NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Helping Each Other Out => Topic started by: ChrisL on October 28, 2009, 01:28:12 PM

Title: Hook size
Post by: ChrisL on October 28, 2009, 01:28:12 PM

After loosing a few fish in the past couple days, I'm wondering if the hook size has anything to do with it.

Most of the fish being landed from the surf this week seem to range from mid 30s to mid 30s in length. 

I was using 6/0 Gami circle hooks.  Is that appropriate size for the fish that are around now?  Or is it my inexperienced retrieval technique / bad luck?  They all ran good and fought hard up till they came undone, so I can't imagine the hook wasn't set in the lip good. 

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: SurfJockey on October 28, 2009, 01:35:32 PM

Are you keeping a nice bend in the rod with constant tension?  Gotta keep that tip up.  If the line slacks up, it could give the fish a chance to loosen the hook.

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: ChrisL on October 28, 2009, 06:13:38 PM

One of them might have been due to slack, but the others felt pretty tight up till they came undone.

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: Pfishingruven on October 28, 2009, 06:52:45 PM

6/0's shouldn't be too big for that size of fish...IMO I think you could go bigger up to an 8/0.  Are your hooks sharp?  Especially those circle hooks, you want them sharp as can be.  Sometimes that is just the nature of a circle hook.  No hook set, so you can't drive that hook home...however after you come tight, and have a few cranks in, you can give it an extra setting action to make sure the hook is in the corner of the mouth good.  You just can't set on the initial take.

Good luck!

 TT^

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: Bucktail on October 28, 2009, 07:20:33 PM

Sometimes it just happens Chris. 5hrug 

I would just make sure you are not walking down to the fish when bringing it through the wash.  Always maintain your position or back up.  Once the fish is on the sand you can go down and leader it. t^

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: Bucktail on October 28, 2009, 07:29:20 PM

Quote from: Eng5Lt on October 28, 2009, 01:28:12 PM

Most of the fish being landed from the surf this week seem to range from mid 30s to mid 30s in length. 

Hmmm...  mid 30s to mid 30s huh?  Interesting. nts



Ha Ha! ;D  Just busting ya Chris!  ;)

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: ChrisL on October 28, 2009, 11:13:47 PM

Thanks for the tips guys. 
I did a little back to basics reading tonight and will try putting all the advice to use tomorrow. 

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: ped579 on October 28, 2009, 11:40:16 PM

Yeah I would have to agree with Bucktail.  Always use the backup to keep that line tight especially in the wash.  It is easier to backup than try to reel at that point.  Don't forget the wash will give the fish that little extra push towards the beach.

Happy Catching

Paul

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: Hunter 2 on October 29, 2009, 06:19:40 PM

Sometimes larger barbed hooks will help too. I use 6/0 for eels, 7/0 for clams and 8/0 for Bunker

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: ChrisL on November 02, 2009, 04:19:38 PM

I redeemed myself today.  Actually hooked and landed the target species. 
The whole time the suggestions from you guys kept running thru my head....don't walk to the water, rod tip up, keep tension.
Thanks guys t^
It was only a short, but I was happy. ;D

Title: Re: Hook size
Post by: IrishAyes on November 03, 2009, 07:49:11 AM

WTG Chris.

One more little pointer. When you reach down to grab your fish when you get it out of the water, grab the fish by the tail and grab a hand full of sand along with it. That will help you keep a grip on the fish so it does not slide out of your grasp.  t^