My answers are the same as Vic (arrowsmit). I switched to a deep hook a few years ago--almost didn't try it because it just didn't make sense to me that I could get a good release that way (had trouble with it for a long time). Finally tried it, and it works great. For one, it's consistent, and consistency is the goal. It's also more comfortable. One thing to keep in mind it don't try to let go of the string; just relax your fingers and let the string shove them out of the way.

As for Tred, I've only seen a couple of his shows. Entertaing enough, but not to the point that I've bothered to be sure and catch them again (but I don't watch much TV anyway).

Chad