Sea Fishing Hooks

Buying Guide Choosing the right sea fishing hook is about much more than simply picking a hook size. Different hook patterns are designed around different baits, species and fishing situations, so the best place to start is by asking what you are fishing for and what bait you are using. Hook size: Sea fishing hooks range from very small hooks used for scratching and smaller species through to large, heavy patterns intended for big baits and powerful fish. Don't assume that two hooks carrying the same nominal size will necessarily have identical dimensions; hook pattern and manufacturer also affect their shape and proportions. Bait size: Match the hook to the bait as well as the fish. A hook needs enough gape and point exposure to work effectively once baited. Small worm sections and delicate baits can suit smaller, lighter hooks, while large crab, squid or fish baits may require a larger and/or stronger pattern. Hook pattern: This describes the fundamental design of the hook. Aberdeen hooks, for example, typically have a longer shank and are widely used with worm baits. Circle hooks have an inward-facing point and are designed to work differently from conventional patterns. Wide-gape, short-shank, heavy-wire and specialist bait-holder designs provide further options for particular applications. Manufacturer ranges demonstrate that even within these broad groups there are significant differences in wire, gape, offset, eye configuration and strength. Wire strength: Fine or lighter wire can aid delicate bait presentation and is commonly found on match and scratching-style hooks. Heavier wire provides additional strength for demanding fishing, larger species and powerful fish. However, heavier isn't automatically better; your hook should suit the fishing you're doing. Shank length: Long-shank hooks can make presenting worm baits easier and can also provide more shank to hold an elongated bait. Shorter-shank patterns provide a more compact hook and are available in heavier designs intended for demanding fishing. Cox & Rawle, for example, specifically describes its Aberdeen Perfect as suitable for worm baits, while its heavier Surf & Uptide Extra uses a shorter shank for hard-fighting fish in deep water and fast tides. Gape: The gape is the space between the hook point and shank. Consider how much of this space remains once your bait has been mounted. Larger or bulky baits can overwhelm an unsuitable small hook and interfere with point exposure. Hook point and barb: Sea hooks are available with different point arrangements and barb configurations, including micro-barbed and barbless designs. Some patterns are also offset, meaning the point and shank aren't positioned in exactly the same plane. Circle hooks: Circle hooks deserve particular attention because they are intended to work differently. Their point turns towards the shank, and rather than striking conventionally, the angler generally allows the fish and line tension to load the hook so it can rotate into the mouth. Correct bait presentation is important because obstructing the hook can interfere with this action. They are widely used where mouth hooking and catch-and-release are considerations. Target species: Species can help narrow your choice, but don't assume every species requires one particular hook. Bass, cod, rays, flatfish, wrasse and other sea fish can be caught using different patterns depending on bait, venue, rig and fishing method. Shore or boat fishing: Consider the demands placed on the hook. Light shore fishing for small species is very different from fishing large baits in deep water or strong tides. Manufacturers consequently offer everything from fine-wire match hooks to extremely heavy big-fish patterns. For beginners: If you don't know hook-pattern names yet, don't worry. Start with the species you want to catch, the bait you're using and the type of fishing you're doing. From there, you can narrow the choice by hook size and strength. As you gain experience, characteristics such as Aberdeen, circle, wide gape, short shank, long shank and wire gauge become useful ways of fine-tuning your choice.