What size hook?

July 20, 2010 shaun 4 comments

Mark Parry asks…

Hello, I would just like your thoughts on size of hooks for different sizes of baits, now I’ve always used a size 8 for 16mm baits, size 4 for 20mm baits , whats your thoughts ?

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Written by shaun about 2 years ago.

Hi Mark,

To be honest I don’t tend to match my hook size to my bait. I tend to use the same pattern in just two different sizes for almost all of my fishing.

One thing I do though is to counterbalance the weight of a big hook with a slightly more buoyant hook bait to my free offerings.

My pattern of choice is what was known for years as a Ashima C310 in size 6 and size 4. This hook is currently being marketed as the Smart Point SP310. I am quite happy using 10mm’s on the size 4 although I know so many anglers do indeed match their hook to their bait.

I like the hook to be quite heavy, this combined with a relatively long hair causes the fish a few more problems than some of the modern lightweight patterns. My hooks turn and grab of their own accord.

Just my view and I’m sure most others will have a totally different take on it.

Good question.

Shaun
Written by shaun about 2 years ago.

Guess I should also add that there is no fixed size rating for hooks which can be very misleading. The 4′s and 6′s I favour as mentioned above are considerably smaller than many other size 6 and 4′s on the market.
Written by Ron Key about 2 years ago.

Similar sort of answer to Shaun really. My choice of hook size is dependent on the rig I’m using. rather than the boilie size. My bottom bait and snowman rigs usually incorporate a long hair so there is no fear of the bait shielding the hook and I would happily use a size 8 or a 6 with a 15 or a 20mm boilie. The materials used to manufacture hooks are now so strong, and this combined with the hooks ability to retain a sharp point are the most important things to me.

Hooks I generally use are the Korda Longshank X in 8′s and 6′s for pop ups(these tend to be oversize), and the Atomic Grabba in the same sizes for bottom and snowman rigs. The Grabba is incredibly strong, and I rarely feel the need to go as far as size 4

Cheers Ron
Written by spencer about 2 years ago.

ESP curve Shanx in 7 and 8 for me, if I’m using stiff riggers I always use size 5s as they are just a different beast!
The late great Alan Smith destroyed a few waters and usually used a size ten boilie hook with a 20 mm bottom bait!!