Fishing Hook Buyers Guide

Traditional fishing hooks were made using sharp shells and bones, so there were not many choices available at that time! But contemporary hooks are made using a variety of materials and come in different shapes and styles.

You cannot buy just any hook for fishing, as it should be ideal for the species you are targeting and the water where you want to fish. It can be challenging to choose the best fishing hook, and that's why this buyer's guide is here to help!

With this fishing hook buyer's guide, you can purchase a suitable hook to get more catches. Go through the article to know about the factors and tips to keep in mind when buying and using fishing hooks.

Why is this buying guide important?

Most of you will think that why reading a guide is important to buy a small thing like a fishing hook. While fishing, everything is dependent on the hook. From bait stability to catching the fish and resisting corrosive elements in the water, a hook has to go through a lot to fill your basket with fish.

This buyer's guide is essential to but the best fishing hook. For your ease, we have classified all the pointers so you can quickly navigate through the article to get the important information.

Factors to consider when buying fishing hooks

Below is a list of factors that you should consider before clicking the buy now button. Fishing hooks are available in a plethora of styles and with different points and edges.

Where do you want to fish?

If you are planning to fish in saltwater, then go for hooks designed for saltwater. These fishing hooks come with an anti-corrosion coating that enhances the hook's life while adding more durability to it.

On the other hand, for freshwater fishing, go for hooks that are specially manufactured for the purpose. You will find a variety of hooks coated in lacquer, or metallic colors such as bronze, tin, nickel, and gold.

Most anglers don’t pay attention to this factor and end up using a freshwater fishing hook in saltwater, which reduces the hook’s life. If you want to fish in both water, then buying multiple hooks is a great idea.

The type of fish you want to target

Here's another essential factor some anglers ignore while buying fishing hooks. If you are targeting bigger fish species like swordfish and marlin, then buy a bigger hook that's strong enough to withstand the aggressiveness and resistance of the fish.

If you are teaching your kids how to fish, then small fishing hooks should be your choice. Buying a small hook to catch a bigger fish can be disastrous as the fish can break the hook in no time.

Types of fish hook

Fish hooks are available in different types, and each type is suitable for various tasks. From beginners to professionals, the type of hook is different for all. Go through the list of different fishing hook types explained below to find out which type will be ideal for you.

Worm hooks

Worm hooks are excellent for bass anglers for tough fighting. As it is evident from the name, these hooks are great for using with worms. The point penetrates deeper into the worm's flesh, making it suitable for bass fishing.

Also, you can use this hook for Texas rigging, which is a popular fishing technique. You can use these hooks with different sizes of worms depending on the fish species you want to target. The common sizes available in worm hooks vary from 5/0 to 2/0.

Treble hooks

These fishing hooks have three legs embedded together to look like an eye. There are three J-hooks molded together to improve the hold and grabbing power.

You can use these hooks on bucktail jigs and crankbaits to catch pike or muskie. For targeting bass or walleye with treble hooks, go for size 2/0 to 1/0. The hooks are excellent to hold the fish, so make sure to buy the right size.

If you are fishing just for fun and looking to release the fish after catching, then these hooks aren't good for you. The hook penetrates deeper into the fish's mouth, so it will be difficult to remove it.

Baitholder hooks

It can be a real challenge to keep wiggling and slippery live bait on a fishing hook, as it can get released into the water. But with a baitholder hook, it is possible due to its longer shafts and the barbs that keep the live bait sticking to the hook while attracting the fish.

You will find multiple options when buying these hooks as these are available pre-tied to the line or as snells. Bass anglers love to use baitholder hooks to catch minnows and shiners.

If you want to target walleye, then using these hooks will be beneficial. Go for snells with size ranging from 8 to 10 for the best results.

Double hooks

Double hooks are similar to treble in terms of design, but these have only two points, or J-hooks molded together. The hooks are excellent for bait like floating frogs or other soft plastic baits with a thick body.

The hook has a great grab, so it becomes hard for the fish to spit out the bait. With a double hook, there are more chances of getting the fish hooked so that you will have full control over it.

Circle hooks

These hooks have a circular design, so termed as circular fishing hooks. Anglers use the hooks for live bait fishing as these improve the chances of hookups while preventing gut hooking fish. Whenever the fish strikes the bait, the hook slides out of the throat, and the barb penetrates once the hook reaches the corner of the fish's mouth.

The hook established a solid hookup while pivoting safely into the mouth. When you lift the rod after the fish swallows the bait, the hooks come out of the throat and settle on the corner of the jaws while hooking up the fish.

Circle fishing hooks offer a better grasp over the fish, so you should use them while using live bait.

Weedless hooks

Weedless hooks can save you time and money when fishing across the heavy covers such as weeds, rocks, stumps, and logs. You will come across a plethora of techniques to make your existing hook weed-proof, but weedless fishing hooks have the edge over these hooks.

The hook comes with a light wire wrapped around it that makes it suitable for fishing across weeds, trees, logs, and lily pads. After the fish strikes the hook, the wire compresses and exposes the hook point to hook it up.

Jig hooks

These are simple fishing hooks that are available in various shapes. Jig hooks are made using a variety of metals such as lead that gives it durability. You can use them with soft plastic or live baits based on your requirements and the fish species you want to target.

You will find a small collar on the jighead that assures holds the plastic bait more securely, so you can attach it easily on the hook.

J hooks

If you are targeting a fish species that take the bait gradually and not in one strike, then J hooks are perfect. These are ideal for catching bass or panfish as these fishes are slow and remain in the place after swallowing the bait.

Anglers consider J-hooks one of the best because they are old, and the shape is ideal for catching fish. The barb attached to the hook improves the chances of catching the fish. Make sure that the barb isn't pointing inwards.

However, there is a downside associated with these hooks, so you should be aware of it. If you choose the hook of the wrong size according to the fish, then there are chances that the fish will swallow it, which can lead to death.

Aberdeen hooks

These hooks are manufactured with lighter wire, making them ideal for bait fishing. The wire is thin so you can attach the bait easily, and it will stay alive. Also, if you need a hook for catch-and-release, then Aberdeen hooks should be your choice, as it doesn't penetrate deeper into the fish's mouth.

King Kahle hooks

King Kahle hooks are ideal for fishing with large baits or cutting bait. The unique bend on the hook prevents the bait from coming off while the hook point remains exposed for the fish. If you have used a J hook previously, then you won't face any problems setting this hook.

It is suitable for catching catfish due to its size, design, and strength.

Swimbait hooks

You will find these hooks useful when fishing with swim baits. The hook helps the bait float on the water, and that's what you want. These hooks come with a screw or shank near the eye. The weight of the hook gives a natural movement to the bait.

Lastly, setting up the hook requires the same technique as setting up a J hook.

Shiner hooks

These hooks are smaller in size as compared to King Kahle hooks, but the bend remains the same. If you want to catch largemouth bass with hooking baits such as shiners, and minnows then get these hooks with you.

It'd be easier for you to identify the hook's right size, depending on the size of the shiner you want to use with it. The average size available in the shiner fishing hook is 5/0.

A pro tip: Some manufacturers call them Kahle hooks as the design is the same, and there is a difference of size only. So check the size to ensure that you are buying a shiner hook.

Siwash hooks

You will find these hooks useful with single-hooked baits. The straight eye and long shank make them perfect for the bait, and you can even use them in place of treble hooks. Some areas restrict the use of treble hooks since these have multiple points so that siwash hooks can be a great substitute.

Octopus hooks

These are short fishing hooks with a bend and round shank that isn’t as prominent as circle hooks. You can use these hooks for bait fishing for a natural presentation. Also, these hooks are suitable for cut bait for salmon or catfish.

You will find a range of metallic colors and paints when buying octopus hooks.

Types of points

With continuous innovation, fishing hook manufacturers have developed a few types of points for fishing hooks. After selecting the type of hook, you should select the type of point.

Rolled-in point

The rolled-in point has a design that minimizes the pressure required to set the hook. The aligned or rolled-in point targets towards the eye, which exert pressure on the catch. Fishing hooks with these points are excellent for species that thrash or jump as you bring them near the surface.

Needle point

You can easily guess from its name why it is called a needlepoint. The sides of the point are evenly tapered and round, so these thwack into the skin of the catch.

Hollow point

The pint forms a curve as it is rounded from the base to the tip of the barb. You can use hooks with a hollow point to catch fish that fight delicately or soft-mouth crappie.

Spear point

The spear point has an edge like a spear, so more pressure is required to penetrate the hook.

Material

The material used to manufacture the fishing hook should be of good quality to withstand the force exerted by the fish and the rod. Also, the material should be corrosion-resistant so that it lasts longer without getting damaged.

The common material used to manufacture fishing hooks is high carbon steel. Most manufacturers even use a dura-steel coating to make the hook even sturdier. Always look for trusted brands when shopping for fishing hooks to get the assurance of quality material.

The shank

The part between the first bend and eye is known as the shank. There are three sizes available in shanks i.e., long, short, and regular. Hooks with long shanks are ideal for large predators such as the fish with sharp teeth.

You will feel the advantages of a long shank while removing the hook from the fish's gullet. Due to the longer shank, it becomes easier to remove the hook.

Hooks with regular shanks can be used for any purpose, and that’s why these sell the most. You can use the hook to catch small and large fish. Lastly, fishing hooks with small shanks are good for fly fishing. Also, you can use them for catching panfish, especially the species that are easy to spook.

The eye

The direct link between the line and the hook is known as the eye. There are four types of eye available in fishing hooks.

Needle eye

The needle-like point of the hook makes it ideal for penetrating deeper into the live bait, and you can use them for vertical presentations. Anglers prefer to use these hooks for fishing in saltwater.

Ringed eye

You will find a ringed eye in most of the fishing hooks, as it is a good option for most applications. You will find a ringed eye on various lure and bait hooks.

Looped eye

These hooks have an oval shape that extends to the bend along with the shank.

Tapered eye

Similar to the ringed eye, hooks with the tapered eye are thinner and suitable for fry flies.

Hook quality

Always pay attention to the hook quality so that you have a decent experience with it. Fishing hooks should have a dull-resistant tip, so there is no need to sharpen it multiple times. Moreover, these should be strong and flexible to prevent breaking apart or getting damaged when you are in the middle of a tussle with the fish.

Hook sizes

Choosing the right-sized fishing hook is essential, as it is one of the most significant factors. Small hooks are hard to detect for the fish, so these can lead to gut hooking (death of the fish due to swallowing the hook).

However, small hooks have many advantages, such as easy to set, cast farther, and no or fewer impacts by the currents. The size of the hook should depend on the species you want to target.

When choosing the size, make sure that you are aware of the numbers. Hooks with bigger numbers i.e., 30, 32, are smaller and vice versa. If you need a big hook, look for fishing hooks with small numbers such as 0, 2/0, etc.

Also, check the thickness of the hook since it is a part of the size. Some fishing hooks can be very thin while you will find some thick counterparts as well.

A pro tip: Every manufacturer has different hook sizes, so it’d be better to look for the size before buying.

Value

Look for fishing hooks that reward you with the true value. Buying a hook by following all the aforementioned factors will help you select the best-value hooks. Moreover, don’t forget to check customer ratings and reviews to ensure that the hooks are of good quality.

A handful of tips for using fishing hooks

Keep in mind these useful fishing tips to make your experience even better.

• Be quick and careful while removing the hook, while pushing and twisting it to remove the hook on the go.
• Use de-hooking or pliers if the hook is deep into the fish’s mouth.
• To prevent gut swallowing, cut the line from inside the mouth, and don't try to remove the hook as it can kill the fish.
• To release all the three points of treble hooks, remove one at a time.

FAQs: Best Fishing Hooks

Q: What’s the best hook size for trout fish?

A: We recommend using hooks with size ranging from 4 and 8 when fishing for trout in ponds and lakes. Make sure to add weight to the hook for better outcomes.

Q: How to care for a fishing hook?

A: Taking care of the hook will help you enhance its longevity, and the hook won't break easily while fishing. Rust is the biggest enemy of the hook, so you should keep it clean before packing it into the tackle box.

Get a magnifying glass to inspect and scrutinize small fractures, wears, and corrosion. Also, use sandpaper to sharpen the points and clean the rust. Keep the hooks in separate compartments so that you don’t get confused.

Lastly, rinse and clean the hook to make sure that it doesn’t catch rust easily.

Q: Can I use freshwater-specific hooks in saltwater?

A: We don't recommend using freshwater-specific hooks in saltwater as the hook is prone to rust. You should get multiple hooks to use in different water types.

Q: How to bait a hook?

A: Most anglers follow their own methods of baiting the hook. If you are a beginner, then you should learn how to do it the right way to make the presentation look natural.

Hold the hook in your left hand and attach the bait using the right one. The baiting process will vary depending on the species you want to target.

Baiting the hook needs practice, and you will learn it after a few tries, so keep trying and catching fish.

Conclusion

With this fishing hook buyer's guide, you can buy the best hook that fills your catch bucket with fishes. We have described all the types available in the market, so you can easily choose what you need. Make sure to compare the hooks on these factors, and go through the FAQ section as well to know more about modern hooks.

Always buy hooks that are durable and specific for the water where you want to fish. If you don't know how to use a fishing hook, then get some help from expert anglers or watch a few videos on how to do it the right way