Of all the different types of tackle used by anglers, few things are as critical to successful fishing as the hook. Once a relatively simple device, today's fishing hooks now come in an often confusing array of shapes and sizes. Each hook is specifically designed for a certain type of fishing and knowing about them will help to use the best hook for the job, whether fishing for the smallest panfish or the largest billfish.
Live Bait Hooks
When fishing with live bait certain types of hooks are more accommodating. Octopus style, O'Shaughnessy and straight shank hooks are among the best choices for minnows, cut bait, worms, shrimp, fish eggs and other forms of life bait. Some of these have reversed barbs along the shank of the hook to prevent the live bait from slipping off.
Artificial Bait Hooks
Artificial bait hooks are specifically designed to hold plastic worms, lizards, grubs and other soft plastic baits. These hooks often have offset bends toward the top of the shank and allow the tip of the plastic bait to fit closely to the eye of the hook, while allowing the rest of the hook to remain exposed. This allows the point of the hook to be inserted into the bait, concealing it. Aberdeen, Sproat and Kahle hooks are best suited for use with artificial baits.
Weedless Hooks
Weedless hooks are the best type of hooks for fishing in areas where vegetation is thick. These hooks have a special guard made of plastic or wire that extend from the top of the shank outward to the point of the hook. The plastic acts as a spring that protects the hook from snagging. When the fish bites on the hook, the guard collapses, allowing the hook to be set.
Circle Hooks
Gaining in popularity in the last few years, circle hooks are the best choice for catch and release. These hooks are designed to catch the fish in its flip or the corner of its mouth when the hook is set. Other hooks, when set, may become deeply hooked in the fish, causing damage beyond the fish's ability to survive. Circle hooks are much easier to remove safely allowing the fish a better opportunity for survival.
Manufacturer Hooks
Manufacturer hooks, sometimes called specialty hooks, are best for artificial lures, often providing a foundation for their construction. These include jig heads, double or treble hooks, and hooks that are weighted with lead or aluminum cast directly onto the hook itself.
Fly Fishing Hooks
Fly fisherman require hooks that are thin and light, yet strong. They often vary in size and shape to accommodate the type of insect or other bait animal being imitated. Wet fly hooks that sink tend to be heavier while dry fly hooks are made of lighter material. Often, fly fishing hooks are barbless or come with barbs that can be easily flattened for barbless fishing.
Manufacturers
Fishing hooks are available from a number of different manufacturers, each with their own signature style. Gamakatsu, Eagle Claw, Mustad, Owner and Daiichi currently dominate the market. Tiemco Corporation focuses exclusively on providing hooks for fly fishing. These brands are commonly available at sporting goods stores and tackle shops.
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