Fishing Hooks

fishing hooks

Choosing the right saltwater fishing hook can be very difficult if you dont know what you need. There are many variables that come into play when choosing the correct saltwater hook. You need to know the species of fish you are targeting as well as the type of bait you plan on using and the method and location in which you are fishing. When you find out what fish are biting in the area you are fishing, you need to take into consideration the size of their mouths. The fish needs to be able to get the bait and hook into their mouth. Also, is their mouth soft or hard? A hook needs to be able to penetrate the skin. Remember, a thinner hook will do that easier than a thick hook. The ultimate goal is to get a hook small enough, but strong enough to catch a fish.

Hook Size

For some this can be the hardest part when choosing a fishing hook. There are so many numbers and 0's and /. What does all of this mean? Well, it is quite a simple equation. The smallest hook on the market is a number 32. The largest on the market is around a number 20/0. Starting at the smallest a number 32, and counting backwards the hooks get larger. For example a number 12 hook is larger than a number 32 hook. A number 4 hook is larger than a number 10 hook. So where do the 0's and / come into play? After the number 1 hook comes the 1/0 hook ("one aught"). The hooks now get larger as they go up. For example a number 8/0 is larger than a number 2/0. You continue this all the way up to a number 20/0 hook. Also take into consideration the thickness of the hook. Sometimes you could be using a hook that is too thick to penetrate the skin. And then you wonder why you cant seem to hook the fish that is nibbling away at your bait.

Parts Of A Hook

parts of a hook

The Eye-This is the part of the hook that the line is attached to. The ringed eyes are the most common, but there are other types too. Tapered, needle and looped are some other types. All hooks have an eye. The type varies from hook to hook.

The Shank-The shank is from the eye to the bend of the hook. There are 3 basic lengths. They are short, medium and long lengths. Short shanks are used to conceal the bait when presentation is important. Medium shanks are the most common and can be used in many fishing situations. A long shank is used when the bait is stretched out along the hook.

The Gap-The gap is the size of the bend from the shank to the point. Usually an average sized gap will work in most fishing situations. There are a few exceptions to this when a wide gap is needed, such as when using thicker baits.

The Point-This is the part that penetrates a fish's mouth. There are different types out there depending on the hook you choose. Be sure to keep your point sharp at all times or you will risk loosing your fish. Also, more expensive, high quality hooks will stay shaper longer. You get what you pay for.

The Barb-The barb is used to hold the hook in place once inside the fish's mouth. It is also used to hold your bait on the hook better.

Hook Styles

There are tons of different type of fishing hook avaliable. Some for saltwater, some for freshwater. However, there are a few that are much more popular than others. Below you will find links to each type of hook that is worth mentioning here. Just be sure that you do purchase a hook made for saltwater. Freshwater hooks will corrode quickly.

Bait Hooks

Circle Hooks

Treble Hooks

Aberdeen Hooks

O'Shaughnessy Hooks

Kahle Hooks

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