Choosing the Right Fishing Hook
When I’m out fishing or browsing my local tackle shop, I often get asked, “How do you know what’s the right hook to use?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated either. To clarify, let’s break down the choice of hooks into three main categories: pan fishing, bait fishing, and fishing with plastic baits (like tubes, creature baits, and worms).
Fishing Hook Sizes for Panfish
Panfish typically include species like bluegill, bullhead, crappie, perch, rock bass, and white bass—essentially any fish small enough to fit in a standard frying pan. Anglers targeting panfish often employ a bobber and hook to present various baits, such as crickets, earthworms, red wigglers, mealworms, or small minnows.
These baits can also be fished directly on the bottom. For pan fishing, hooks (such as Aberdeen hooks or standard bait keeper hooks) generally range from size 8 for smaller fish (approximately 6-10 inches long) to size 6 for larger panfish, like bullhead and white bass.
Bait Fishing
Bait fishing for species like catfish, carp, bass, pike, walleye, and trout typically requires slightly larger hooks due to the size of the fish and their preferred bait. For these species, hook sizes generally range from 4 to as large as 3/0 or 4/0, depending on the size of the bait being used.
Here are some recommended hook styles for bait fishing:
- Bait Keeper Hooks: Ideal for worms and cut bait, these hooks feature a small barb or keeper to hold the bait securely in place.
- Circle Hooks: These hooks are excellent for live or cut bait presentations, as they are designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing the chance of deep hooking and increasing the likelihood of a successful catch and release.
- Kahle Hooks: Similar to circle hooks, Kahle hooks work well for various baits and are particularly effective for live bait fishing.
- Treble Hooks: Best suited for dough bait presentations, treble hooks offer multiple points to increase the chances of hooking a fish when using softer baits.
When selecting a hook for bait fishing, consider the type and size of your bait, as well as the species you’re targeting, to ensure optimal results on your fishing trip.
Plastic Baits
Fishing with plastic baits necessitates specific hook styles and sizes that can range from size 8 up to size 7/0, depending on the target species and presentation method used. Here are some recommendations for various plastic bait presentations:
- Worms and Stick Baits: For these types of baits, an offset worm hook in sizes 1/0 to 4/0 is ideal. The offset design allows for weedless presentations, making it easier to navigate through cover without snagging.
- Tubes and Creature Baits: When fishing with tube baits or creature baits, hooks in the range of 2/0 to 4/0 perform exceptionally well. These hooks provide the strength needed to handle larger fish while ensuring a secure attachment to the bait.
- Finesse Presentations: For finesse-style fishing with smaller stick worms (3, 4, or 5 inches), hooks in sizes 8 to 6 are excellent choices. These lighter hooks allow for a more natural presentation, which can be crucial in situations where fish are being selective.
Selecting the right hook size and style for your plastic baits is essential for maximizing your success on the water. Adjust your choice based on the specific conditions and fish you’re targeting to achieve the best results.
The Exact Size of Hook
Choosing the right hook size is crucial for effective fishing and should be matched to the bait or artificial lure you’re using. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that at least 50% of the hook’s point is exposed—or will be exposed—when the fish takes the bait. This maximizes your chances of a solid hook set.
For example, if you’re fishing with rubber baits that are ½ inch in diameter, using a size 8 hook may not yield many successful hookups. The excess plastic could obstruct the hook point from penetrating the fish’s mouth effectively. Therefore, it’s important to find the right balance between the hook size and the bait.
This process often requires some trial and error, but don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Most reputable tackle stores and bait shops have knowledgeable staff who are eager to help you make the best selection based on your target species and the desired presentation.
Live Bait Fishing
The same principles apply when fishing with live or cut bait for game fish. Selecting a hook that is appropriately sized is crucial—not only must it be large enough to securely hold the bait, but it should also facilitate a good hook-up when a fish bites.
Matching the hook to your rod, reel, and line is equally important. Smaller hooks are typically thinner in diameter and require lighter lines and rods to avoid straightening or bending the hook during a hook set or while fighting a fish. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way a few times when trying to land larger fish with a light wire hook, which can lead to frustration and lost catches. Remember, your fishing reel is equipped with a drag system, so don’t hesitate to use it effectively to manage the fight.
For anglers targeting species like bass, pike, and musky, several companies offer super line hooks designed specifically for use with no-stretch braided lines. These hooks have a larger diameter and are engineered to withstand the impacts of hook sets with braided lines, making them a valuable addition to any angler’s toolkit.
Another important yet often overlooked consideration is a small file or hook sharpener. Keeping your hooks sticky sharp aids considerably in the strike to hook set ratio and especially so when bait fishing on the bottom. It’s important to periodically check your hook point throughout the fishing day and if you notice any kind of a bur or bend on the hook point simply touch it with a good sharpener.
Fishing Hook Size Chart
To assist in your hook selection the following chart of fishing hook sizes is provided.
Until next time, catch your limit and limit your catch to keep only what you can eat and free the fighter for another angler on another day.
Original Article By Burnie Haney
About The Author
Burnie Haney is the Garrison Chief of Operations at Fort Drum NY, Chairman of the Jefferson County Sport Fish Advisory Board, B.A.S.S. Life Member, Public Relations Officer and Sponsor Product Coordinator for the NY BASS Chapter Federation. He is a member FLW and Pro Staff member for Bass Pro Shops Nitro Boats, US Reel, Temple Fork Outfitter Rods, Lucky Craft Lures and VRX Fishing Products. Haney holds three National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Line Class World Records (carp, steelhead, Chinook salmon) and one IGFA NY State Line Class Record (walleye). Get in touch with Burnie at burniehaney.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
