Knowing the sizing and naming conventions of the major categories of hooks can help make your selection an easier task. Yes, Virginia, the type of hook you select does make a difference, and hook selection depends on the species of fish being sought.
Hook Parts
There are five basic parts to a hook: the point, gap. shank, eye, and barb. Each of these parts can and will be different on the various types of hooks in use today. Shanks can be long or short; eyes can be round, needle, or welded; and the gap width can vary significantly. All of these parts work together in each hook design, and different hook designs are made for different fishing applications.
Hook Sizes
There is no clear history on how the current hook sizing came into existence. The measurements used today use a twofold numbering scheme that measures from the smallest hook to the largest hook.
The smallest hook readily available is size 24. This is a hook with a 1/16 of an inch gap and it’s used for tiny trout flies. As the size number decreases, the width of the hook gap increases, all the way to a size 1. A size 1 hook has a gap about ½ inch in width.
At this point the numbering scheme changes and begins with 1/0 (“one aught”), which is larger in size than a number 1 and goes all the way up to 20/0, the largest commercially made hook.
Even with this “recognized” sizing method, sizes can vary from manufacturer and sometimes even within a manufacturer. There is no concrete standard.
Hook Composition
Hooks are all made from metal. The type and size of the hook is a determinant for which metal. Saltwater hooks are generally made from a corrosion and rust resistant metal. Stainless steel is often used on the very large hooks. Freshwater hooks can be made from wire, as most of the smaller hooks are, or a cheaper less corrosion resistant metal.
Do not be totally guided by freshwater or saltwater labels on hooks. Many freshwater hooks are used in saltwater, and they work well if cared for properly.
Hook Types
There are several basic hook designs currently on the market. Many specialty designs also exist, but for the everyday angler the basic hooks are the ones to choose.
- Aberdeen
These hooks are made from thin wire and range in size from a number 10 to a 4/0. They are very applicable for fish with soft mouths or for fishing with light tackle. Many Aberdeen hooks are bent to fit jig molds. Jig heads with these hooks can be retrieved from snags on the bottom because the hooks will usually bend before the line breaks. Because light line means softer hook sets, the thinner composition allows the hook point and barb to penetrate. This is one of the designated freshwater hooks that serve a dual saltwater purpose.Use these hooks when fishing with light tackle. They will catch a very large fish on light tackle. On heavy tackle with a heavier drag, they will bend and straighten, freeing the fish.
