Fisherman's Guide: All Types of Fishing Hooks and How to Use Them

Are you heading out on a fishing trip?  Did you know there is more than one type of fishing hook? There is no need to get lost inside a tackle shop; let us decide what you need for your trip.

All types of fish hooks have a pointed end, the point, the end of the fishing hook, the eye, and the rounded portion, the barb. But which hook is right for your sporting?

There are 13 variations, styles, and types of fishing hooks; let us tell you how to use them:

1. J Hooks

J hooks are named after their "J" shape. The hook has a straight shank followed by a curve toward the point.

With the J hook, it is necessary to "set the hook." This means that you will need to quickly jerk the line upwards to set the hook into the fish.

2. Circle Hooks

J hooks and circle hooks are similar in appearance. The difference is that circle hooks being the hook higher up the shank. The point of the circle hook is direct inwards at the shank.

There is no need to "set" or quickly jerk the line to catch a fish. The circle hook is created to rotate inside the fish's mouth and settle in the corner of its jaw. Circle hooks are a more effective choice at catching fish.

3. Aberdeen Hooks

Aberdeen hooks are also similar in appearance to J hooks; however, Aberdeen hooks are thinner and have a lighter wire.

The hook is designed to keep the fish alive when caught. Aberdeen hooks give the fish minimal damage on the line. 

The Aberdeen hook is a popular choice as it requires little pressure to unhook it from a fish. Its thin shape also allows you to hook bait and keep it alive as long as possible.

4. Bait Hooks

Bait hooks are the most common type of fishing hooks. These hooks are great for beginners to fishing.

Bait hooks can vary in shape or design, but they always include a barb or spring attached to the hook point to keep your catch in place.

The hook is designed to ensure the bait does not slip off the hook when you are fishing. Because these hooks are sturdy and sharp, they are not great for catch and release fishing.

5. Octopus Hooks

Octopus hooks are short hooks that have a curved shank, sharp point, and a barb. These hooks are small and very light in weight.

Octopus hooks are often used to present your bait naturally. Octopus hooks are generally used in bait fishing. The hook is wide enough to bait a larger fish.

6. Offset Shank Hooks

Offset Shank hooks are bent into the letter "L" shape. The point of the fishing hook faces out, and the eye of the hook is sideways. 

The Offset Shank hook is most commonly used when your bait is a worm.

7. Egg Hooks

Egg hooks are circular and short, as you may have guessed. The shank is short and circular. Egg hooks have a wide gap between the point and the shank.

This hook leaves a lot of space for bait. Egg hooks are a great option for prepared bait like salmon eggs.

8. Double Hooks

Double hooks are hooks with two points. It has two hooks, two curves, and two points. The shank of the hook leads into two curves. 

The Double hook allows you to attach the hook without a split rig. This hook is designed to be used with special bait, such as frogs.

9. Worm Hooks

Worm hooks are large, heavy, and durable. There is a bend near the hook's eye that allows you to keep the bait in place.

Worm hooks can penetrate fish easily and keep them from thrashing. These hooks can hold fake or real worms and let them move naturally. Bass fisherman often uses these hooks.

10. Siwash Hooks

Siwash hooks have a long, straight shank and a straight eye. The eye is open and easy to use for attachment. The shape of Siwash hooks allows the hook to sit well on spinnerbaits or poppers.

Siwash hooks are similar to other fishing hooks but are very hard and strong. Siwash hooks are great for fishing strong fish like salmon. Siwash hooks hold strong, thrashing fish with ease. 

Siwash hooks hold on to fish tightly, but do not damage or injure the fish.

11. Treble Hooks

Treble hooks are similar to double hooks, but they have three prongs. So from a single shank, there are three curves, three hooks, and three points. The Treble hook has a short shank and a large eye.

Treble hooks have strong holding and hooking ability. The hook triples your catching chances as the hook is very sharp.

Treble hooks are great for fishing on lures or catching fish like catfish or trout. Treble hooks do not pierce fish deeply and can be tricky to remove.

12. Saltwater Hooks

Saltwater hooks are made for the ocean. The hook is made from hard wire. Saltwater hooks have a long shank and very sharp points. Often times, these hooks are finished with corrosion-resistant metal to ensure that they last.

These hooks are designed to withstand the dangers of the ocean. There are a variety of saltwater hooks, depending on which fish you are looking to catch.

13. Weedless Hooks

Weedless hooks have a plastic weed guard that prevents you from fishing only vegetation. The guard runs from the eye to the point of the hook and closes off the space, forming the letter "O." The hook will come off easily when a fish catches the bait.

Weedless hooks are useful when fishing in a lake or pond. The hooks allow you to break through vegetation to catch a fish without getting caught in weeds. 

Now You Know about all Types of Fishing Hooks

Your new-found knowledge of fishing hooks can up your fishing game, whether you re a beginner or talented fisherman.

Whether you are a beginner fisherman or looking into fishing a specific type of sea creature, we have you covered. Different types of fishing hooks are better for specific types of fishing. I hope we gave you all the information needed to help you decide what you need for your fishing trip.

To learn more about fish hooks, or all things fishing related, check out our blog, Hookeze!