Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long Review

First Impressions of Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long promises to be a game-changer for anglers targeting larger fish with soft plastic lures. Mustad is a well-known name in the fishing industry, and the “UltraPoint” designation suggests a hook that’s incredibly sharp and durable. This particular hook features a grip-pin designed to secure soft plastics, and its 2X long shank is ideal for rigging larger baits.

I had been struggling with keeping larger swimbaits and creature baits properly rigged on standard worm hooks. Fish were tearing the baits off easily, or I was missing hooksets due to the short shank not extending far enough past the bulk of the plastic. I was looking for a hook that would allow me to present these larger baits more effectively and improve my hookup ratio.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed with the sharpness of the hook point. The black nickel finish looks sleek and provides corrosion resistance, important for my saltwater fishing. The hook feels sturdy and well-made, inspiring confidence that it can handle a decent-sized fish.

Compared to other worm hooks I’ve used, the Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long has a noticeable difference in shank length. Standard worm hooks sometimes feel too short for bulkier soft plastics, leaving too little hook exposed. I chose the Mustad because of the shank length, the reputation of Mustad hooks, and the grip-pin feature.

My initial excitement was high. I envisioned landing some serious bass and redfish with these hooks, finally solving the problem of poorly rigged soft plastics.


Real-World Testing: Putting Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long was on a saltwater fishing trip targeting redfish in the Louisiana marsh. I rigged the hook with a 5-inch swimbait, a common offering for redfish in this area. The water was clear, but the wind was creating some chop, adding a bit of a challenge.

The Mustad hook made rigging the swimbait incredibly easy. The grip-pin held the plastic securely in place, preventing it from sliding down the shank, a common issue with other hooks. After a few casts, I hooked into a feisty redfish.

The hook penetrated quickly and held firm throughout the fight. I was impressed with the hook’s ability to maintain its hold, even with the fish making several strong runs.

There were no issues during the first use. The hook performed as expected, improving my bait presentation and securing a solid hookset.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long on various fishing trips, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and durable hook. I’ve used it in both freshwater and saltwater conditions, targeting bass, redfish, and speckled trout. The hook has consistently performed well, providing excellent hooksets and holding power.

Despite being exposed to saltwater, the black nickel finish has held up remarkably well. There’s been no noticeable rust or corrosion, suggesting the finish is durable.

Cleaning the hook is easy; a quick rinse with freshwater after each use is all that’s needed to maintain its condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other hooks, the Mustad hook significantly outperforms them in terms of both durability and hookset performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long

Specifications

  • The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long features Mustad’s signature UltraPoint technology, ensuring an incredibly sharp and durable hook point for quick and efficient penetration. This translates to more consistent hookups and fewer missed fish.
  • It boasts a 2X long shank, ideal for rigging larger soft plastic baits like swimbaits, creature baits, and flukes. The longer shank extends past the bulk of the bait, providing better hook exposure for improved hooksets.
  • The hook includes a grip-pin bait keeper, designed to securely hold soft plastics in place, preventing them from sliding down the shank. This keeps the bait properly positioned, optimizing presentation and reducing wasted casts.
  • The black nickel finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. This ensures the hook maintains its sharpness and strength, even after repeated use in harsh environments.
  • Each pack contains 5 hooks, offering a reasonable quantity for the price. Anglers can stock up and be prepared for multiple fishing trips.

Performance & Functionality

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long excels at its primary function: securing soft plastic baits and delivering solid hooksets. The UltraPoint technology ensures the hook penetrates quickly and efficiently, even on subtle takes.

The longer shank and grip-pin design effectively prevent baits from sliding down, maintaining proper presentation and maximizing hookup potential. The hook’s strength and durability instill confidence when targeting larger fish, minimizing the risk of bending or breaking.

There is very little to improve on this design. If anything, the barb could be slightly larger for added holding power, but this is a minor consideration. The hook meets and exceeds my expectations for a soft plastic hook designed for larger baits.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long is designed with functionality in mind. The hook is strong but not overly heavy, allowing the bait to swim naturally without inhibiting its action.

The grip-pin is well-integrated into the design and does not interfere with the bait’s action. There’s no learning curve associated with using this hook; it’s straightforward and easy to rig.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long is built to last. The high-quality materials and black nickel finish ensure it can withstand repeated use in various fishing conditions.

Maintaining the hook is simple. Rinsing it with freshwater after each use is sufficient to prevent corrosion and maintain its performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long doesn’t require any specific accessories. It’s designed to be used with a wide variety of soft plastic baits.

It is compatible with various soft plastic brands and sizes, offering versatility in bait selection. Anglers can pair it with their favorite swimbaits, creature baits, flukes, and other soft plastics to target a variety of fish species.

Pros and Cons of Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long

Pros

  • UltraPoint Technology: Incredibly sharp and durable hook point for quick penetration.
  • 2X Long Shank: Ideal for rigging larger soft plastic baits and improving hook exposure.
  • Grip-Pin Bait Keeper: Securely holds soft plastics in place, preventing slippage and maintaining proper presentation.
  • Black Nickel Finish: Provides excellent corrosion resistance for both freshwater and saltwater use.
  • Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of soft plastic baits and fish species.

Cons

  • Barb Size: The barb could be slightly larger for added holding power.
  • Quantity: Some anglers might prefer larger pack sizes for increased value.


Who Should Buy Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long?

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long is perfect for anglers who frequently fish with larger soft plastic baits. Bass fisherman will greatly benefit from the increased hookup ratio.

Anglers who target species that require larger presentations will find this hook invaluable. If you primarily fish with smaller finesse baits, this hook may be overkill.

A good pair of split ring pliers can be useful for changing hooks on rigs and lures.

Conclusion on Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long

The Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics Hook, 2X Long is an excellent choice for anglers looking to improve their soft plastic fishing game. Its combination of sharpness, durability, and thoughtful design makes it a top performer in its category.

The price is justified by the hook’s performance and longevity, offering excellent value for the money. I would wholeheartedly recommend this hook to anyone who fishes with soft plastics, especially those targeting larger fish.

Upgrade your tackle box today and experience the difference a quality hook can make. Go catch some fish!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top