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Anatomy of a fishing hook.
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Angling tactics are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. Not surprisingly, hook options are expanding and becoming more refined to keep up with these presentation innovations. From basic versions to specialized models, there are options for all applications. If you'd like a better understanding of today's hook options, read this hook primer.
Anatomy of a Hook
All hooks have an eye, shank, gap, point and barb, but variations of these characteristics result in dozens of hook styles.
The Eye
The hook eye is the connection point to the fishing line or the body of a lure. Ringed eyes are the most common. The metal is bent in a uniform loop and the end sits flush against the shank. Needle, looped and tapered are some other types of hook eyes, but they tend to be used for specific applications, like saltwater or dry flies.
The Shank
The shank is the section from the eye to where the bend starts. Shanks come in short, medium or long lengths, and are a major influence of how a hook is used. Short ones are often used for finesse fishing when a compact hook and minimal weight are critical to a successful presentation, like micro plastic smallmouth tactics or live bait fishing with a leech. Medium shanks are the most common and used in an array of fishing situations. Long shanks are used to match a longer profile of an artificial bait (like a spinnerbait or big plastic).
The Gap
The gap is the size of the bend in a hook from the shank to its point. An average size gap will do in most situations, but sometimes a wide gap is needed. A wide gap is used for rigging thick-bodied lures to ensure that the hook point will be exposed on the hook set, and not limited by the bait's bulk.
The Point
This is the tapered end of the hook and the sharp point that penetrates a fish's mouth. Shapes vary — needle, knife edge, spear, or rolled are some examples. It's critical to keep points sharp, so invest in a file and use it often. Quality hooks are packaged extremely sharp and will keep a point longer than cheaper ones.
The Barb
The barb is designed to hold the hook in place once it penetrates the fish's mouth. The larger the barb, the more difficult it is for the fish (and likely yourself) to get the hook free. Many catch and release anglers pinch barbs with pliers or file them down for easy hook removal.
POPULAR HOOK STYLES
With a good understanding of hook components, let's look at basic and advanced hooks to add to your tackle box.
Specialized Hooks
The above hooks are some common styles available. Yet there are even more specialized hooks available. Here's a look at a few:
| Drop-shot hooks |
Drop-shot hooks are designed to be tied onto the line with a Palomar knot. They sit out at a 90-degree angle from the line, which has a sinker below the line and are rigged with finesse plastics. |
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| Weedless hooks |
Weedless hooks feature plastic or wire guards that stand out in front of the hook point. They help keep weeds from snagging the point, letting you fish vegetation a lot easier. Their name is misleading as they're not 100 percent weedless, but are better than a bare hook for fishing weeds. If you're a fan of fishing wacky-rigged stickbaits around weeds be sure to try this style of hook.
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| Topwater jerkbait hooks |
Topwater jerkbait hooks are similar to worm hooks, but have a wider gap. This ensures the plastic won't interfere with the hook set, but the shank and bend also act as a rudder. Some will have a bit of weight on the shank to boost casting distance and give the bait a rudder for improved action during twitching retrieves.
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| Keeper hooks |
Keeper hooks have a small barb arm that connects to the hook eye. The barb is inserted into the nose of a soft-plastic bait. The hook point is stuck lower in the plastic body. This allows for a straight presentation that's also fairly weedless. These hooks are extremely popular for rigging paddletail swimbaits. |
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| Dressed trebles |
Dressed trebles (AKA feathered trebles) are simply treble hooks with feathers and tinsel tied on their shanks. These can be used to replace the back hook on hard lures like jerkbaits, topwaters and spoons. The feathers boost the bait's appeal, pulsating and flaring as the lure is manipulated. |
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Remember that hooks are an important part of your angling arsenal. Invest in quality hard-ware and stock up on basic and specialized equipment to be prepared for a range of fishing scenarios.
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