Let's talk hooks!

[adesai73]

So many styles, brands and sizes out there and there doesn't seem to be any sort of standard.  Not one that I can see, at least.

What do you use all the different types for?  I've picked up on the fact that the circle hooks tend not to gut hook fish, improving their survival rate upon release.  Beyond that, I'm not so sure what I'm looking for or not looking for.

[gymrat987654321]

when chunking bunker for bluefish I use a size 6/0-8/0 baitholder. For fluke I use 4/0.

[adesai73]

are those sizes standard across the range of manufacturers?  maybe i'm not looking hard enough, but it seems to me that there's no real, hard and fast standard that all the hook makers use when assigning sizes.

also, what is the 6/0, 8/0, whatever/0, a measure of, if anything?

[gymrat987654321]

idk i think they are all pretty close. The smallest hook is i think size 16(used for really small bluegill and such) and that goes down to size 1. size 1 being bigger than sizes 2-16. then size 1/0 is bigger than 1 and size 2/0 is bigger than 1/0 and so on.

[Luna Sea 5]

whatever the style.. Gammies.. all the way

[adesai73]

idk i think they are all pretty close. The smallest hook is i think size 16(used for really small bluegill and such) and that goes down to size 1. size 1 being bigger than sizes 2-16. then size 1/0 is bigger than 1 and size 2/0 is bigger than 1/0 and so on.

thanks for clearing that lil' mystery up!  very helpful post.

[wingshooter]

here hope trhis link helps


http://www.fishing-blog.co.uk/fishing-tackle/fishing-hooks-%e2%80%93-shapes-and-sizes/

[adesai73]

quite helpful, thanks!  does that page cover most of the basic hook styles that are available?  also, what they call an abderdeen hook...is that similar to an english hook?

[ped579]

Hi Ash,

You had me thinking on this one for the simplest way to explain it but in doing so I found a site that explained it in very simple terms.  There are two pages and it is a good start.  I hope this helps.  But the bottom line comes down to trial and error.  Enjoy the journey.

http://saltfishing.about.com/od/tackleandaccessories/a/aa060531a.htm

Happy Catching

Paul

[adesai73]

Cool article, Paul, thanks.  I think you're spot on about trial and error.  So much tackle and terminal tackle choices out there that it probably, with some guidance, comes down to what works for the individual fisherman.

Journey restarts on 3/1!  Can't wait...!

[ped579]

I am so ready, I'm bursting at the seams.

Are you planning on going out?  The 1st is a Sat.  That should make for an interesting weekend.  All the beaches should be packed with guys feeling the same way. 

I was planning on doing some scouting the back part of IBSP on the bay side and trying some bucktails or even some fly patterns back there.  The water will be cold but who knows what could be lurking in the warmer shallows.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Hunter 2]

I'm going to try using circle hooks, I purchased some Gamakatsu hooks in red.

[eagleyankfan]

About 2 years ago I started "playing" with circles.  Capt. Lou Grazioso introduced me to them with good success.  Last spring, I started using them from the surf and continued the success.

They take a bit to get the feel down for them.  The hardest thing is to not set the hook which is strange.

Good luck.  I don't mind circles at all.

[ped579]

I use circle hooks from the surf exclusively.  Especially if I have non fisher persons out.  Dead sticking so to speak.  I set them up with a full rigged outfit and tell them once they see the pole bend over do not jerk the pole but just to start to reel slowly at first and once they know the fish is hooked it is OK to reel faster.

I have not lost a fish on since switching over.

I would recommend using the circle hook especially if you plan on catch and release.  Even if not there are a lot more under sized fish that you will be releasing why risk the fishes life by gut hooking when there is a solution that works as great as this hook does.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Capt.Dave]

For General fishing the Octopus style hooks are my favorite.  Any of the major brands in their super sharp models are effective.  Right now the most popular brand at least in my store is Gamakatsu.  If the red color helps out i'm not sure, but I usually use them because I don't think it hurts and they are pretty. 

Circle hooks defiantely have their place and they are being made the only legal choice more and more.  From the surf or dead baiting they are probably the best choice.  For large live baits i have found that they don't turn properly if hooked in a normal fashion.  I've had more luck with the octopus hooks.  There is supposed to be much better hook up with big baits if you bridal the baits and keep the hook on the outside.

For big clam baits and chunks for stripers the Mustad bait holders are the only ones that are available in 8/0 and 9/0.  These are great hooks, but they are not as sharp out of the box as the specialized super sharp hooks so if you are out to hook them all you should touch them up with a file.

[ped579]

Good advise.  I don't think the red has any effect on anything except our senses.  Red is the first color to be lost under water anyway.  So it will appear almost black or a very dark shade of gray.

I always carry a  hook sharpener with me it is good practice to do an occasional sharpening especially if you are catching fish on that hook.

I have also gotten into the habit of crimping down on the barb because I release all my personal catches.  If anyone that goes fishing with me I give them the option.

Chemically sharpened hooks are great but they cost more and as I sharpen them anyway I always buy conventionally sharpened hooks unless I can get a deal.

Off the surf I will use anywhere from a 3/0 to 9/0 offset circle Gami, depending on the average size of the fish that are running.  If I am going for that cow well lets say, I'm out there to catch fish and if a big hook is not catching I will switch to a smaller hook just to keep on catching.

If I use the circle hook for a teaser fly I will switch to a in-line circle only because it gives a better presentation.  But most of my teasers are on a long shank O’SHAUGHNESSY or KAHLE.

Happy Catching

Paul

[ped579]

If you are not sure what a Kahle hook looks like here is an example.

The main difference between this hook and the circle is that the point of the hook is pointing toward the hooks eye where the circle hook is pointed more inward toward the shank.

The Kahle hook will give you more gut hook ups than the circle that is why I only use them sparingly and only on teasers with short leaders.

Paul

[eagleyankfan]

try the in-line circles 

[ped579]

In-line circles are Ok but I find of the surf and with newbie anglers the offset works better.  I seem to get more hook ups. 

In-line circle hooks seem to work best for offshore large bill fish.  I know they will work on other species but I have found that the offset still work better for me.

Paul

[blynch]

Cirle hooks make hooking big baits difficult, especially nose-hooking big fatback bunker.  I generally prefer to go with big, red hooks in like a 7/0 or 8/0 size.  Baitholders  can be nice but they restrict the hook to various limited uses like clamming and chunking.  For livelining, my favorite bass strategy, no baitholders is better.  Double offset is nice.

On every lure i use fir bluefish, i replace trebles with single hooks.  It makes everything much easire and safer.

For fluke, i like 4/0 or 5/0 sickle hooks.  they make the bait run better underwater.