What is a reef hook?
It is a stainless steel hook approximately 4"/10cm long, attached to a
6 ft/2m rope, a bag and a clip or snap ring. You secure the snap ring
to one of the D rings on your BCD.
Why use a reef
hook? Some of the dive sites in Palau (such as Blue
Corner, New Drop Off, Peleliu Corner etc.) have strong
currents (which attract the big fish and sharks). The reef
hook enables you to secure yourself to the reef without any
effort and without damaging the pristine
reef.
How does it work?
While reaching the desired spot on the reef to observe the action, we
locate a rock or part of the reef that has no corals and literally hook
the reef hook to it. The current will keep the line stretched and both
your hands will be free (ideal for photographers). You can put some air
in your BCD to float above the reef, however remember to dump it before
you unhook!
Where to buy
it? Invented in Palau by Francis Toribiong, the founder
of Fish 'n Fins, the reef hook can be found in many dive shops
around the world. Fish 'n Fins offers stainless steel reef hooks
for $19.95 that will not rust and will accompany you on many
dive expeditions to come.