Fishing Hooks

By Staff - Jun 15, 2003

Brands
Every angler has their own preference when it comes to hook manufacturers. The following rundown describes some of the well known hook makers:

Eagle Claw: A hook for the budget oriented angler that is widely available in all the popular sizes. Made in the USA.

Owner: A premium hook manufacturer (with a premium price tag), well known for their Cutting Point trademark hooks; "the resistance actually decreases as the three edges cut their way through for an instant, positive hookset".

Gamakatsu: Japanese hook manufacturer with a popular following in B.C. Premium grade high carbon steel and laser sharpening make for a strong, sharp hook.

Mustad: A Norwegian hook maker with over 150 years in the business, Mustad is the maker of the Ultra Point Hook. Price wise they are positioned similar to the Gamakatsu - cheaper than owners and more expensive that the Eagle Claws.

Sizes

The odds are that most of the time sizes 4, 2, 1 or 1/0 will be your best choice for any condition you may

Owner Circle Hook

encounter during an every day outing for salmon or steelhead in B.C. Obvuiosly the size of hook you choose is dependant on water conditions and the fish you are after. Hook sizes are also dependant on the weight of line you will be fishing; it is easy to straighten a size 4 hook with 15 pound line - the aforementioned hook is better matched with 6 or 8 pound line.

Styles

The Octopus style hooks are most common hook for slamon and steelhead as they enable you to tie bait loops quite easily.

Circle hooks are becoming popular as angler look for fishing methods and tackle that is well suited ofr C&R fisheries. The circle hook has a tendency to button in the corner of the fishes mouth, and may lead to lessened risk of fish swallowing the hook.

Coloured Hooks

Hooks now days also come in various colors including silver, red and bronze among others. I believe the color is more of a personal preference issue. Instead of carrying other sizes or colors, which you may use very little, spend the extra money on quality hooks. Make sure to purchase from a manufaturer that will provide you with hooks that are dependable, strong, and stay sharp.

Trust me, good hooks make all the difference in the world. While fishing, pull your hook in every now and then to re-sharpen it. Even quality hooks get dull when they bounce along the bottom.

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