{"id":16871,"date":"2026-06-14T16:41:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T16:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/?page_id=16871"},"modified":"2026-06-14T19:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T19:48:33","slug":"mustad-37160s","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/hook-reference\/o-mustad-son-hooks\/mustad-37160s\/","title":{"rendered":"Mustad 37160S"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16872,"parent":7980,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-hook-reference.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_title":"Mustad 37160S Salt Water Hook \u2014 Mustad 3\/0 Reference | garrenwood.com","rank_math_description":"Mustad 37160S Salt Water 3\/0 Sproat hook \u2014 stainless steel, polished finish, c. 1975-1985. Industrial saltwater utility hook for baitfish and striped bass.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","footnotes":""},"gw_hook_concept":[],"class_list":["post-16871","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry","has-media"],"acf":{"manufacturer":"mustad","_sub_brand":"","model_code":"37160S","hook_name":"Mustad 37160S","designer__collaborator":"","country_of_origin":"norway","size_documented":"3\/0","era_text":"c. 1975-1985","era_start_year":1975,"era_end_year":1985,"at_a_glance_summary":"The Mustad 37160S is a utilitarian saltwater hook from the 'Salt Water' series, manufactured in Norway circa 1975\u20131985 in stainless steel. Size 3\/0, Sproat bend, superior point, standard wire gauge, and turned-up tapered eye define the model. This is a functional design optimized for live-bait and natural-food presentations in inshore marine environments.\r\n\r\nThe defining physical feature is the combination of a rounded-bottom Sproat bend with a nearly straight, shallow superior point. Stainless steel construction provides corrosion resistance in salt spray \u2014 a premium innovation over conventional bronzed or blued finishes. The polished finish (confirmed by researcher) shows high luster and is brighter than typical bronzed hooks of the same era.\r\n\r\nEra evidence includes the absence of barcode, plastic clamshell packaging with color-offset label, 'Stainless Steel' material specification, and bright modern Mustad branding. Handwritten price label suggests 1980s retail environment. These indicators place production in the mid-to-late 1970s or early 1980s.\r\n\r\nCollecting significance is modest: Mustad's massive production volumes make the hook common in secondary markets, but sealed or complete original packaging examples attract casual vintage tackle collectors. Stainless steel and post-1970s manufacture limit appeal among purists who favor older Redditch craft hooks or vintage bronzed finishes. The hook is valued primarily by functional users and general tackle enthusiasts rather than serious hook historians.","spec_bar_items":"Turned-Up Tapered Eye\r\nSproat Bend\r\nStandard Shank\r\nStandard Wire\r\nSuperior Point\r\nPolished Stainless Steel","flyhooks_url":"","svg_filename":"Mustad-37160S-Hook-size-3-0.svg","filebird_folder_id":639,"flies_tied_on_folder_id":"","eye_type":"ball","eye_orientation":"turned_up","eye_notes":"","wire_gauge":"std","wire_profile":"round","wire_diameter_est":"","shank_length_category":"standard","shank_features":["plain"],"bend_family":"other","bend_notes":"","point_style":"superior","finish":"polished","finish_confidence":"confirmed","finish_notes":"","forged":false,"offset_kirbed":false,"gap_category":"standard","barb_notes":"","condition_notes":"Specimen photograph shows hook bright and corrosion-free, consistent with stainless steel construction. Packaging shows light handling wear with original label intact and legible. Handwritten price label visible. No visible oxidation or defects on hooks.","spec_line_text":"","tech_specs_notes":"The Superior Point on the 37160S is defined by a nearly straight inner taper from barb to tip, with a shallow concave face. This geometry favors penetration in tough bait and delivers reliable hook-ups with live fish. The Sproat bend's rounded bottom distributes stress evenly across the bend, reducing risk of failure under hard-fighting fish. Standard wire gauge in size 3\/0 provides balance between strength (sufficient for 10\u201320 lb game fish) and workability (easily bent by hand when necessary for rig adjustments). Stainless steel construction sacrifices the superior corrosion resistance of forged carbon steel in freshwater environments but is essential in salt water, where conventional finishes (bronzed, blued) would pit and fail within weeks of heavy use.","hook_ply":false,"barbless":false,"measurements_available":true,"measurement_method":"physical_caliper","size_measured":"3\/0","overall_length":"~1.31\"-1.35\" (~33.3-34.3 mm) (P)","shank_length":"~0.93\"-0.97\" (~23.6-24.6 mm) (E)","gap_width":"~0.63\"-0.67\" (~16.0-17.0 mm) (P)","bend_depth":"~0.39\"-0.41\" (~9.9-10.4 mm) (E)","wire_diameter_measured":"~0.11\"-0.13\" (~2.8-3.3 mm) (E)","shank_gap_ratio":"~1.4-1.5 : 1","weight":"","measurement_notes":"Overall length and gap width confirmed by physical caliper measurement by researcher. Shank length, bend depth, and wire diameter estimated from grid analysis using confirmed overall length as calibration reference. Grid alignment is clean; measurements have moderate confidence. Recommend physical caliper verification for shank and bend dimensions.","cumulative_records_note":"","manufacturer_history":"O. Mustad &amp; Son was founded in Oslo, Norway in 1832, eventually relocating manufacturing to Gjovik (Gj\u00f8vik) where the primary hook factory operated from the mid-1800s onward. By the 20th century, Mustad became the world's largest industrial hook manufacturer, supplying both recreational and commercial fishing markets globally. The company standardized hook nomenclature and manufacturing processes, establishing the 'model number' system that became industry standard. Norwegian manufacturing combined precision forging with high-volume production, allowing Mustad to undercut British Redditch competitors on price while maintaining consistent quality.\r\n\r\nThe Mustad 'Salt Water' line emerged in the 1970s as recreational saltwater fishing expanded in North America and Europe. Stainless steel hooks were a premium innovation, addressing corrosion problems in marine environments. The 37160S Sproat pattern in stainless steel represented a pragmatic balance between cost and durability for commercial and charter boat operations.","series_history":"The Mustad 37160 series (and its stainless variant, 37160S) belongs to the broader 'Salt Water' product family introduced in the 1970s. The Sproat bend was chosen for the salt water line because its rounded bottom geometry is forgiving with live bait and natural-food presentations in rough conditions. Size 3\/0 is the workhorse utility size in saltwater fishing, sitting between the lighter size 2\/0 (for smaller game fish and specialized inshore work) and heavier 4\/0-6\/0 (for big game and offshore species). The 37160S stainless variant was introduced to address rust and corrosion issues that plagued conventional bronzed or blued hooks in prolonged salt exposure. The design remained in production through the 1990s and is still offered in modern Mustad catalogs, making it one of the company's longest-running models.","named_collaborator_bio":"","era_dating_reasoning":"No barcode present is a strong pre-1974 indicator, but the plastic clamshell packaging format, 'Stainless Steel' material specification (popularized 1970s+), bright color-printed label with modern Mustad branding, and handwritten price point ($18.95) are all consistent with 1975-1985 retail environment. The absence of full UPC barcode but presence of REF number suggests transition period or regional variation in packaging standards. Paper stock and offset print quality support late 1970s-early 1980s production.","fun_fact":"","fun_fact_title":"","manufactured_size_range":"","hook_sizes":[{"size_label":"3\/0","size_sort_key":-3,"size_documented":true,"size_confidence":"P","overall_length_mm":"","overall_length":"~1.31\"-1.35\" (~33.3-34.3 mm) (P)","shank_length":"~0.93\"-0.97\" (~23.6-24.6 mm) (E)","gap_width":"~0.63\"-0.67\" (~16.0-17.0 mm) (P)","bend_depth":"~0.39\"-0.41\" (~9.9-10.4 mm) (E)","wire_diameter":"~0.11\"-0.13\" (~2.8-3.3 mm) (E)","weight":"","shank_gap_ratio":"~1.4-1.5 : 1","measurement_method":"physical_caliper","svg_override":""}],"spec_bar_short":"","design_lineage":"","related_models":[{"model_code_related":"37160S","description":"Mustad Salt Water Sproat, stainless steel, this model","relationship":"this_model","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"37160","description":"Mustad Salt Water Sproat, bronzed finish, earlier variant (if produced)","relationship":"variant","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"9175","description":"Mustad Salt Water O'Shaughnessy, stainless steel, contemporary competitor pattern","relationship":"companion","related_model_url":""}],"primary_application":"The 37160S is a utilitarian saltwater hook designed for heavy-duty baitfish and crustacean presentations in marine and brackish water. The stainless steel construction provides corrosion resistance in salt spray environments. Size 3\/0 sits at the standard working range for striped bass, bluefish, snapper, and similar inshore game fish. The Sproat bend and superior point geometry favor live bait rigging and natural presentations in strong current.","secondary_applications":"Saltwater spinning tackle, boat fishing, chummed bait presentations.","fly_patterns":"Not typically used for fly tying.","modern_equivalents":[{"hook_model":"Mustad 3407S","match_quality":"very_good","equiv_notes":"Modern stainless steel Sproat, size 3\/0, same bend profile, updated eye construction","modern_equivalent_url":""},{"hook_model":"Owner Mutu Light","match_quality":"good","equiv_notes":"Contemporary saltwater Sproat in stainless, slightly lighter wire, similar size range and application","modern_equivalent_url":""}],"hook_type_application":["bait","saltwater"],"collectability_rating":3.5,"collectability_summary":"Rated 3.5\/10 \u2014 common in most size ranges due to massive Mustad production volumes, but sealed or complete examples in excellent condition attract casual collectors. Stainless steel and modern (post-1970s) manufacture limit appeal among vintage hook purists who favor Redditch craft hooks or older bronzed finishes.","collectability_detail":"<strong>Positive factors:<\/strong> Complete original clamshell packaging with intact label header adds real appeal to general tackle collectors. The 'Salt Water' branding evokes the golden age of recreational saltwater fishing expansion (1970s\u20131980s). Stainless steel material is functionally superior to bronzed hooks and has historical interest as a material innovation. Size 3\/0 is a classic utility size with broad historical use. Unused, sealed examples command premium over loose hooks.\r\n\r\n<strong>Limiting factors:<\/strong> Mustad's industrial production runs in the millions; these hooks remain abundant in the secondary market and tackle shops. Stainless steel lacks the aesthetic charm of vintage bronzed or blued finishes among serious collectors. Post-1970s manufacture places the hook outside the 'vintage' era (pre-1960s) that many collectors prize. Size 3\/0 is common across all manufacturers and eras \u2014 no rarity in size. The hook is purely utilitarian with no design distinction or historical notoriety.\r\n\r\n<strong>Most desirable variants:<\/strong> Sealed clamshell packages in mint condition; cards with all 100 hooks present; examples with clear, unfaded label printing. Earliest production examples (mid-1970s, if dateable) are slightly more sought than 1980s variants.\r\n\r\n<strong>Condition factors affecting value:<\/strong> A sealed package commands 2\u20133\u00d7 the price of an opened, partial package. Missing hooks reduce value proportionally (missing 10 hooks = roughly 10% value reduction). Label fading or moisture damage on the clamshell significantly reduces appeal. Rust, corrosion, or discoloration of hooks themselves is uncommon (stainless) but catastrophic to value if present.","rarity":"uncommon","market_value_low":10,"market_value_high":22,"market_value_notes":"Low ($10): Good condition (opened clamshell, most or all 100 hooks present, minor packaging wear, hooks bright).\r\nHigh ($22): Excellent\/Mint condition (sealed or near-sealed clamshell, all 100 hooks, label sharp and unfaded, no defects).\r\nPremium factors: Sealed packaging, complete hook count, sharp label printing, early production (mid-1970s dating), excellent hook finish.\r\nPlatforms: eBay (US and UK), general tackle dealers, occasional vintage fishing tackle sales.\r\nConfidence: (V) verified \u2014 Based on eBay sold data (May 19, 2023 \u2013 May 18, 2026), avg $14.76, range $2.19 - $128.13. Wide range reflects variation in package completeness and condition; values anchored to mid-range sold prices for good\/excellent condition examples.","where_to_find":"Regularly available on eBay (search 'Mustad 37160S' or 'Mustad Salt Water 3\/0'). Vintage tackle dealers on both US eBay and eBay.co.uk stock examples frequently. Tackle auctions and estate sales occasionally offer sealed boxes. Local tackle shops with vintage inventory may have opened cards at lower prices.","collector_id_tips":"","packaging_format_code":"mustad-clamshell-001","packaging_description":"Molded transparent polycarbonate clamshell (roughly 4\" \u00d7 6\" \u00d7 0.75\" depth) with integral hinged lid. Paper label header card adhered to the front, printed with bright blue band containing 'Mustad' logo and 'SALT WATER' trademark text in white. Orange side stripe runs the width of the header. Printed text shows: REF 37160S \/ SIZE 3\/0 \/ QTY 100 and 'STAINLESS STEEL' in black sans-serif type. Hooks are visible through clear plastic and secured by plastic tray insert. Price label present (handwritten in pencil: $18.95). No barcode visible. Paper stock is medium-weight white bond; print method appears to be color offset lithography.","packaging_condition":"good","ebay_sold_listings":null,"ebay_history":{"ebay_date_range":"May 19, 2023 \u2013 May 18, 2026","ebay_avg_price":"14.76","ebay_price_range":"$2.19 - $128.13","ebay_avg_shipping":"5.02","ebay_total_sellers":"52","ebay_data_notes":""},"meta_title":"Mustad 37160S Salt Water Hook \u2014 Mustad 3\/0 Reference | garrenwood.com","meta_description":"Mustad 37160S Salt Water 3\/0 Sproat hook \u2014 stainless steel, polished finish, c. 1975-1985. Industrial saltwater utility hook for baitfish and striped bass.","page_intro_paragraph":"The Mustad 37160S is an industrial-grade saltwater hook manufactured in Gjovik, Norway, representing the practical design philosophy that dominated marine fishing tackle from the 1970s onward. This Sproat-bend, superior-point model in stainless steel was engineered for live-bait presentations targeting striped bass, bluefish, snappers, and coastal game fish in harsh salt-spray environments. Size 3\/0 occupies the standard working range for inshore charter boats and commercial operations. The 37160S epitomizes mid-century Mustad's manufacturing approach: high-volume precision production, functional geometry over aesthetic refinement, and material innovation (stainless steel) addressing real-world durability problems. Complete original clamshell packaging in bright Mustad blue branding is moderately collectible among casual vintage tackle enthusiasts, though the hook itself remains common in secondary markets.","primary_search_terms":"Mustad 37160S, salt water hooks, Sproat bend, stainless steel hooks, vintage saltwater fishing, 3\/0 hook, Mustad hooks","image_1_alt":"Mustad 37160S Hook \u2014 profile view showing Sproat bend and superior point geometry \u2014 size 3\/0 \u2014 polished stainless steel finish \u2014 on measurement grid","image_2_alt":"Mustad 37160S packaging \u2014 front label showing brand, product name, reference number, size, and quantity specifications","image_3_alt":"Mustad 37160S package \u2014 full clamshell view showing plastic container with adhered label and visible hooks inside","image_4_alt":"","additional_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"preservation_tips","title":"Storage and Preservation","content":"Stainless steel hooks are highly resistant to corrosion and require minimal active preservation. Store the clamshell package in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight, which may fade the label printing over time. Avoid contact with strong acids or alkaline cleaners, which can degrade the polished finish. If the package becomes exposed to moisture, dry it promptly to prevent label adhesive breakdown or plastic warping.\r\n\r\nLoose hooks can be stored in paper envelopes or small glass vials to minimize handling. Original packaging adds substantial collecting value \u2014 preserve the clamshell and label intact if possible. Handle the label carefully to avoid creasing or tearing the paper; the bright color printing is attractive but can show fingerprints. If hooks are removed for use, store remainder on original card rather than loose to maintain collectability and provenance.\r\n\r\nThe stainless steel material will not rust or pit under normal household conditions, unlike bronzed or blued hooks. However, the polished finish may develop light patina or surface oxidation if exposed to moisture for extended periods. This patina is not harmful to the metal and can be polished away if desired, though many collectors prefer to leave original surfaces undisturbed."},{"acf_fc_layout":"handwriting_analysis","title":"Price Marking and Provenance","content":"A handwritten price label is visible on the clamshell (Image 3, upper left): '$18.95' in pencil. The handwriting is informal, characteristic of retail markup from the 1980s. This price point is consistent with mid-1980s tackle shop retail markup for a 100-count package of stainless steel saltwater hooks. The price marking suggests the package was originally purchased at retail and has remained in private hands rather than in a commercial inventory system.\r\n\r\nThe absence of barcode, UPC, or dealer inventory codes (other than handwritten price) indicates this example predates widespread computerized point-of-sale systems in small tackle shops. The handwritten price is primary evidence of retail provenance during the 1980\u20131990 period."},{"acf_fc_layout":"primary_source_analysis","title":"Printed Specifications and Material Claims","source":"Mustad 37160S packaging label, c. 1975-1985","content":"The packaging makes explicit claim: 'STAINLESS STEEL.' This specification was a significant marketing point in the 1975\u20131985 period, as stainless steel was a relatively premium material for recreational fishing hooks. Most saltwater hooks of the 1950s\u20131970s were either bronzed (warm brown finish) or blued (cool grey-blue oxidized finish), both of which required regular maintenance in salt environments.\r\n\r\nThe printed reference number '37160S' uses the suffix 'S' to denote stainless steel in Mustad's nomenclature system. The model 37160 in other finishes (e.g., bronzed) would have been cataloged separately. This naming convention reflects Mustad's systematic approach to product differentiation by material and finish \u2014 a key competitive advantage in the industrial hook market.\r\n\r\nQuantity specification '100' indicates packaging intended for commercial fishing operations, charter boats, and high-volume tackle retailers. Boxes of 50 or 25 hooks were more typical for general retail; 100-count packaging signals this is a 'professional' or 'commercial' version marketed to trade customers."}],"is_snelled":false,"snell_material":"","snell_grade":"","snell_length":"","snell_attachment":"","snell_color":"","snell_count":"","snell_condition":"","snell_condition_notes":"","snell_card_format":"","snell_card_style":"","snell_notes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16871","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16871"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16876,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16871\/revisions\/16876"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16871"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"gw_hook_concept","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/gw_hook_concept?post=16871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}