Selected size
6/0
Catalog record
- Overall Length
- 70.6 mm V
- Shank Length
- 58.8 mm V
- Bend Depth
- 16.9 mm V
- Wire Diameter
- 1.4 mm V
- Confidence
- V Catalog record only
Mustad Hooks – 3201
Mustad 3201
Mustad-Carlisle Superior Hookc. 1950-1970
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Record summary
Mustad 3201 is a Norwegian-made Carlisle bend bait hook, distinguished by its extra-long shank, bronzed finish, blind eye, and precision-marked ridges along the wire to secure live or dead bait without weakening the structure. The Superior Point geometry—a nearly straight inner taper—concentrates penetration force while the round bend distributes stress during the fight. Dating to circa 1950–1970 and produced under Mustad’s Oslo operations, the marked shank represents a focused engineering solution to the problem of gut slippage in saltwater work, distinguishing this hook from plain Carlisle patterns and establishing it as a functional staple of mid-century Norwegian commercial tackle.
Photographic record
7 cataloged imagesSelect any record to load it above.
7 images shown
Technical profile
Blind Eye | Carlisle | Extra long | Superior Point | Bronzed
- Eye
- Blind — Marked Shank
- Wire
- Standard, Round, Est. ~0.020"-0.025" (~0.51-0.64 mm) E
- Shank
- Extra-Extra Long (XXL) — Marked / Ridged
- Bend
- carlisle, Standard gap, Offset / kirbed Carlisle
- Point
- Superior (near-straight inner taper) Short, close-cut barb positioned well back from point tip P. Conservative barb angle provides secure hold without excessive penetration resistance P.
- Finish
-
Bronzed — Confirmed (stated on packaging) Rich bronze finish with excellent uniformity across both specimens P. No visible corrosion or patina development on these examples P.
Hooks show bright bronzed finish with no corrosion. Card exhibits light toning and edge wear typical of storage. Handwritten size notation appears to be dealer marking.
The superior point geometry features a nearly straight inner taper that maximizes penetration force while maintaining strength at the point. The marked shank ridges are precision-formed during manufacturing to create bait-gripping surfaces without significantly weakening the wire. The extended shank proportions provide additional space for bait presentation while maintaining the round bend geometry that distributes stress effectively during fish fighting.
Size & scale lab
Physical specimen
Catalog record
Selected size
(unspecified)
Physical specimen
- Overall Length
- 39.5 mm
- Shank Length
- 24 mm
- Gap Width
- 8.5 mm
- Bend Depth
- 9.5 mm
- Weight
- Not available
- Shank-to-Gap Ratio
- ~2.9-3.1 : 1
- Confidence
- P Physical specimen
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
Selected size
1
Catalog record
- Overall Length
- 45.9 mm V
- Shank Length
- 38.6 mm V
- Bend Depth
- 11 mm V
- Wire Diameter
- 1 mm V
- Confidence
- V Catalog record only
Selected size
3
Catalog record
- Overall Length
- 41.6 mm V
- Shank Length
- 33.6 mm V
- Bend Depth
- 10.3 mm V
- Wire Diameter
- 0.9 mm V
- Confidence
- V Catalog record only
Calibrated SVG
True-scale preview
Cumulative Records
Representative example of mid-century Mustad Key Brand packaging documentation in the garrenwood.com reference catalog.
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Sources & Documentation
Sources: this specimen and its packaging.
Historical context
O. Mustad & Son
Series History
The 3201 was introduced as part of Mustad’s numbered catalog system for Carlisle-pattern hooks, likely in the 1940s or early 1950s. The model featured the company’s superior point specification combined with marked shank ridges for improved bait holding – a technological advancement over traditional smooth-shank Carlisle hooks. The series remained in production through the 1970s before being superseded by updated models with different point geometries. The 3201 represented Mustad’s commitment to functional innovation while maintaining the classic Carlisle proportions favored by bait fishermen.
Era and Packaging Dating
Key Brand packaging with decorative border design and 'O. MUSTAD & SON' company name suggests mid-century production. Oslo address (pre-1980s), no postal codes, letterpress printing on card stock, and handwritten size notation all point to 1950-1970 era.
Norwegian Precision Marketing
The Key Brand packaging represented Mustad's premium marketing strategy for the American market during the 1950s-60s. The decorative border patterns were printed using traditional letterpress methods, with each card requiring multiple press runs to achieve the intricate star motifs. Norwegian hook makers took particular pride in their superior point geometry, which they claimed provided 30% better penetration than competing designs.
Design lineage and influence
The Carlisle pattern traces its origins to English hook-making traditions, particularly the work of Redditch manufacturers in the 19th century. Mustad’s 3201 represents the Norwegian interpretation of this classic design, incorporating their superior point geometry and marked shank innovations that became industry standards.
The long shank configuration influenced numerous subsequent bait hook designs, with competitors like Eagle Claw and VMC developing similar patterns throughout the mid-20th century. Modern equivalents continue to follow the basic proportions established by hooks like the 3201, though contemporary manufacturing often emphasizes chemically sharpened points over the traditional superior point taper.
Best matchRelated by Attribute
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
No. 1770 No. 1 — Kirby Carlisle Hooks | 83% | Compare | |
|
3574 No. 2 — Bridgeport Snapper Hooks | 82% | Compare | |
|
3202 No. 16 — Superior Carlisle Hook | 79% | Compare | |
|
4046 — Bridgeport Snapper Hooks | 77% | Compare | |
|
3705 No. 8 — Carlisle | 76% | Compare |
ExploratoryRelated by Shape (SVG)
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
552 No. 1 — Grade 552 Carlisle Fish Hooks | 83% | Compare |
|
|
3705 No. 8 — Carlisle | 82% | Compare |
|
3713 B — Carlisle Hook | 82% | Compare |
|
3190 A No. 3/0 — Superior Mustad-Carlisle Hooks | 82% | Compare |
|
3700 No. 4/0 — Mustad 3700 | 81% | Compare |
Cross-reference & comparisons
Bait Fishing
Saltwater
Primary Application
The 3201 was designed primarily for bait fishing applications where secure bait attachment and reliable penetration were essential. The marked shank ridges excel at holding cut baits, worms, and prepared baits, while the superior point ensures efficient hooksets even with barbless presentations. The Carlisle proportions make it particularly suitable for still fishing and bottom fishing techniques where the extended shank helps prevent deep hooking.
Secondary Applications
Light saltwater bait fishing, pier fishing, still fishing for panfish and small game fish
Classic Fly Patterns
Not typically used for fly tying
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 92611 | Good | Modern Carlisle with similar proportions but turned-down eye |
Collector notes
Modest collector interest due to Key Brand packaging and superior point specification, but limited by common availability.
Positive factors include the attractive Key Brand packaging with decorative border graphics and the technical specification of superior point geometry. The ‘Made in Norway’ marking and pre-barcode era dating add historical context. However, the 3201 was a high-production commercial model widely distributed through tackle shops, limiting scarcity value. The marked shank feature adds some technical interest for collectors studying bait-holding innovations.
Packaging
Blue card stock with decorative star border pattern. Letterpress printed text in black ink. Key logo with oval ring graphic. Company address listed as Oslo, Norway. Handwritten size '12' in purple ink. Shows moderate edge wear and light soiling consistent with storage handling.
Market Value Notes
Packaged examples command premium over loose hooks. Key Brand graphics add modest value. Condition of card affects pricing significantly.
Where to Find
eBay estate lots, tackle swap meets, antique shops in fishing communities, tackle collector forums
Collector's Identification Tips
Look for the Key Brand packaging with distinctive star border pattern and Oslo address. The superior point specification should be clearly marked. Authentic examples will show consistent ridge marking on the shank and bronzed finish without modern coatings.
Preservation
Storage and Preservation
Store in a dry environment to preserve the bronzed finish, which can develop attractive patina over time but may progress to rust in humid conditions. Keep the original Key Brand packaging intact as it significantly enhances collector value. Store cards flat in archival sleeves to prevent further edge deterioration. The marked shank ridges can collect debris over time – clean gently with a soft brush if necessary, avoiding aggressive cleaning that might damage the bronze coating.
Marking Analysis
Dealer Markings
The handwritten ’12’ in purple ink appears to be a dealer size marking, common practice in tackle shops of the era when inventory management required clear size identification. The handwriting style and ink color suggest this was added by the retailer rather than at the factory. Such markings can provide insight into distribution patterns and retail practices of mid-century tackle dealers.
Confidence notation key
| 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. |
Unnotated claims are the compiler’s synthesis; see Sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).