James RickardAdvice on picking hooks
May 23rd 2009 03:14
If you go into a tackle shop or sporting goods department to buy some hooks, chances are that you're going to find a lot more than you anticipated.
All those sizes and shapes! Is it necessary?
There are scads of hooks on the market for different methods of fishing and even for the type of fish you're going after. Hopefully, this post will help as you stand there in awe of the choice to be made.
Sizes
Hook size is probably the first thing to think about. The numbers that define hook sizes can really mess up your head but it's really pretty simple. Sizes are based on a nominal hook size of zero. If hooks have a number followed by a zero, they will increase in size as the number goes up. An example would be a 3/0 hook. That's one size up from a 2/0, which is one size up from a 1/0. Hopefully, you see the pattern.
On the other hand, Hooks with sizes not followed by a zero, decrease in size as the number increases. For instance, a size 4 hook is smaller than a size 2 hook.
I usually tell people that size 4 is a good all around size. Sometimes when it comes to hooks you have to think of your intended target and choose hooks accordingly. For instance, size 4 is actually fairly small when it comes to many catfish but on the large side for trout.
Most hook manufacturers follow this basic numbering system when it comes to hook sizes. Unfortunately, there is little standardization among companies when it comes to an exact size. For instance what may be one maker's size 4/0 may not necessarily be a 4/0 for another manufacturer.
X Marks the Spot
After you have regular hooks, you can get into extra strength hooks.
A hook marked '2x' is made from wire as thick as the next size. With that in mind, a 3x hook is going to be as thick as a hook two sizes up. An example of this would be a 2x 4/0 hook which will have a wire thickness and strength of a 5/0 hook, yet, will have a smaller profile since is only 4/0.
Another "X" you may find has to do with the length of the hook shank. A '2x long' hook is going to be twice as long as a standard hook of the same size and a 3x long hook will be 3 times as long as a standard sized hook
You're going to drive yourself crazy if you begin your quest with this information and look at wide gap hooks! This is where the area between the hook point and hook shaft is extra wide. These hooks are usually described as 2X wide or something like that. Agsin, there is little standardization.. Exact measurements are going to vary among manufacturers so, a size chart is the only way to be exactly sure of what you are buying.
Until next time--watch your line and watch yourself!
All those sizes and shapes! Is it necessary?
There are scads of hooks on the market for different methods of fishing and even for the type of fish you're going after. Hopefully, this post will help as you stand there in awe of the choice to be made.
Lots of sizes--the biggest here is a size 8/0
Hook size is probably the first thing to think about. The numbers that define hook sizes can really mess up your head but it's really pretty simple. Sizes are based on a nominal hook size of zero. If hooks have a number followed by a zero, they will increase in size as the number goes up. An example would be a 3/0 hook. That's one size up from a 2/0, which is one size up from a 1/0. Hopefully, you see the pattern.
On the other hand, Hooks with sizes not followed by a zero, decrease in size as the number increases. For instance, a size 4 hook is smaller than a size 2 hook.
I usually tell people that size 4 is a good all around size. Sometimes when it comes to hooks you have to think of your intended target and choose hooks accordingly. For instance, size 4 is actually fairly small when it comes to many catfish but on the large side for trout.
Most hook manufacturers follow this basic numbering system when it comes to hook sizes. Unfortunately, there is little standardization among companies when it comes to an exact size. For instance what may be one maker's size 4/0 may not necessarily be a 4/0 for another manufacturer.
X Marks the Spot
After you have regular hooks, you can get into extra strength hooks.
A hook marked '2x' is made from wire as thick as the next size. With that in mind, a 3x hook is going to be as thick as a hook two sizes up. An example of this would be a 2x 4/0 hook which will have a wire thickness and strength of a 5/0 hook, yet, will have a smaller profile since is only 4/0.
Another "X" you may find has to do with the length of the hook shank. A '2x long' hook is going to be twice as long as a standard hook of the same size and a 3x long hook will be 3 times as long as a standard sized hook
You're going to drive yourself crazy if you begin your quest with this information and look at wide gap hooks! This is where the area between the hook point and hook shaft is extra wide. These hooks are usually described as 2X wide or something like that. Agsin, there is little standardization.. Exact measurements are going to vary among manufacturers so, a size chart is the only way to be exactly sure of what you are buying.
Until next time--watch your line and watch yourself!
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