A good fish hook is essential to a successful day on the lake. A good fish hook catches a fish and keeps it attached to the line during retrieval. Hooks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, but the best hooks are effective at presenting the bait and catching a fish without injuring it more than necessary.
O'Shaughnessy
O'Shaughnessy fish hooks are named after the O'Shaughnessy family that began making hooks in the late 18th century. The original O'Shaughnessy hooks were hammered and forged with a barb made from metal. Later, the hooks were cut out and bent. O'Shaughnessy hooks are characterized by a strong bend; they can be used for saltwater or freshwater fishing. Andy Hahn of "Sport Fishing" magazine says the hook's design and tight bend holds fish better because it reduces the likelihood the hook will rotate and fall out of a fish's mouth during retrieval. Some manufacturers, including Mustad, Gamakatsu and Eagle Claw, have produced O'Shaughnessy hooks with a deeper bend that points sharply toward the shank. This deeper bend provides an increased hook-set ratio and keeps fish on the hook.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen fish hooks are the standard J-shaped hook that has been the choice of anglers for decades. Designed primarily for freshwater fishing, Bass Pro Shops recommends Aberdeen hooks because they are made of a thin metal that you can easily attach bait. Aberdeen hooks also cause minimal damage to the fish, making them a good choice for catch-and-release fisherman. Aberdeen hooks are good in dense cover because the hook slides through the cover or can be pulled free with pressure.
Circle
Circle hooks are characterized by a circular bend, short shank and inward bend. Bait anglers choose circle hooks because they prevent fish from being hooked in the gut. After a fish is hooked, it naturally turns away from the boat; the circle hook is designed to slide through the fish's mouth or jaw. Circle hooks eliminate the need for a hook set and let start reeling once you feel a fish on the line.
Weedless
Bass Pro Shops recommends weedless hooks as the best for fishing in weeds or dense vegetation. Weedless hooks have a plastic or wire guard from the point to the eye. Weedless hooks, however, aren't 100 percent weedless. What they are, are the best hooks for fishing in vegetation.
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