A deep drop rig is only as strong as its smallest part. The hook has to stay sharp and hold through a long, steady electric-reel retrieve, and the swivels, snaps and rings have to take heavy leads and big fish without failing. A good ball bearing swivel also stops the line twist that a long electric retrieve and a spinning bait can cause.
Most deep droppers fish circle hooks: the hook rolls into the corner of the mouth as the line comes tight, so you don’t need to set it, and fewer fish are gut-hooked. Inline (non-offset) circle hooks are required in many tournaments and in some US reef fish fisheries, so check the current federal and state rules for your area.
This page lists every company in the Hooks & Terminal Tackle category of the Deep Drop Directory: 5 companies from Norway, Japan, France and the USA. Each has a full review, linked below.
Full reviews
- Mustad Hooks & Terminal Tackle Review
- Owner Hooks & Terminal Tackle Review
- Gamakatsu Hooks & Terminal Tackle Review
- VMC Hooks & Terminal Tackle Review
- Eagle Claw Hooks & Terminal Tackle Review
Hooks & Terminal Tackle companies
What to look for
- Inline vs offset circle hooks: inline (non-offset) circles are required in many tournaments and some fisheries; offset circles hook a little more readily but are not always legal.
- Wire strength: 2X–4X strong wire holds big grouper, tilefish and swordfish; lighter wire lets live baits swim naturally.
- Hook size: match the hook to the bait and the fish. Many deep drop rigs use 6/0–10/0 circles, with larger sizes for swordfish.
- Corrosion resistance: black nickel and black chrome finishes last longer in salt; stainless steel swivels and rings resist rust.
- Ball bearing swivels: a quality swivel between the main line and the rig stops line twist on long electric retrieves.
- Breaking strength: every swivel, ring and snap should be stronger than your leader, so the weakest point is a knot or leader you chose, not the hardware.
← Back to the Deep Drop Directory
Listings are compiled from manufacturer websites and dealer listings in October 2026 and updated regularly. Spotted an error or want your company listed? Contact us.