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What size hook should I use?!
A question that gets asked all too often.
With all the different types and sizes of fishing hooks out there, choosing the right one can be a struggle. We hear ya!
Nowadays, there’s different sizes and shapes of hook for every type of lure.
So we’ve put a guide together to help you choose the best hooks for bass fishing and hopefully you’ll be able to increase your catch rate and impress your pals!
The Different Sizes (And Their Pros And Cons)
Sizes/Numbers And Aughts
Fishing hooks come in a range of sizes, which can often be a little confusing if you’re just starting out. There are two different ways of sizing hooks. One is in sizes or numbers, such as #1 or size 1. And the other is in aughts, such as 1/0 (1 aught).
With the sizes or number system, for example size 1, size 2, size 3, the hooks get smaller as the numbers get higher. So a size 10 hook will be smaller than a size 1 hook.
On the other hand, with the aught system, for example, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, the hooks get larger as the first number gets higher.
You will also notice that all hooks are not the same in diameter, as they can range in thickness from fine to heavy. Hooks can also vary in size depending on the brand or type of hook.
A good size of hook for bass will usually be around 1/0 or 2/0. However, you can use smaller and larger hooks depending on the type of lure you want to use and your presentation.
Small-To-Medium Hooks
Smaller hooks can generally be ideal for finesse fishing where you will likely be using smaller lures and lighter line.
The smallest hook you can get is a size 32, however this is a tiny hook that tends to be used for fly fishing and probably won’t be suitable for bass.
Video: Choosing Hooks for Soft Plastic Baits
Advantages
- Greater casting distance
- Fish can’t see them as easily
- Can be set more easily
- Can work well in currents
- Ideal for smaller lures
Disadvantages
- Easy to swallow, which can cause “gut hooking”
- May break more easily
- Fish may take the bait without taking the hook
Large Hooks
Large hooks can be more suitable if you plan to use larger lures.
The largest hook available is a 20/0 but this is a very large hook designed for large saltwater species, such as large sharks.
Advantages
- Can be stronger than a small hook
- Ideal for heavy or large lures
- Less likely to be swallowed by the fish
- Better suited to heavier line and larger fish
Disadvantages
- May be too large for the fish to bite
- Can be more visible to the fish
- Heavier
- May not cast as far
Video: How To Rig And Hook For Big Bass
Different Types Of Hooks Used For Bass
Octopus Hooks
Octopus hooks, like these Gamakatsu ones are often similar to drop shot hooks and can be ideal for drop shotting techniques.
The hooks tend to curve more so that the point is closer to the eye. This can be useful when using nose-rigged soft plastics and for setting the hook on drop shot rigs.
Offset Round Bend Hooks
Offset round bend hooks can be a versatile option for bass fishing and can be ideal for weedless presentations, as well as finesse presentations.
These types of hooks, such as these ones from Gamakatsu, can also be Texas rigged and can be a good choice if you’re looking to fish with chunkier soft plastic lures or bigger worms.
Offset Wide Gap Hooks
Offset wide gap hooks, like these Gamakatsu hooks, are designed to provide a wider gap between the point and the shank so that you can attach bigger or chunkier baits.
Because of the gap in the hook and the barb being in line with the eye, it can make setting the hook a little more challenging. However, it can be easier to attach your soft plastic lure to an offset wide gap hook.
Treble Hooks
Treble hooks, such as these Mustad hooks, can be ideal for using on artificial lures such as crankbaits and swimbaits and many lures come with the treble hooks already attached. Treble hooks are not designed to be used to attach bait and in many places, it can be against the law to use live bait on a treble hook.
However, you may want to change out your existing treble hooks for new ones in order to improve the performance of your lure.
Straight Shank Hooks
Straight shank hooks, like these Owner American hooks, can be a good choice if you’re fishing in cover and vegetation.
The hook has no bend in the shank which means it can be easier to set the hook, however, it can mean that lures slide down more easily but some hooks will have small bait-keeping barbs to prevent this.
A straight shank hook can be ideal for Texas rigging, flipping and pitching.
Final Words
Using the right hook can be the difference between catching a fish and losing one. So it can be important to choose the most suitable size and type for the lure you want to use and the size of bass you want to target.
Maybe you prefer a certain type of hook for bass fishing? Let us know in the comments down below. And make sure you share this with your buddies to give them a heads up on hooks before they head out to the water (or be sneaky and don’t share/keep to yourself, lol).