Kevin VanDam is the best bass angler in world because he does the little things. He doesn't just show up and go fishing, he works at it. He makes sure his boat is ready, line is ready, reels are ready and everything that he uses is ready. KVD has an edge and its an edge that many want but few will work as hard as he does to attain. He is a stickler for details and many times just outworks his competition.
Knowing how each and every bait in the box works, knowing what technique works when, is just part of the equation. Making sure he has the finest equipment down to the hooks he uses is critical. The best in the business need to know everything about the little things to have consistency on the tournament trail. KVD knows!
Mustad helps Kevin be successful at every tour stop and they too are all about the little things When KVD speaks Mustad listens and he didn't just want a good hook he wanted the best hook. Hard to go against the grain there! Mustad not only listens but also has the technical wherewithal to build perfect products to his specifications.
KVD was looking for the perfect treble hook and he now has it with the KVD Elite Triple Grip Treble.(TG76BLN)
Some of the key attributes of this hook includes:
Special Wide Bend: this unique bend below the point forces a fish into the elbow of the bend, making it virtually impossible to throw the hook. While the bend, by design, creates a slightly inward angled point, the gap of the hook is the same size as standard trebles.The slight inward bend makes this hook less prone to hang ups or snagging like round bend trebles. The overall performance translates into incredible hooking ability with exceptional holding properties.
Short Shank: 2 extra short shank eliminates hook tangling that can often occur on shorter bodied baits or with long shank trebles. The shorter shank also tends to open the gap as it adds clearance and positions the hook eye to be aligned with the point to better transfer power on hook sets. It also allows anglers to replace size 4 trebles with size 2 trebles to increase hook performance.
1 Extra Strong: adds strength to allow fish to be pulled away from heavy cover and eliminates stress on big fish.
4.3 Microsharp Point Technology: the point legth is engineered to be 4.3 times the wire diameter of the hook which is the optimum ratio for maximum sharpness and strength. Ultra Point hooks are 20% sharper and designed to stay sharper longer.
Key Difference versus Standard Round Bend Trebles
It is the culmination of Kevin's design features-unique bend, wider gap, shorter shank;1X strong wire and sticky sharp point that delivers better hooking ratios and more fish landed over round bend trebles. The hook went through several design iterations and on-the-water testing by KVD before finalization.
Although the hook won't be available for retail purchase until January 1, 2010 it has already proven itself, helping KVD win his 5th Angler of the Year title and remain the most dominant tournament bass angler on the planet.
Of the hook itself, Kevin said it best:
“There simply is no other treble hook you would ever need for fishing bass . . . period.”
Editors Note: Look for Wired2Fish to have a great contest very soon for some of the Mustad KVD Elite Series Triple Grip Trebles before they become available at retail outlets everywhere. Wired2Fish is your "get them before you can buy them" headquarters!
