I loved the hook or claw shot. Only used it in Twilight Princess (clawshot), but when you get two of them...it's awesome!
Yes that was one of my fav objects in OoT.
Ocarina of Time is imo the best Zelda game without a doubt.
Windwaker was pretty good too.
I didn't like Majora's Mask very much due to the whole "time is running out" thing. I don't like being pressured, and I love to just take my time and explore. Did finish it once, though.
I was too young to fully appreciate the older Zelda games, I think, but I gave them a shot at least.

(Reference to the first game

)
After playing OoT, nothing compares.
The time running out was never a problem for me, because it lasted for ages if you slowed it down. Plenty of time to explore new areas you unlock but I can see how its not always appealing.