Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
O. Mustad & Söe model 92618 Beak Hook, size 9/0. Forged reversedoffset point, extra-extra long shank, straight ball eye. Nickelled finish. Pack of 100 hooks in original manufacturer box. Intended for heavy saltwater bait fishing and trolling applications.
The Beak bend is a specialized saltwater form characterized by a pronounced rightward (reversed) offset that positions the point well clear of the bait mass and shank. Standard wire gauge combined with the extended shank length (nearly 4.5″) makes this a heavy-duty pattern for large baits and commercial trolling rigs.
Production era c. 1955-1970, based on packaging construction, logo style, and nomenclature. The presence of original manufacturer box in excellent condition substantially increases collectability over loose hooks or cards. Mustad Beak Hooks are moderately common but size 9/0 in original packaging commands attention from tackle historians and saltwater bait-fishing specialists.
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Straight / Inline Ball Eye | Beak / Reversed Point | Extra-Extra Long | Standard Wire | Beak / Reversed Point | Nickelled / Nickel-plated
The forged wire profile flattens and work-hardens the steel, increasing tensile strength and resistance to bending under load. This is essential for size 9/0 bait hooks, where heavy fish and coarse handling demand durability. Standard wire gauge (approximately 2.5-2.8 mm) provides a balance between strength and penetration—heavier than modern competition rigs but lighter than traditional codfish patterns.
The reversed (rightward) offset geometry seats the point clearly to the right of the shank, creating stand-off distance from large baits. This prevents the bait from dulling or deflecting the point and ensures the barb seats properly on take. The narrow gap (relative to hook length) reflects the design’s suitability for firm-mouthed fish where barb depth rather than gap width determines hold.
The straight (inline) ball eye accommodates heavy mono or braided snells without the rotation stress that downturned eyes create. Nickelling provides superior corrosion resistance in salt environments compared to bronzing or bluing.
Known manufactured size range: 9/0 V
Physical measurement with calipers
This pattern was made in sizes 9/0 (V). We have measurement for size 9/0. Know the others? Submit calipered measurements and we'll review and add them. Thank you!
O. Mustad & Söe (Mustad & Sons) was founded in 1832 in Gjovik, Norway, by Ole Mustad. The company became one of the world’s largest industrial hook manufacturers by the mid-twentieth century, operating from its headquarters in Oslo with subsidiary factories and distribution networks across Europe and North America. Mustad developed a reputation for precision manufacturing and aggressive product innovation, introducing specialized patterns for saltwater, salmon, and commercial bait fishing throughout the twentieth century.
The Key brand trademark (a circular device with a key symbol) was registered by Mustad and appears on packaging and hooks as a quality mark. By the 1950s, Mustad controlled roughly 40-50% of the global hook market, with production facilities supporting both direct retail sales and supply to major tackle distributors.
The Norwegian manufacturing base gave Mustad access to high-quality wire stock and allowed the company to maintain tight quality control. Production in Norway continued until the 1970s, when labor costs and market consolidation prompted gradual relocation of manufacturing to other territories.
The Mustad Beak series dates to the early twentieth century as part of Mustad’s expansion into saltwater tackle. The model 92618 (Beak, size 9/0, extra-long shank) appears in Mustad catalogs from the 1950s onward as a standard stock item for commercial and recreational saltwater bait fishing. The Beak line included sizes from approximately 1/0 to 9/0, with shank length variants (standard, long, extra-long) available as separate model codes.
The series remained in production through the 1960s and into the 1970s, though market preference gradually shifted toward lighter wire gauges and more compact bend geometries as modern saltwater fly patterns and spinning reels reduced demand for heavy forged bait hooks. The Beak was ultimately discontinued as a specialty item when Mustad consolidated its saltwater line to higher-volume models.
No significant design changes occurred during the documented production run. The Beak maintained its original specifications: forged wire, reversed offset, straight eye, and nickelled finish throughout its catalog life.
No barcode present on packaging, indicating production before 1974. Mustad logo style (Key brand device) is consistent with Mustad's trademark usage in the mid-twentieth century. Box construction in kraft paperboard with printed label is typical of Mustad packaging from the 1950s-1970s. Typography and ink color (black text with red capitals for product name) align with Mustad's printing standards of that period. The notation "Qual." (Quality) followed by model code appears on mid-century Mustad packaging, later replaced by simpler model references. The use of "SÖN" (with diacritic) in "MUSTAD & SÖN" was gradually phased out in favor of anglicized "MUSTAD & SON" during the 1960s-1970s, suggesting earlier end of range. Handwritten size notation in blue ink on box suggests pack-date marking, consistent with 1950s-1960s practices. Overall evidence points to c. 1955-1965 as most likely production window.
By the 1950s, Mustad supplied roughly 50% of the hooks used in commercial saltwater fishing worldwide. The Beak series was part of this industrial expansion—designed not for sport fishing but for trolling operations, hand-line bait fishing, and commercial maritime use. A single large trawler might carry thousands of Beak hooks in multiple sizes. The extra-long shank and reversed offset geometry reflect decades of feedback from commercial fishermen who needed a hook that would hold massive baits and handle the brutal work of deep-water trolling. Today, these same hooks appeal to modern anglers pursuing large saltwater species, but their original market was industrial fishing supply, not retail sport tackle.
The Beak bend is an older Mustad form, reflecting the company’s historical focus on saltwater and commercial bait-fishing rigs. Reversed-offset hooks originated in traditional English bait-fishing patterns and were adopted by Mustad as the company expanded its saltwater line in the early-to-mid twentieth century. The Beak was positioned alongside the O’Shaughnessy and other reversed forms in Mustad’s catalog as a specialized tool for trolling and live-bait applications where the extreme offset kept the point clear of the bait.
The extra-long shank variant (model 92618) represents Mustad’s systematic approach to sizing—extending the shank for larger baits and clearer hook sets in tough-mouthed saltwater species. Later production shifted toward more compact designs and lighter wire gauges as modern drag systems and tackle design evolved.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92626 No. Sizes 1, 5, 8, 10 visible on card (V) — Mustad 92626 Beak Hook | 73% | Compare | ||
| 92625 No. 1, 5, 8, 10 — Mustad 92625 Beak Hook | 67% | Compare | ||
|
3301 R No. 5 — Mustad-Chestertown Hooks 3301 R | 66% | Compare | |
|
92616 No. 3 — Mustad-Beak Hooks | 65% | Compare | |
|
3576E No. 4 — Mustad 3576E | 64% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
31868 No. 8 — Mustad-Carlisle Hooks | 99% | Compare |
|
3909 No. 2 — Mustad 3909 | 99% | Compare |
|
31885 — Carlisle Hooks | 98% | Compare |
|
36862 No. true — Limerick Hooks | 97% | Compare |
|
3298 No. 7 — Mustad-Chestertown Hooks | 97% | Compare |
The Mustad Beak (model 92618) was designed for saltwater and heavy bait fishing applications. The reversed offset point and extra-long shank geometry suit large baits and trolling rigs where the extended shank provides stand-off distance from the bait mass and allows the point to maintain clarity and penetration. The forged construction and nickelled finish provide durability in salt environments.
Rated 4.5/10 — Moderately collectible. The original manufacturer box in excellent condition substantially elevates value above loose hooks or card stock equivalents. Size 9/0 is moderately common but more scarce than smaller sizes. Collector demand is present among saltwater bait-fishing historians and Mustad specialists but remains below the level of rare Redditch craftwork or named-designer patterns.
Positive Factors: Original rigid manufacturer box is rarer than card-stock packaging and commands a 2-4x premium. Box condition is very good with intact lid, complete label, and all 100 hooks present. The model is a documented Mustad specialist form with clear historical application. Nickelled finish is highly desirable for salt-water collectors. Size 9/0 represents the upper end of typical bait-hook sizing and appeals to trolling and commercial-gear historians.
Limiting Factors: The Beak form, while specialized, is not rare in the Mustad catalog—production volumes were substantial for mid-century commercial fishing applications. Modern interest in bait-hook collecting is smaller than interest in vintage fly hooks or classic Redditch patterns. Complete original boxes reduce the novelty factor compared to rare card variants. The specialized application (saltwater bait fishing) limits appeal to fly tyers or trout anglers.
Desirable Variants: Smaller sizes (1/0, 2/0) are scarcer than 9/0 and command modest premiums. Original boxes with all hooks intact are essential to strong valuation. Variants on braided snells (if any) would be significantly rarer and more collectible. Hand-notated boxes with fishing records or vintage tackle shop provenance add narrative value.
Condition Drivers: Box integrity (lid closure, label legibility, structural soundness) is the primary value determinant. Missing hooks substantially reduce value. Surface toning and handling wear are acceptable in vintage boxes; aggressive cleaning reduces authenticity. Original tissue wrap, if present, adds 10-15% premium.
Rigid manufacturer box with separate lid. Natural kraft paperboard construction with printed label on top surface. Label text printed in black and red ink on white background. Box dimensions approximately 5.5" x 3.5" x 1.2". Top label shows manufacturer Key logo (left), model qualification "Qual. 92618" (center), hand-drawn beak illustration (right), product name "Mustad-Beak Hooks" in red capitals, description line "Forged Reversed Ringed Nickelplated / Special long shank Special bend", manufacturer imprint "O. MUSTAD & SÖN / Oslo - Norway" (center-bottom), and quantity "100" (right). Size marking "No. 9/0" in handwritten blue ink near bottom-left. Printing method appears to be letterpress or offset. Paper stock shows moderate age toning and handling wear. Box lid shows light surface wear and minor creasing. Original tissue wrap not present or visible.
Low ($12): Good condition — box intact with minor wear, all hooks present and usable, label legible.<br />
High ($28): Very good/Excellent condition — box lid closes securely, label sharp with no fading, all 100 hooks pristine.<br />
Premium factors: Original manufacturer box (vs. loose or card), complete hook count, size 9/0, intact label, box structural integrity.<br />
Platforms: eBay (US and UK), vintage tackle dealers, online auction platforms focused on saltwater gear.<br />
Confidence: E estimated — limited comparable sales data for boxed Mustad Beak in this size; estimate based on typical mid-century commercial hook box valuations and saltwater bait-hook market trends.
eBay (US), eBay UK, tacklebox.co.uk, vintage saltwater tackle dealers specializing in commercial or trolling rigs. Less commonly seen at general fly-fishing tackle shows; more likely at coastal tackle fairs and saltwater-focused specialty markets. Fishing heritage museums and institutional collections occasionally hold examples.
Verify the model code “92618” and product name “Mustad-Beak Hooks” printed on the box lid label. Check for the Key brand logo (circular device with key symbol) on the left side of the label. Confirm the hand-drawn beak hook illustration on the right of the label. Verify “Forged Reversed Ringed Nickelplated” and “Special long shank Special bend” descriptive text. Confirm manufacturer imprint shows “O. MUSTAD & SÖN” and “Oslo – Norway”. Size notation should appear in handwritten blue ink. Count the quantity marking “100”. Original box should be rigid kraft paperboard with printed label; later variants may appear on card stock or in different label formats.
| 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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