Electrical Tape on Hook?

[BackBayMan]

I've seen a couple of serious shark fishermen that wrap their hooks with black electrical tape, presumably because the sharks can sense the electrical/magnetic field of the hook or something like that. What do you guys think? Stupid? Cool looking? 

[Eric H]

Yeah a lot of land based guys do it.

I personally don't think it's necessary...

[sasquatch]

There are two schools of thought on this one. Absolutely critical, and complete waste of time. Pick one.

[Latimeria]

I don't think it's necessary, but I only have these west coast sharks to go by.  Maybe it helps with hammerheads out east which are much more electrically aware from all of that surface area under the head, but out here I think it is a complete waste of time.

[WheresMyBeer]

There are two schools of thought on this one. Absolutely critical, and complete waste of time. Pick one.

Straight up Steve-o philosophizing ... 

[Fish Jerk]

If you are interested in trying it out, I have an alterative for you. I too have seen this posted about on various shark boards and was interested in trying it as well. Look at lowes, they have bottles of liquid electrical tape. I made up a few shark leaders with coated hooks and coated crimps. What I did on the hooks was to coat the entire shank of the hook from the eye to the barb and then hang to dry. Forms a nice rubber coating similar to the vinyl grips on a pair of pliars, just not as durable.

I haven't had a chance to try them. I personally don't think they will help get more takes, but think they may reduce dropped baits due to the fact that the shark may be less likely to feel the metal of the hook. Of course if your not using coated cable as well, I doubt it will help at all.

[BackBayMan]

Of course if your not using coated cable as well, I doubt it will help at all.

I guess that brings up another question, coated or uncoated cable?

I think I'm going to try the tape just because it looks really cool

[Eric H]

When I first started using wire I for some reason came to my own conclusion that coated would be better. I was using 135lb coated 7 strand.

I switched to 480lb un coated 49 strand and generally have productive days with it. Never noticed a more or less hook up ratio with one or the other. This wire is actually softer and limper as well.

I don't think the fish give 2 Sh!ts weather it's coated or un coated.

[sasquatch]

I notice my coated 135lb wire kinks less and so it lasts longer than the uncoated. That's good enough for me.