How to Select the Right Fishing Hook

When you're shopping for fishing hooks, the type and quality of what you buy can make the difference between fishing success and fishing failure. Learn how to choose the right hook so you can make a catch.

Instructions

1. Consider the types of fish you'd like to catch. The bigger the fish, the larger and harder the hook should be.

2. Think about the bait you will be using. The hook should be large enough to hold the bait and hook the fish without being so large that the fish can easily detect it. Shorter shank hooks will be harder for the fish to detect than longer shank hooks.

3. Determine the size of your fishing line. A heavy gauge line can easily force a heavy hook to penetrate the jaw. A small wire hook will get bent straight without piercing the fish if it's used with heavy line.

4. Decide whether you will release any of the fish you catch. Barbless hooks and circle hooks are help make it easier to release fish. Kahle hooks are more deadly and are not appropriate for catch-and-release fishing.