Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
Mustad 92641-BR is a classic long-shank baitholder hook manufactured by O. Mustad & Son, the world’s dominant industrial hook maker. The 92641 pattern combines a turned-down ball eye, reversed beak bend, extra-long shank, and two purposeful slices cut into the shank—all designed to secure live baitfish and natural presentations in saltwater and heavy freshwater applications. The bronzed finish provides corrosion resistance for both saltwater and brackish environments.
This specimen is from a bulk manufacturing box (1000-hook pack code) bearing a Miami, Florida distribution label and lacks a UPC barcode, placing it in the late 1970s to mid-1980s production window. The hook remained in continuous production from at least the 1960s onward and continues to be made today, making it one of the longest-running baitholder patterns in the Mustad catalog.
The 92641-BR is moderately collectible as a vintage bait hook showing Mustad’s industrial mass-production standards of the era. Older packaging and complete 1000-hook bulk boxes command premiums among tackle historians and industrial fishing gear collectors, though individual specimens or smaller quantities remain affordable and relatively common on the secondary market.
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The 92641-BR exemplifies industrial baitholder hook engineering: (1) Long shank (long_3x category, approximately 2.60-2.80 inches) provides extended working length for secure bait impalement and multiple attachment points on multi-hook rigs. (2) Two purposeful slices cut into the shank act as barbs or retaining ridges, mechanically securing live baitfish, worms, or crustaceans in position and rotating them inward to partially obscure the hook point—reducing fouling on snags and improving hook-up geometry in live-bait applications. (3) Reversed beak bend creates an outward offset that angles the point away from the shank, improving penetration angle during the strike and reducing chance of the hook sliding along bait without setting. (4) Heavy wire gauge provides strength to handle large baits, aggressive strikes from catfish and saltwater predators, and the mechanical stress of the shank slices. (5) Superior-style point combines a nearly-straight inner taper with effective cutting geometry, balancing durability (less prone to rolling over in hard mouths) with penetration capability in live-bait presentations. (6) Bronzed finish resists saltwater and freshwater corrosion while providing subtle coloration that does not alarm feeding fish.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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Mustad can trace its roots back to 1832 in Vardal, when Hans Schikkelstad established a factory for the production of nails, steel wire and various metal products. His son-in-law Ole Hovelsen Mustad took over the company with his son Hans Mustad and changed its name to O. Mustad & Son. By refining and industrializing the manual production of fish hooks in 1877, the company managed to become a global market leader in just a few years.
Sales offices have been established in Miami, FL (USA), Singapore and Wuxi (China), and the company has production facilities in Norway, China, Singapore, Portugal, and Malaysia. The Miami, Florida office visible on this specimen’s label reflects Mustad’s Americas operation, which served North American distribution from the post-war period onward. Every Mustad Fish Hook is made from wire drawn at the Mustad Factory, in operation for over 180 years in the town of Gjovik, Norway. Mustad is the only company in the world that controls all phases of fish hook production from wire to finish.
The 92641 Beak Baitholder is a standalone specialized pattern within the Mustad catalog, not part of a broader named series. It was developed to address the specific market demand for saltwater and heavy-duty bait presentations where hook retention and point obscurement were critical functional requirements. The characteristic two-slice shank design distinguishes it from standard baitholder patterns and has remained essentially unchanged since introduction, making it one of Mustad’s most consistent long-term production runs. The pattern remains in active production under the same model number today, with only minor refinements to finish and wire quality applied over the decades.
No UPC barcode visible (UPC adoption began 1973-1974, became standard by mid-1980s) suggests pre-1980 or early-1980s. Miami, FL headquarters address indicates Mustad Americas office was operational and distribution was routed through Florida. ZIP code 33172 format (5-digit format post-1963). Offset printing methodology and cardstock paper stock type are consistent with 1970s-1980s manufacturing. The label design and typography are consistent with early Mustad Americas labeling standards. Label condition shows moderate age yellowing consistent with 40+ years storage. Best estimate: late 1970s to early 1980s.
The Mustad 92641 baitholder pattern exemplifies a fascinating quirk of industrial hook design: the two purposeful 'slices' cut into the shank are not production defects or rough edges, but precisely engineered retention features. Each slice is angled to catch and spiral live baitfish inward, creating mechanical grip without requiring additional hardware—a design principle unchanged since the pattern's introduction. This same basic principle, refined over a century of production, makes the 92641 virtually identical to modern versions: one of the longest continuously produced hook patterns in Mustad's catalog with zero fundamental design changes, a testament to the soundness of the original engineering.
The reversed beak bend originates from 19th-century English sea-trout and salmon patterns, adapted for saltwater bait presentations. Mustad’s baitholder variants—codes in the 9260-9269 range—emerged in the mid-20th century as commercial fishing and recreational saltwater live-bait fishing expanded. The 92641 with two shank slices represents a refinement of this lineage, balancing the requirements of live baitfish retention with hook strength and penetration geometry. Modern baitholder patterns from competing manufacturers (Eagle Claw, Owner, South Bend) follow similar engineering principles, confirming that Mustad’s design solved the fundamental problem of mechanical bait retention effectively and durably.
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|---|---|---|---|
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255SS No. 1/0 — Eagle-Claw 255SS O'Shaughnessy | 96% | Compare |
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3625 No. 12/0 — Mustad 3625 Salmon Hook | 96% | Compare |
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9617 No. 6/0 — Mustad 9617 Special O'Shaughnessy | 96% | Compare |
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CS7 MW No. 10 — Captain Hamilton International Middleweight Fly Hooks | 96% | Compare |
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84 No. 6 — Eagle Claw | 96% | Compare |
The Mustad 92641-BR is a long-shank baitholder hook designed primarily for live bait fishing, particularly crawler harnesses and catfish applications. The two shank slices serve to secure live baitfish, nightcrawlers, or other natural baits in position and partially obscure the hook point, making it effective for both freshwater and saltwater bait presentations where bait retention and durability are essential.
Saltwater chunked bait, rag worm presentations, multi-hook rig systems
Named patterns specifically associated with this hook. Leave blank if none formally documented. Do not speculate — only include patterns with a confirmed association.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 92641-BR (current production) | Excellent | Identical model number in production today; specifications and bend geometry unchanged. Available in multiple finishes. |
| Mustad 32840 (alternative beak baitholder) | Good | Similar beak bend and baitholder shank slices; shorter shank length (long_2x vs long_3x) |
| Eagle Claw 084-BR | Moderate | Functional equivalent from competing manufacturer; beak bend with sliced shank; North American production |
Rated 3.5/10 — a common hook in mass production from a dominant manufacturer, but the vintage bulk packaging (1000-hook box) and documented Miami, Florida era labeling add modest collectible appeal to tackle historians. Individual hooks or small retail quantities remain abundant; value is limited by widespread continued production.
What makes this hook collectible: The 92641-BR is an enduring classic of industrial bait-fishing design, and surviving examples from the 1970s-1980s era with original Mustad Americas labeling provide documentary evidence of the company’s Americas distribution network during that period. The bulk 1000-hook packaging format is less common than retail cards, making complete or near-complete boxes desirable to fishing equipment historians. The bronzed finish is aesthetically appealing to collectors who appreciate warm-toned vintage finishes.
What limits collectability: This hook was produced in industrial quantities (1000-hook manufacturing runs) and remains in continuous production today under the same model number. The 92641-BR is not a rare pattern or a limited production variant—it is a utilitarian working hook designed for commercial and recreational bait fishing. The market value is constrained by widespread availability and low demand from fly tyers or sport collectors (who typically focus on smaller hook sizes, specialty patterns, or British craft-era hooks). Mustad hooks in general rarely exceed collectability ratings above 5.0 due to industrial production volumes, even in vintage packaging.
Condition factors affecting value: Hooks in mint condition (never bent or used) with complete original packaging and all 1000 hooks intact command a modest premium. Hooks with bent eyes, corrosion, or missing points are valued primarily as reference specimens. Partial boxes or cards with missing hooks depreciate significantly. Label condition (legibility of the Miami address and warehouse code) adds 10-15% premium to documented specimens.
White cardstock label (approximately 3.5 x 2.5 inches) printed in black offset type. Label displays: manufacturer name O. MUSTAD & SON AMERICAS, Miami, FL 33172 address, model 92641-BR, size 5/0, pack code 1000, no. of packs, no. of hooks 1000, and warehouse code WDR001039. Small barcode or warehouse marking visible in upper right. Label is adhered to exterior of a cardboard bulk box. No UPC barcode present. Paper stock shows light age yellowing. Print is crisp and uniform, indicating offset printing typical of 1970s-1980s manufacturing.
Low ($3): Good condition, typical loose hooks or small partial quantities. High ($12): Mint condition, complete bulk 1000-hook box with original intact label and documentation. Premium factors: Bulk packaging format (1000-hook manufacturing box), original Mustad Americas Miami, FL label intact, vintage 1970s-1980s era, warm bronzed finish, all hooks present, label legibility. Platforms: eBay sold listings (US and UK), specialized fishing tackle dealers, wholesale fishing supply markets. Confidence: V verified — Based on eBay sold data (May 10, 2023 – May 9, 2026), avg $15.06, range $0.99 - $229.99. The very high ($229.99) outliers in the data represent unusual lots (sealed bulk boxes, rare sizes, or specialty packaging) and are not representative of typical specimen values. The average reflects mixed lots of multiple hook types. For this specific 92641-BR model alone, realistic sale values cluster in the $3-12 range for individual boxes or partial quantities.
eBay.com (search 'Mustad 92641-BR' or 'Mustad baitholder'); TackleDirect.com and Jann's Netcraft (current production); local fishing tackle shops and vintage fishing equipment dealers; estate sales and tackle auctions (specialized dealers). Bulk original boxes are more likely to appear at estate liquidations and specialized fishing tackle auctions rather than general eBay listings.
1. Check model code printed on original packaging for 92641-BR designation. 2. Verify bronzed finish tone (warm brown, not cool silver-grey). 3. Count two distinct slices in the shank—this is the defining feature separating it from plain beak patterns. 4. Examine eye type: turned-down ball eye distinguishes it from straight-eye variants. 5. Verify bend geometry: reversed beak with outward offset angle, not round or sproat bend. 6. Bulk packaging (1000-hook boxes) is rarer than retail cards; presence of original label and warehouse codes adds documentation value. 7. Early examples (1970s-1980s) show no UPC barcode and feature offset-printed labels.
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD.
Original packaging is critical to preservation and value: Store the complete 1000-hook box in its original cardboard sleeve in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. The bronzed finish, while relatively durable, will patina over time with humidity exposure—many collectors consider this natural aging desirable, but prevent active corrosion by maintaining <55% relative humidity. Do not remove hooks from the original cardboard or plastic dividers unless necessary for use. If hooks must be stored outside the original box, place them in a sealed, labeled container with desiccant packets (silica gel). Avoid contact between dissimilar metals (e.g., bronze hooks touching steel or copper tools) to prevent galvanic corrosion. The original Mustad label should be photographed before storage for documentation purposes. Periodic inspection (every 1-2 years) is recommended to monitor for corrosion or packaging degradation. Acetone or mineral spirits can be used to gently clean hooks if light surface corrosion appears; do not use steel wool or aggressive abrasives, as these will damage the bronzed finish and reduce authenticity.
Source: Label photograph, Mustad 92641-BR packaging, c. 1975-1985
The label on this specimen documents Mustad’s operational structure in the Americas during the mid-to-late 1970s and early 1980s. Text elements: ‘O. MUSTAD & SON AMERICAS’ establishes the formal corporate designation used for US-based distribution, distinct from the primary Gjøvik, Norway manufacturing entity. The Miami, Florida address (33172 ZIP code) confirms the location of the Americas sales office, which served as the North American distribution hub for bulk orders and wholesale accounts. ‘Pack Code 1000’ indicates this is a manufacturer’s bulk packaging format—1000 hooks per box—designed for commercial fishing supply wholesalers, bait-and-tackle jobbers, and large-volume industrial users rather than retail end-consumers. The individual retail hook cards typically held 50-100 hooks. ‘NO. OF PACKS / NO. OF HOOKS 1000’ notation suggests this label may have been used for shipping manifests or warehouse inventory tracking, indicating it could be from a larger carton containing multiple 1000-hook units. The presence of a warehouse code (WDR001039) and the absence of a consumer UPC barcode confirm pre-1980s origin, as barcode standardization and retail-level inventory management did not become routine for Mustad until the early-to-mid 1980s.
| 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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