I’ve read a lot about matching hook size to bait size whether it’s live herring or cut bait… but not much about actual sizing and what’s a good fit for the size of bait?
I know hooks size and shape are kind of a personal choice, but if some ppl could give their experiences and sizes, that would be great, thanks!
1994 Bass Tracker Pontoon
Life’s too short not to fish
For live bait I use a 3/0 short shank hook and a 4/0 or bigger long shank hook for cut bait. I like a circle hook when i’m fishing for BIG STRIPERS cuz I hate to killem!
Kevin Lybrand
I have caught literally hundreds of stripers on Eagle Claw Style 084 hooks. For live bait (herring, shad) I like a size 1, for cut bait the same hook in a size 1/0. These may seem smallish, but I have never had one straightened by a fish and I have landed a number in the 20 pound plus range. For lake fishing this is really all you need, you will be using light line anyway and with a properly set drag there are no worries (unless you hook that new state record). The size one hook really lets the live bait swim naturally, this is why I don’t use larger hooks.
As for circle hooks, I use those when going after saltwater fish, nothing against them realy for stripers, I just prefer the J hook. If a short fish swallows one, I cut the line as close to the hook as possible, the fish usually will be fine.
Striperskiff has converted us to size 2 (not 2/0) circle hooks and we’ve no complaints with them. With the smaller hooks, live bait size is not really an issue, but if we were going cutbait, I’d lean toward the 4/0 or 5/0 circle hooks.
I’ve moved on up to #1’s lately, but I think that’s as big as I’ll go for live herring. I like going bigger for cut bait too.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
I like the gamagatsu Octopus in 1/0, but if the bait is small I will go to a size 2.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
It is a personal choice. I like O84 in size 2 to 1/0. The larger the bait, the larger the hook. 84’s I use strictly for downrods. If the bait is really small, I’ll go down to a #4. For pulling and cut bait, I use Gamakatsu red octopus hooks in size 1 to 2/0 depending on bait size. The rounder shape and larger sizes seem to hook the fish and keep them on better when spotting the fish greater distances from the boat. I’ve also become a fan of snells. When tied properly, they rotate the hook for better sets and are super strong.
JMHO
Fog
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
I had the pleasure of meeting Tim (StriperSkiff) at the dock on Tuesday night as he was heading out, and was told about the forum, which brought me here.
I understand hook choice was mostly a personal choice, but y’all have given me a feel for about what size I should be using for bait, I have been using hooks that are a little on the big side. Thanks
1994 Bass Tracker Pontoon
Life’s too short not to fish