I don't know what caused their demise a few years ago, but I'm glad that I managed to secure a decent supply of their carp hooks before they vanished, as they are among the best out there.
Ashima produced quite a vast range of hooks, including match hooks for coarse fishermen, but the patterns that stick in my mind (and my tacklebox!) are the RDS2, RDS3 and the C310.The Ashima RDS2 and RDS3 carp hooks are, essentially, the same hook. The only difference is that the RDS2 is a barbed carp hook and the RDS3 is a barbless carp hook. The pattern is the same. I joked, many years ago, that I could probably tow my boat with the RDS2 and RDS3 hooks and I still maintain that that's a possibility. And I'm not talking about a baitboat! These carp hooks are exceptionally strong – if you manage to break one, you should seriously think about entering World's Strongest Man!
The RDS2 and RDS3 are the hooks I often choose when fishing a water that is known to hold big carp, especially if it is weedy. You can fish them in total confidence, knowing that your line or rod is more likely to let you down than your hook. I managed to get a few in size 4 and 6, which is ideal for the type of carp fishing situation they're used in.
The C310 is a lot more subtle hook, although it is also very strong. Finished in a dark black colour, this straight forward no-frills hook is also very good for barbel, tench and big bream. It's probably the carp hook that I use the most....I'm dreading the day when I look down and see that I only have one left!
I'm always wary when recommending people to buy something, but would never hesitate to tell somebody to use the patterns mentioned above. They'll definitely be regarded as among the all time classic carp hook and the tackle trade is a lonelier place without Ashima.
I rarely sell Ashima Carp Hooks myself, but it may be worth typing 'Ashima' into the search box at the top of this page and seeing if anyone else is desperate enough to part with some!
Elton Murphy – http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/
October 2008