2. Gauge
The ‘Weight’ of a hook is its ‘Gauge’
Thin wire hooks have a light gauge
Heavier wire means stronger hooks and larger gauge.
3. Light Wire
Wire Hooks for Let Your Bait Swim Naturally
Wire Hooks Penetrate Faster than a Heavier Hook
Great for Open Water and Very Natural Presentations.
However Might Bend
4.
5. Heavier Gauge Hooks
Much Stronger
Great for Heavier Fish
Great for Fishing Near Structure
They Do Not Bend Like Light Wire Hooks
But heavier weight often has negative impact on live bait and
causes it to not act naturally.
6. Pick the Right Hook
There are NO RULES in Fishing
Lighter baits benefit from lighter wire
Heavier baits and tough conditions benefit from heavier gauge hooks
Fine balance between gauge and presentation
7. The Points on Your Hooks
There are two major varieties of hooks
The first are “Needle Points”
The second are special “Cutting Points”
8. Cutting Point Fails
Cutting Points Literally Cut a Fish’s mouth
Fish like trout with soft mouths can be cut
The whole left by the sharp point can result in lost fish.
9. Needle Points
Best for fish with soft mouths
Pointed and Rounded
Once it penetrates it does not leave a gash
10. Cutting Points Successes
Redfish
Sheepshead
Any species with tough mouths or teeth
Much easier to set the hook
12. Offset Hooks
Look down the shank
The point of the hook will not align
The offset of the hook point to the shank is what classifed it
They are common among commercial anglers
13. Which is best?
Tournaments do not allow the use of offset hooks
Some states – Florida included – make them illegal in state (but not federal)
waters
Be sure to check the package; they do not always tell you and you have to
look to see
14. Offset Eyes
The Eyes of hooks can also be offset (or inset).
To Work Properly They Require a “Snell” Knot
15. Long and Short Shanks
Long Shank acts as a buffer for fish with very sharp teeth
Wire is popular but can be seen by some pelagics
Long shanks and thin wire is the key
Works great for live bait