The document discusses different types of fishing hooks, focusing on gauge, wire strength, and hook points. It explains how lighter hooks are suitable for delicate bait and faster penetration, while heavier hooks are better for larger fish and tough conditions. Additionally, it addresses the differences between offset and inline hooks, along with the suitability of needle points versus cutting points based on fish mouth characteristics.

1. Understanding Hooks
Size, Scale, and Sustainability…

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

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

11. Offset vs. InLine Hooks

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

16. Understanding Hooks
Comments and Questions for the Team