pack | 5/0 – 7 Per Pack
- 6/0 – 7 Per Pack | 7/0 – 6 Per Pack
- 8/0 – 6 Per Pack | 9/0 – 5 Per Pack
- 10/0 – 5 Per Pack | 12/0 – 2 Per Pack
Features Of Mustad Circle Hooks
High Carbon Steel
With its propensity to bend instead of snap under high pressure, high carbon steel makes an effective material for saltwater hooks. While stainless steel resists rust from corrosion much better than high carbon steel, this can ultimately kill a fish if the hook breaks off. Stainless steel won’t rust and fall out of a fishes’ mouth anywhere near as fast as hooks made out of high carbon steel.
To deal with the issue of rusting in the tackle box, Mustad treats each hook with a Black Nickel Finish. All models in this review carry the Black Nickel Finish with the exception of the Mustad Triangle Demon Perfect Circle Hook. It features the new Mustad T-Steel Finish which you can read about further below.
Black Nickel Finish
Some may prefer red colored hooks but the black finish hides well in nearly all saltwater conditions. Nickel offers a couple of qualities that enhance the performance of the hook. It’s incredibly hard and so imparts an impact resistant layer. Nickel is also resistant to corrosion. Black Nickel finished Mustad hooks won’t rust as long as you keep them in dry storage away from prolonged exposure to saltwater.
MTC With T-Steel Finish
Standing out from the collection of Mustad Circle Hooks in this review is the Triangle Demon Perfect Circle Hook. It features the new Mustad Triangle Concept or MTC. Through a proprietary forging process, MTC hooks are 10% stronger than their standard counterparts. The triple faced sides of the wire help to prevent rolling and restrict hook movement once set in the fishes’ mouth.
Enhancing the value of the Mustad Triangle Perfect Circle Hook is its T-Steel Finish. Another new technology that Mustad introduces to anglers, T-Steel offers more corrosion resistance than any other finish on the market. The properties of T-Steel are absorbant instead of reflective to light which adds stealth to the presentation of bait.
Chemically Sharpened UltraPoint Tech
By using a three-step chemical grinding process, Mustad removes less metal when forming the point of their hooks. This is UltraPoint technology which strengthens Mustad hook points up to 20% above the standard brand. It helps to prevent rolling or dulling of the hook point which makes and keeps an extraordinary sharpness.
Opti-Angle Needle Point
While UltraPoint technology addresses the consistency and sharpness of the point, Opti-Angle technology deals with the design. Mustad relies upon years of experience to determine the most effective point design. Opti-Angle is Mustad’s name for the three-stage grinding process that makes the UltraPoint technology possible. It determines the optimal angle to remove the least amount of metal throughout the grinding process.
MTL-V1 Point Technology
Of the Mustad Circle Hooks in this review, only the standard size wire inline hook uses MTL-V1 technology. Just by looking at the shape of the design, one can see the difference from the UltraPoint technology. MTL-V1 points have a sleeker shape and Mustad uses a different sharpening process in their manufacturing. The shape lowers penetration resistance up to 50% making it easier to hook tougher mouthed game fish.
Nor-Tempered
Great results seem to come in three’s at Mustad as they use another three-stage process to temper their hooks. Mustad Circle Hooks feature what they call Nor-Tempered strengthening. The process uses heat to temper the hooks at different precise temperatures. In a controlled computer setting, Mustad’s Nor-Tempered hooks come out up to 30% stronger than other tempering processes.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
After so many years developing and perfecting their hook designs, Mustad brings quite a few features to the table. But probably the two most prominent benefits besides all the special hype is a dependable product at a reasonable price. Mustad Demon Circle Hooks have the strength and piercing power to get the job done. They may not be at the very top of the line in circle hooks, but they are affordable and effective.
Cons
Mustad may have been the top name in the fishing game for many a year and many anglers still consider them to be just that. Other manufacturers, however, now hold a greater number of angler’s attention than ever before. The Triple Edge Cutting Point of Owner Hooks, for example, gives arguably a better hook set than Mustad. They also feature a Black Chrome Finish which is a step above the Mustad Black Nickel.
Most Effective Use / Technique
Whichever of the various Mustad Circle Hooks you prefer, they all have one design or purpose. Their circular form and inward-turned point avoid hook sets in the gut. More often than not, anglers don’t need to even set the hook using a circle hook. As a fish speeds away with the hook in its mouth, the line tightens and the hook slips. Once it reaches the corner of the mouth, the point is able to catch and dig in.
Offset circle hooks are much less likely to miss the hook set than inline hooks. For tournament anglers, however, regulations insist they use the inline models. If you’re wondering which model or hook size to choose, always consider two factors. First, know the size of your bait and you can match the hook. Second, know the size of the game fish you’re after to match the size and hook strength.
Lively sardines work well up to around a 4/0 hook, though anglers can go as small as a #2. Smaller sizes generally perform better with smaller baitfish such as anchovy. Go to larger chunk bait, mackerel, and other big live bait species using 5/0 and larger hooks. It’s not a bad idea to have a spread in wire strengths, as the gauge of the hook can hinder less lively baits.
Mustad Customer Support
For anglers interested in learning more about Mustad, they provide an online knowledge base. It would be nice to see a bit more information on their Frequently Asked Questions page. Mustad does have a Contact Us page with phone numbers and email info for customers who would like to get directly in touch with a representative. Anglers can also check out the Mustad Pro Staff section and see if they have the qualifications to join the team.
The Last Point
88 out of 100 anglers approve of Mustad Circle Hooks
Mustad Circle Hooks come close to the ninetieth percentile with an 88 overall ranking for their effectiveness and affordability. The Triangle Hook is another beast altogether and deserves a separate, higher rank all its own. Place it in the mid-ninetieth percentile but expect to give more out of pocket. What are your experiences with Mustad Circle Hooks? Do you have any unanswered questions? Don’t hesitate to fill out the comment form below. Thanks for reading and tight lines on the ocean. FishtFight.com.
