5 SHANK STRENGTH POINT PROFILE STEEL FORGING END Forging the hook wire gives improved resistance to opening. See page 4 1X strong, 2X strong etc. is an indication of wire thickness. The higher the «X» number, the stronger the wire. GAP/BEND The gap and shape of the hook bend impacts catch-poten- tial and resistance to opening. BARB 5 VMC® FISH HOOK ANATOMY TECHNOLOGY