When it comes to fishing, having the right hooks can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty-handed. I want to talk about the five essential fishing hooks I carry in my tackle box and bag to cover a range of fishing situations.
Before we get to the 5 must-have hooks, let’s talk about hook size.
Hook Sizes Explained
Fishing hook sizes can vary depending on factors such as the line weight being used and the size of the lure. Generally, hook sizes are denoted by numbers, with larger numbers indicating smaller hooks and vice versa. Here’s a general guide for bass hook sizes based on line weight and lure size.
Light Line and Small Lures:
If you’re using light line (e.g., 4-8 lb test) and smaller lures, you’ll typically use fishing hook sizes in the range of #6 to #2. These hooks are suitable for finesse fishing techniques where a more subtle presentation is required. They work well with small soft plastic baits, such as tiny worms, grubs, or small creature baits.
Medium Line and Medium-Sized Lures:
For medium line (e.g., 8-12 lb test) and medium-sized lures, fishing hook sizes in the range of #1 to 1/0 are commonly used. These hooks are versatile and can be employed with various soft plastics, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits that are of moderate size.
Heavy Line and Larger Lures:
If you’re using heavy line (e.g., 12-20 lb test) and larger lures, you’ll be looking at fishing hook sizes in the range of 2/0 to 5/0 or even bigger. These larger hooks are suitable for big soft plastics, swimbaits, jigs, and other large lures that are designed to attract bigger bass.
Does Fishing Hook Color Matter?
Well…, fishing hook color can matter and have an impact on your fishing success, depending on certain situations. But keep in mind, hook color just like bait color is just one of many factors that can influence fish behavior and their response to your presentation. Something to consider regarding hook color:
Water Clarity: In clear water conditions, fish may have a better opportunity to inspect your bait or lure, including the fishing hook. In such cases, using a hook color that blends in with the natural surroundings or matches the bait color can be beneficial. In murky or stained water, hook color may be less critical as visibility is reduced, and fish may rely more on other sensory cues to detect and strike at the bait.
Bait Color: If you’re using live bait or soft plastic lures, the color of the hook can affect the overall appearance of the bait. For example, using a red hook with a live worm can make it look more appealing, imitating the natural coloration of the worm’s head. Similarly, matching the fishing hook color to the soft plastic bait can create a more seamless and realistic presentation.
Fishing Pressure: In heavily fished waters where fish may have seen various hook colors and presentations, using a less common or less obvious hook color might make a difference. Fish can become conditioned to avoid certain colors they associate with danger, so experimenting with alternative hook colors could yield positive results.
Confidence Factor: Angler confidence can play a significant role in fishing success. If you have faith in a particular hook color and believe it makes a difference, it can positively impact your presentation and fishing technique, leading to more focused and effective fishing.
What About Using Red Fishing Hooks?
I use red hooks on occasion. Red is a color that can mimic the appearance of injured or bleeding prey. Some anglers believe that using red hooks can trigger a feeding response from predatory fish, as they associate the color with an easy and vulnerable meal. Here are some reasons why red fishing hooks might work in certain scenarios:
- In clear water or when fishing with live bait, a red hook can add a touch of realism to the presentation, potentially increasing its attractiveness to the fish.
- In low light or low visibility conditions, such as during early morning, late evening, or in murky water, red hooks can stand out more than other colors. This increased visibility can help fish locate the bait or lure more easily and may lead to more strikes.
- And let’s not forget fishing pressure. In heavily fished waters, fish can become wary of conventional hook colors that they’ve encountered frequently. So using a less common color, like a red hook, just might give you an advantage by presenting something different from what the fish have seen before.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of red hooks is not universal. When using red fishing hooks or any other hook color, it’s important to pay attention to how the fish responds to your presentation and adjust your approach accordingly.
We know success is often the result of a combination of factors, and understanding the behavior of the fish you’re targeting, then adapting your tactics accordingly to get the best results.
The 5 Essentials Hooks To Carry In Your Tackle Box
So let’s get to the 5 essential hooks you need to carry in your terminal tackle box
Number 1: Straight Shank Fishing Hook
The straight shank fishing hook is a widely used and essential hook to carry in any tackle box. As its name suggests, this type of hook has a straight, uncurved shank, making it one of the most straightforward hook designs available. The absence of any bends or curves on the shank allows for a direct and efficient transfer of force when setting the hook, increasing the chances of a secure hookset. This is a great hook to use for flipping and pitching.
Anglers often rely on this hook design when using natural bait presentations, such as live worms, minnows, or cut bait. The straight shank provides a clean and reliable platform for securing the bait, ensuring it remains securely attached during the cast and retrieve, as well as when a fish takes the bait.
One of the most common uses of the straight shank hook is with the Carolina and the Texas rigs. In this setup, the hook is attached to a leader line, while a weight is placed above it on the mainline. This rig allows the weight to move freely above the bait, making it an effective technique for bass, where you want a streamlined presentation.
The design of the straight shank fishing hook also makes it well-suited for catch-and-release fishing. With its clean and secure hooksets, anglers can reduce the likelihood of injuring the fish during the fight. This is particularly important when practicing conservation and ensuring the sustainability of fish populations.
Number 2: Round Bend Offset Fishing Hook
The round bend offset fishing hook is another one of the most common and versatile hook designs out there. Its classic shape features a slight bend near the hook point, which then angles back towards the shank, creating a distinctive rounded appearance. The offset bend means that the point of the hook is not aligned with the shank but rather sits slightly to the side, which aids in improving hook-setting efficiency. This hook allows for better hook penetration, increasing the likelihood of a successful hookset and reducing the chances of the fish escaping during the fight.
Available in various sizes, which allows anglers to match the hook to the size of their bait and the target species. Smaller hooks are suitable for finesse presentations, while larger hooks can handle bigger baits and larger fish. Additionally, the offset design enables the hook to be used effectively with live bait, such as worms or minnows, providing a secure hook hold to prevent the bait from easily coming off when casting or reel
The offset bend of the hook also makes it a popular choice for many soft plastic bait presentations. When rigged with plastic worms, creature baits, or other artificial lures, the offset helps to position the point of the hook more prominently, ensuring a higher chance of hooking the fish once it strikes the bait. The round bend offset fishing hook is often used in techniques like Texas rigging, Carolina rigging, drop shot fishing, and wacky rigging, among others.
Number 3: Extra Wide Gap (EWG) Fishing Hook
I use these a lot! The Extra Wide Gap (EWG) fishing hook is another specialized hook design. As the name suggests, the EWG hook features a wider gap between the hook shank and the point, creating more space to accommodate larger bait and providing better hook-setting capabilities. This unique design is especially popular for fishing with soft plastic baits like worms, creature baits, and other bulky artificial lures.
The distinguishing feature of the EWG hook is its offset bend, where the hook point is slightly angled away from the shank. This offset design allows for easier penetration and hook-setting when a fish takes the bait, increasing the chances of a successful catch. The wider gap also helps prevent the hook from getting obscured by the bait, ensuring that the point can easily find purchase in the fish’s mouth.
Anglers commonly use the EWG fishing hook when targeting bass, as largemouth and smallmouth bass are notorious for engulfing large soft plastic lures. The hook’s wide gap and offset bend are especially effective in hooking bass and minimizing the risk of the hook being spat out during the fight. One of the best features of the EWG fishing hook design is it makes it ideal for fishing in heavy cover and weedy areas, reducing the chances of the hook getting snagged because of its streamlined shape.
Overall, the EWG hook has become a go-to choice for many anglers seeking to optimize their chances of landing trophy fish while using soft plastic lures in various fishing conditions.
Number 4: Drop Shot Fishing Hook
The Drop Shot rig has become one of the most popular and effective techniques for bass, especially when finesse fishing. At the heart of this is the drop shot fishing hook, a unique hook design that offers you increased control over your presentation and improves your chances of enticing finicky fish to bite. You may have noticed that these hooks are very similar to the circle hooks our fishing bubba’s use when catfishing
The drop shot fishing hook is characterized by its distinctive shape, featuring a horizontal eye and a short shank that extends down from the eye at a right angle. At the end of the shank, there is a small, turned-up hook point. This configuration allows the hook to be tied directly to the fishing line, with the hook point facing upward, while the lure or bait is attached below, a short distance away. The weight is then added to the end of the line below the bait, enabling the angler to present the lure at various levels above the lake or riverbed.
You may of noticed two types of drop shot hooks in my drop shot image. The drop shot style on the left is made with a swivel. This you tie just like you would when attaching a swivel to your line, the other drop shot hook, typically is tied using a Palomar knot.
The primary use of the drop shot fishing hook is to present a finesse-style soft plastic bait or artificial lure in a subtle and natural manner. The horizontal orientation of the hook eye ensures that the bait stands upright when on the bottom, creating an enticing and lifelike appearance that attracts curious fish. Additionally, the drop shot rig allows anglers to maintain precise control over the depth at which their bait is presented, making it an effective technique for fishing at different water levels or targeting suspended fish.
Drop shot fishing hooks are particularly effective for catching species like bass, panfish, walleye, and trout, especially when the fish are less active or finicky. The finesse approach of drop shot fishing excels in clear or pressured waters where a more subtle presentation can make a significant difference in getting bites. Furthermore, the hook’s design reduces the likelihood of snagging on the bottom or in dense cover, making it an excellent choice for fishing in rocky or weedy areas without sacrificing sensitivity or hook-setting efficiency.
In conclusion, the drop shot fishing hook is an invaluable tool for anglers looking to finesse their way into catching fish in a variety of conditions. Its unique design, coupled with the drop shot rigging technique, enables precise presentation control and a lifelike appearance for soft plastic baits, making it a go-to choice for targeting finicky or less active fish. Whether you’re fishing for bass in clear waters or exploring new finesse opportunities for other species, the drop shot fishing hook is a versatile option that can elevate your fishing game to the next level.
Number 5: Neko Fishing Hook
The Neko style fishing has gained popularity among anglers as an effective finesse fishing technique for catching bass and other species subtly and naturally. Central to this technique is the Neko style fishing hook, a specialized design that allows for easy rigging of soft plastic baits to create a unique and enticing presentation much like the Drop Shot or Wacky Rig.
The Neko style fishing hook is characterized by its distinct appearance, featuring a long, thin shank with a small weight inserted into one end. The hook’s other end has a traditional hook point, while the weight adds stability to the bait and causes it to fall slowly and horizontally when cast into the water. This horizontal sinking action imitates the movement of injured or dying prey, making it highly attractive to curious and hungry fish.
The primary use of the Neko style fishing hook is for rigging soft plastic stick baits, such as Senkos or finesse worms. To set up the Neko rig, anglers insert the hook into the head of the soft plastic bait and then insert a weight into the opposite end, making sure it’s securely held inside. The result is a streamlined and balanced presentation that sinks horizontally, mimicking the natural behavior of a wounded baitfish or prey.
Neko style fishing excels in clear or pressured waters, as the slow and tantalizing fall of the bait can trigger strikes from finicky or cautious fish. Additionally, this finesse approach is highly effective during times when fish are less active or during cold weather conditions when they may not be as willing to chase fast-moving lures. The Neko rig’s unique action and enticing presentation make it an excellent choice for targeting bass, but it can also be successful in catching other species like walleye, trout, and panfish.
In conclusion, the Neko style fishing hook is a specialized tool that enhances the finesse technique of Neko rigging soft plastic baits. Its design, with a weighted end and a traditional hook point, allows for a lifelike horizontal sinking action that can entice bites from wary or slow-feeding fish.
When you find yourself facing challenging fishing conditions or targeting species that prefer a more subtle presentation, the Neko rig with its dedicated fishing hook can be a game-changer, helping you land more fish and enjoy a successful day on the water.
Wrapping It Up!
Well, I think that about covers it. I consider these 5 essential fishing hooks the absolute must-haves in my tacklebox. That doesn’t mean I don’t carry other fishing hooks. Use what you want and buy what you can afford. Like I said earlier, success is often the result of a combination of factors, and understanding the behavior of the fish you’re targeting, then adapting your tactics accordingly to get the best results.
5 Essential Fishing Hooks Shopping List!
If you’re looking for outdoor gear for camping, prospecting, shooting, fishing, or even podcasting, be sure you check our Amazon outdoor sports catalog.
Gamakatsu Straight Shank Worm Hook
Gamakatsu Offset Shank Round Bend Worm Hook
Gamakatsu Super Line EWG Hook
Reaction Tackle Dropshot Hook
Gamakatsu G Finesse Swivel Drop Shot Hook
VMC NK#2/0BNPP Neko Hook
VMC Vmc Weedless Neko Hook
Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worm