We’ve changed the shape and length of the Wide Gape Talon Tip; so it’s now a nice wide curve that’s longer, thinner and much sharper than before. These new longer tips are a major improvement that ensures the hook will set even faster and penetrate easier.

This latest Covert Dark release features the new stripped-down Covert Dark plating. This matt finish still offers excellent camouflage but also ensures that we keep the hook points absolutely intact and razor sharp. Covert Dark is a single super thin electroplated layer; and the reduction in handling during the finishing process ensures that the points remain as sharp as the day they were made.

Gardner has also updated all the models in the Covert Dark hook range, changing the standard shape to a micro-barbed format. This change offers two main benefits. Firstly, many commercial fisheries require anglers to use models with small points because they are gentler on the fish’s mouth, and secondly, micro-barbed hooks are stronger because less wire is cut to form the point.

The combination of a 5° inward facing eye and the beaked point on the Wide Gape Talon point definitely creates an extremely positive hook hold as the angle is set at the optimum angle of the drawer to ensure the hook enters and stays inside. The way the hook enters, attracted by the directional force created by the eye, is just perfect.

The main advantage of a beaked point is the way the point first takes hold. As it starts to take hold, the angle of the point naturally helps to keep the hook point in place, even if the fish is trying to free the hooklink (this is especially useful if you are fishing a barbless venue). Another advantage is that the point is less likely to tip or become damaged when fishing over gravel or other rough bottoms, typically the large stones that make up the deposit bars in gravel pits.

Covert Dark Wide Gape Talon tips are made from the same super-strong, “bombproof” forged wire as the original Talon Tip models.

Gardner Dark Wide Gape Talon Tip Hook Features:

COVERT DARK matte finish.

Medium shank and eye turned inward 5 degrees.

Micro Tip.

Longer, sharper, chemically etched beak tip.

Made from extra strong forged high carbon steel wire, double tempered for added strength.

Available in size 2 (with barb only) and sizes 4, 6, 8 and 10 with and without barb.

Supplied in packs of 10 hooks per pack.