| Fishing hooks are probably one of the least | | | | |
| expensive, but most important items in a | | | | Hook Finishes |
| fisherman’s tackle box. Many factors should | | | | |
| be considered when choosing fishing hooks. | | | | Although mostly a matter of personal preference, |
| | | | | a hook’s finish can be important. A bronze |
| Hook Sizes | | | | finish is most common and inexpensive, but tends |
| | | | | to rust rather quickly with use. Fishing hooks are |
| The size of the targeted fish will determine the | | | | also made from stainless steel, nickel, and |
| size of the fishing hook needed. The hook needs | | | | cadmium, all of which resist corrosion. Gold-colored |
| to be large enough to slightly protrude through | | | | or silver colored hooks are believed by some |
| the bait, but small enough to not spook the fish. | | | | anglers to attract fish, while green colored hooks |
| Fishing hook size is determined by gap, or | | | | are the least visible under water. Fishing hooks |
| distance between the inside of the shank and the | | | | also come in black finishes and blue finishes. |
| hook’s point. Fishing hooks come in a large | | | | |
| range of sizes, and are produced by many | | | | Hook Styles |
| different manufacturers. Larger hook sizes include | | | | |
| 1/0 to 6/0, with the size increasing with the | | | | Many style of fishing hooks are available, including |
| number. Smaller hooks include #1 to #14, with the | | | | Carlisle, Aberdeen, O’Shaughnessy, Egg Hook, |
| sizes decreasing as the numbers increase. Fishing | | | | Weedless, Treble, and Soft Bait Treble. Shank |
| hooks do come in smaller and larger sizes, but | | | | length, eye position, hardness, point shape, and |
| these are probably the most common. | | | | point length should also be considered. |
| | | | | |
| Hook Thickness | | | | The length of the shank will help determine the |
| | | | | type of bait to be used. Eye positions will |
| The thickness of a fishing hook will be determined | | | | determine which way a hook faces when tied to |
| by the size of the bait being used and the bottom | | | | the fishing line. The hardness will determine if the |
| conditions of the water being fished. To use small | | | | hook should be used for soft-mouthed or |
| baits, such as insects, a light-wire hook would be | | | | hard-mouthed fish. Point shape and length will |
| best. Trying to use a heavy-wire hook on small | | | | determine how well a fishing hook will penetrate |
| baits would only damage the bait. If a snag | | | | and hold. |
| occurs, a light-wire hook might straighten out to | | | | |
| free it. Catching a large fish on a light-wire fishing | | | | Using a fishing hook that is not longer than needed |
| hook may also straighten out the hook, causing | | | | for the type of bait and hooking method is |
| the loss of the fish. Heavy-wire hooks are used | | | | recommended. Choosing the right style and size |
| by most fishermen to catch large, hard fighting | | | | of fishing hook will help to increase your catch |
| fish. | | | | rate and your fun factor. |