Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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Gamakatsu Octopus Hook, Model 02011, Size 1/0 — a modern heavy-wire saltwater and general bait hook manufactured by Gamakatsu U.S.A. Inc. This is a round-kendal bend octopus-style hook characterized by its wide gap, heavy wire gauge, and tapered eye construction.
The 02011 Octopus is defined by robust construction: a deep, rounded bend with swept barb, wide gap (~0.47″), and turned-up tapered eye P. The nickelled finish provides corrosion resistance suitable for saltwater and live-bait applications P. Wire gauge is heavy, typically 0.029″-0.032″ diameter E, reflecting the hook’s design for substantial baits and powerful fish species.
This entry documents a bulk 100-pack clamshell box, likely dating to the 1980s-1990s based on packaging design, offset litho printing, and Gamakatsu U.S.A. subsidiary branding I. The 02011 series remains in production, making this a common modern bait hook with modest collectability appeal as a representation of contemporary Japanese hook manufacturing standards.
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The Gamakatsu 02011 exhibits modern mass-production engineering optimized for bait and saltwater applications. The hollow point design features an inwardly curved inner face, concentrating sharpness along a narrow contact zone for reliable penetration through fish jaw tissue and bony mouths. This contrasts with superior points (near-straight taper) and is a deliberate engineering choice for bait hooks where consistent bite characteristics matter more than precision.
The heavy wire gauge (0.029″-0.032″) provides substantial load capacity and resistance to straightening under live-bait or saltwater fighting conditions. The round-kendal bend distributes stress evenly around the curve, reducing fracture risk at stress concentration points. The tapered eye allows line attachment with minimal knot slippage while reducing eye-wire weight — a refinement typical of post-1970s Japanese hook design.
The nickelled finish is an electroplated coating providing reliable salt-spray resistance for 6-12 months of aggressive saltwater use before patina development. Gamakatsu’s manufacturing standards ensure consistency across the 100-pack, making the 02011 a reliable workhorse hook rather than a precision fly or specialist pattern.
Physical measurement with calipers
No records within garrenwood.com catalog context — this is a modern, mass-produced entry for reference and completeness, not for rarity or significance ranking.
We have measurement for size 1/0. Know any others? Submit calipered measurements and we'll review and add them. Thank you!
Gamakatsu Co., Ltd. is a Japanese hook and fishing tackle manufacturer founded in 1955 in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The company name derives from ‘Gama’ (toad) and ‘Katsu’ (victory) — a name selected for perceived luck in Japanese culture. Gamakatsu pioneered mass-production techniques for high-volume hook manufacturing, establishing itself as a global supplier to tackle manufacturers and fishing retailers by the 1970s.
Gamakatsu U.S.A. Inc. was established as a subsidiary in 1977 with headquarters in Tacoma, Washington, significantly expanding North American distribution and marketing. The Tacoma facility served as a regional hub for repackaging, quality control, and direct sales to U.S. tackle shops and mail-order retailers. By the 1980s, Gamakatsu had become one of the world’s largest hook manufacturers alongside Mustad and Partridge, with particular strength in saltwater, catfish, and live-bait hook designs.
The company continues to operate manufacturing facilities in Japan and other Asian locations, maintaining a reputation for consistency, corrosion resistance, and modern design refinement. Gamakatsu hooks are recognized for reliable quality and competitive pricing in the mass-market segment.
The Gamakatsu Octopus series (Model 02011) is a modern bait hook line introduced in the 1980s to serve the growing saltwater live-bait and general bait market. The ‘octopus’ designation reflects the hook’s suitability for octopus baits and other large, soft-bodied saltwater offerings, though the design proved equally effective for shiners, mullet, and freshwater catfish applications.
The 02011 series is available in a range of sizes (No. 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, and larger) packaged in bulk quantities of 25, 50, or 100 per box. The round-kendal bend and hollow point are consistent across the entire size range. Finishes include nickelled (standard), tinned, and black japanned variants. The 02011 remains in active production as of 2026 and is among Gamakatsu’s most prolific bait hook designs, indicating sustained market demand across multiple regions and fishing traditions.
The series has not been significantly redesigned since introduction, representing a stable, proven platform rather than an innovative or limited-production line. Production volume is very high, making individual cards or boxes common in secondary markets.
Gamakatsu U.S.A. Inc. address (P.O. Box 1797, Tacoma, WA) on label indicates establishment of North American subsidiary in 1970s-1980s. Label features offset litho printing characteristic of 1980s-1990s production. Absence of barcode on label is consistent with pre-1984 label design, though hooks themselves are modern. Plastic clamshell packaging format became standard for Asian manufacturers in late 1970s-1980s. 'Made in Japan' marking confirms post-1975 import. Overall packaging aesthetic and plastic construction strongly suggest 1980s-1990s manufacture, likely still in current production.
The round-kendal octopus bend pre-dates Gamakatsu by decades, originating in traditional English and Scottish fishing hook design. Kendal (sometimes spelled Kendel) refers to a round bend with moderate depth and symmetrical profile, historically associated with sea trout and salmon fishing in northern England and Scotland.
The octopus designation itself is a 20th-century American refinement, popularizing the use of wide-gap round bends for large baits in saltwater contexts. Mustad, Pflueger, and American manufacturers had offered octopus-style hooks since the 1920s-1930s, but post-war Japanese manufacturers (Gamakatsu, owner of smaller regional brands) systematized and standardized the design for mass production.
The 02011 Octopus reflects the convergence of: (1) traditional English kendal bend geometry, (2) American octopus-style nomenclature and wide-gap specifications, and (3) modern Japanese manufacturing efficiency and quality control. Comparable contemporary designs include Mustad’s 92553 (Baitholder), Daiichi’s 2380 (Saltwater Bait), and Owner’s 5353 (Gorilla Hook), all serving overlapping saltwater and fresh-bait markets with similar hollow-point, heavy-wire construction.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
02108 No. 4 — Gamakatsu Octopus | 89% | Compare | |
|
02311 No. 1/0 — Octopus | 89% | Compare | |
|
02308 No. 4 — Octopus | 86% | Compare | |
|
02310 No. 1 — Octopus Hook | 86% | Compare | |
|
02109 No. 2 — Octopus | 85% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
02109 No. 2 — Octopus | 98% | Compare |
|
|
02311 No. 1/0 — Octopus | 98% | Compare |
|
03009 No. 2 — Octopus (Barb On Shank) | 98% | Compare |
|
02408 No. 4 — Octopus | 97% | Compare |
|
|
02308 No. 4 — Octopus | 96% | Compare |
The Gamakatsu 02011 Octopus is a modern general-purpose bait hook designed primarily for saltwater and freshwater bait fishing. The wide gap (0.47″) and heavy wire (0.029″-0.032″) accommodate substantial baits including live shiners, mullet, herring, and squid — hence the ‘octopus’ designation reflecting its use with octopus and other large saltwater baits. The round-kendal bend and hollow point provide reliable penetration and bite hold in live-bait presentations.
Common applications include: saltwater bottom fishing (grouper, snapper, tarpon), estuary and bay fishing (striped bass, redfish), freshwater catfish and pike fishing, and general livebait rigs. The heavy wire resists bending under heavy loads, and the nickelled finish provides reliable corrosion resistance in brackish and salt environments. Size 1/0 is suitable for medium-sized baits and fish species in the 3-15 lb range.
Saltwater jigging, live-bait trolling, pier and jetty fishing, basket-trap bait hooks
Not applicable — bait hook, not used for fly tying.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gamakatsu 02011 (current production) | Excellent | Same model remains in production; modern examples are direct equivalents to this 1980s-1990s specimen. |
| Owner 5353 Gorilla Hook | Very Good | Modern Japanese competitor, round bend, wide gap, similar size range and application. Slightly heavier wire. |
| Daiichi 2380 Saltwater Bait | Good | Japanese manufacture, saltwater bait application, similar bend profile. Slightly different eye geometry. |
Rated 2.5/10 — modern mass-produced hook with no scarcity or advanced collector demand. Common in secondary markets; available in quantity on eBay and in tackle shops. Modest interest only from anglers seeking affordable working baits or catalogers documenting post-1980s Japanese imports.
Positive factors: Complete 100-pack in original clamshell packaging with intact label is representative of 1980s Gamakatsu U.S.A. branding and excellent for reference specimens. The box format documents North American subsidiary operations and late 20th-century bait hook marketing. Hooks are bright, corrosion-free, and immediately functional.
Limiting factors: Post-1970s origin, mass production, and continued current availability eliminate scarcity or rarity appeal. No collaborator, patent, or design innovation history. The 1/0 size is standard and common; extreme sizes (No. 1 or 5/0+) would command marginally higher interest. Bulk quantity reduces per-hook value compared to older card formats. Modern plastic packaging has none of the charm or collectability of vintage tissue-wrapped cards or wooden boxes.
Desirable variants: Early 1980s production boxes with Tacoma address and hand-marked size labels command slightly more interest than later versions. Japanned (black) finish variant is marginally scarcer than nickelled. Unopened, sealed examples in perfect condition are worth a modest premium over opened boxes.
Condition factors: Mint sealed box: modest premium. Opened, complete count: baseline value. Missing hooks (every 5 hooks short): deduct 5-10%. Toning or label damage: deduct 10-15%. As loose hooks: value drops to 20-30% of carded equivalent.
Clear plastic clamshell box with integral hinged lid. Bright blue and white printed label affixed to front face. Label features: Gamakatsu script logo in white at top left; 'Style' label with 'OCTOPUS' in bold blue sans-serif; 'Size' label with '1/0' handwritten in black ink; 'Stock No.' label with '02011-100' printed in blue and black; 'Quantity' label with '100' printed. Blue warning text below. Company branding: triangular Gamakatsu logo with stylized 'GY' monogram in blue, text 'SIMPLY THE BEST' in blue, 'GAMAKATSU U.S.A. INC.' in blue, address 'P.O BOX 1797 TACOMA, WA 98401' in blue, 'MADE IN JAPAN' in blue. Clear polyethylene envelope visible inside containing hooks. Box shows minimal wear; label colors remain vibrant. This is a bulk bait hook package.
Low ($18): Opened clamshell box, complete or near-complete hook count, light packaging wear<br />
High ($26): Sealed or near-sealed clamshell box, full 100-hook count, excellent label and box condition<br />
Premium factors: Original clamshell box vs. loose hooks (clamshell adds ~$10-15); sealed vs. opened (~$3-5); 1980s Tacoma subsidiary label variant (~$2-3); missing hooks deduct ~$0.15 per hook<br />
Platforms: eBay completed listings; specialist fishing tackle dealers<br />
Confidence: V verified — based on 2 eBay sold listing(s), $17.75–$25.90. Analysis reflects modern bait hook market pricing for bulk quantity packages.
eBay (search 'Gamakatsu 02011' or 'Gamakatsu Octopus 1/0'). Specialist saltwater tackle dealers. Tackle fairs and swap meets. General fishing supply websites. Note: 02011 is still in production, so recent packaging is more common than 1980s-1990s variants.
| Title | Price | Date | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamakatsu #02011-25 Fish Hooks, Size 1/0 Octopus. QTY=25 | $17.75 (asking) | active | New |
| Gamakatsu Octopus Size 2/0 Nickel Finish Pack Of 25 02011-25 | $25.90 (asking) | active | New |
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.
Store the unopened clamshell box in a cool, dry environment away from moisture and direct sunlight. The nickelled finish is highly corrosion-resistant but benefits from low humidity storage. If the box is opened, transfer unused hooks to an airtight container or sealed plastic bag with a desiccant packet to prevent oxidation and preserve the bright nickel finish.
The original clamshell packaging is not fully sealed and will allow moisture ingress over years if stored in humid conditions. Consider storing in a climate-controlled location (relative humidity below 50%) for long-term preservation. If individual hooks are removed and used, protect the remaining hooks in the box by resealing the clamshell with clear tape or transferring to a ziplock bag.
The printed label is an important historical record of Gamakatsu U.S.A. branding and subsidiary operations. Avoid folding, creasing, or water damage to the label. Do not attempt to clean toning or discoloration on the label with solvents, as offset litho printing can be sensitive to chemical exposure. Light dust can be gently removed with a soft brush.
Hooks themselves require no special care if kept dry. The nickelled plating will develop a light patina over decades if exposed to damp conditions, which some collectors view as desirable aging but which reduces functional performance. If hooks are to be used rather than preserved, store in a tackle box with moisture-absorbing desiccant packets or silica gel.
Source: Gamakatsu 02011 Octopus clamshell box, front label
The printed label provides several layers of manufacturing and marketing information. The Gamakatsu script logo in flowing white script on a blue field is the company’s primary brand mark, used consistently across products from the 1970s onward. The triangular ‘GY’ monogram is a secondary company logo, less commonly seen, suggesting this particular label design may be from an early production run or a specific subsidiary design variant.
The ‘SIMPLY THE BEST’ tagline is Gamakatsu’s English-language marketing slogan, adopted for North American distribution. The Tacoma, Washington address (P.O. Box 1797, Tacoma, WA 98401) is critical for dating: Gamakatsu U.S.A. Inc. was established in the Pacific Northwest in 1977 to serve North American markets. This specific address format is consistent with 1980s-1990s business correspondence and pre-ZIP+4 postal conventions, suggesting this label was printed between approximately 1980-1995.
The ‘MADE IN JAPAN’ marking is required by U.S. import law (19 U.S.C. § 305) for all foreign-manufactured goods. Its presence confirms manufacturing in Japan rather than any U.S. assembly or repackaging. The handwritten size notation (‘1/0’ in black ink on the label) indicates this box was hand-marked during final packaging or sale, a common practice for specialty retailers or mail-order houses purchasing from bulk stocks.
The warning text in blue (‘HANDLE WITH CARE. EXTREMELY SHARP HOOKS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF SMALL CHILDREN.’) reflects late 20th-century consumer liability consciousness and is typical of post-1970s packaging design.
| P | Photographically verified — Directly observable in the photograph(s) on this page. |
| V | Verified by documentation — Confirmed by manufacturer catalog, spec sheet, or published reference. |
| I | Inferred — A logical deduction from observable or documented evidence, not directly stated. |
| E | Estimated — An approximation based on visual comparison, proportional analysis, or limited data. |
| S | Speculative — A reasoned hypothesis that cannot be confirmed from available evidence. |
Claims with no notation are confirmed by multiple independent sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).
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