Octopus Hooks: Uk Sea Fishing’s New Star

The sea fishing landscape in the UK is currently undergoing a significant shift. For decades, the long-shanked Aberdeen hook was the undisputed king of the beach, but a new contender has rapidly gained ground: the Octopus style hook.

Originally a staple in the Pacific and Australian markets, the Octopus pattern is now the “go-to” for UK specimen hunters and match anglers alike. This article explores why this short-shanked powerhouse is replacing traditional patterns and how you can use it to improve your catch rate.

What is an Octopus Style Hook?

At first glance, an Octopus hook looks “stunted” compared to the traditional Aberdeen. It is defined by three key characteristics:

1. A Short Shank: This provides incredible strength and keeps the hook hidden within the bait.

2. A Wide Gape: The distance between the shank and the point is much larger, allowing for better clearance when using bulky baits.

3. An Offset (Up-Turned) Eye: This is perhaps its most critical feature, designed specifically for snelling.

The “Snelling” Advantage

The primary reason for the Octopus hook’s rise is the increasing popularity of the snell knot. By wrapping the line around the shank and passing it through the up-turned eye, the hook is kept in a perfectly straight line with the snood. When a fish pulls, the hook doesn’t “cock” or tilt; instead, the force pulls the point directly into the fish’s mouth.

Why Use It? Rigs and Species

In the UK, the Octopus hook has found its niche in “big bait” scenarios where traditional hooks often fail to provide a clean hook-up.

1. The Pennel Rig (The Game Changer)

The Octopus hook is arguably the best “top hook” for a Pennel rig. Because of its turned-up eye, it can be easily threaded onto the snood above a larger bottom hook. This setup is lethal for Cod, Bass, and Rays, as it ensures that no matter where the fish grabs a large squid or cocktail bait, there is a sharp point waiting.

2. Pulley Rigs for Rough Ground

When fishing over the “mucky” ground for Conger Eels or Large Huss, the short shank of the Octopus hook acts like a lever. It is much harder for a powerful fish to straighten an Octopus hook than a long-shanked Aberdeen because the pressure is applied closer to the bend.

3. Target Species

• Smoothhound: Their crushing mouth-parts can easily mangle thin-wire hooks. A heavy-gauge Octopus hook (like the Sakuma 455) stays rigid.

• Specimen Bass: When using large live baits or whole squid, the wide gape ensures the hook point remains “proud” and doesn’t get buried in the bait.

• Rays: The offset point (often called a ‘kirbed’ point) is excellent for finding purchase in the bony, flat mouths of Thornback and Undulate rays.

Octopus vs. Other Hook Styles

Featured Product Specifications

As per your preference for detailed specifications, here are three of the leading Octopus style hooks currently dominating the UK market.

1. Sakuma 455 Octopus Hook

The Sakuma 455 is perhaps the most famous Octopus pattern in the UK. It is a “specimen hunter’s” dream, known for its extreme sharpness and reliability.

• Material: Heavy-gauge Hi-Grade carbon steel.

• Finish: Anti-corrosive Black Nickel.

• Design: Short shank, forged bend, and a chemically sharpened beaked point.

• Sizes: 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 6/0, 8/0, 10/0.

• Best Uses: Ideal for large Cod and Bass. The 6/0 to 10/0 sizes are frequently used for Tope and Conger Eel.

2. BKK Octopus Beak

BKK has taken the UK by storm with its “Hand Ground” technology. Their Octopus Beak is a technical masterpiece designed for maximum penetration.¹³

• Material: BKK-81WV High-carbon steel (high elasticity to prevent snapping).

• Technology: Needle Point technology (chemically ground for “sticky” sharpness).

• Finish: Black Nickel or Red (Red is popular for “matching” worm or sangria baits).

• Sizes: 2 to 5/0.

• Best Uses: A true all-rounder. The smaller sizes (2 to 1/0) are fantastic for Bream and Gilt-head Bream, while the larger sizes are perfect for Ray fishing.

3. Cox & Rawle SCR40 Octopus

A heritage brand that has modernised its range, Cox & Rawle’s Octopus hook is a heavy-duty option for the most demanding conditions.

• Design: Features an “offset point” (Kirbed) to increase the catch ratio.

• Gape: Extra-wide gape specifically designed for bulky squid and crab baits.

• Sizes: 1/0 to 5/0.

• Best Uses: Specifically recommended for “Dongle Rigs”—a modern UK trend where the bait is tied to a small wire or braid loop away from the hook, leaving the wide gape completely unobstructed.

Conclusion: The “Specimen” Shift

The popularity of the Octopus hook reflects a broader trend in UK sea fishing: the move away from “scratching” for small fish and toward targeting fewer, but much larger, specimens. Its design prioritizes structural integrity and mechanical efficiency over bait aesthetics. If you are tired of missed bites on large baits or hooks straightening in the kelp, switching to an Octopus pattern is the most logical next step for your tackle box