Hook sizes - Talk Angling fishing chat and tackle advice

Neilio · 27th August 2008, 08:39 AM

What do you think about hook sizes in relation to holding power?
I personally believe that a smaller hook, say a size 12 loose more fish that a size 8.
Some people believe you get a better hold and penetration with a smaller hook.
Whist others including myself think a larger hook holds better.
Is it also fair to say that heavier elastic should mean a bigger hook when targeting larger fish ?

Larry Teepot · 27th August 2008, 08:58 AM

size 16..will land anything....my hook size goes on bait not fish.....but what do i know

Ian.B · 27th August 2008, 10:14 AM

I agree with Larry on this, although up until a few weeks ago I might have read that comment & thought differently.
Lately I seemed to have caught more carp (in the 6lb to 10lb bracket) on 16's & 18's when I'm not really fishing for them than when I do fish for them with bigger hooks.

Smudger · 27th August 2008, 10:39 AM

tell me about it i seem to hook more carp myself lately on a double pinky on a size 20. Dont get the buggers in though

Neilio · 28th August 2008, 07:11 PM

This is what I mean.....
If your lucky enough to get a big fish and it bottoms out your laccy does a smaller or larger hook hold the best?

stevelockett · 29th August 2008, 02:04 PM

I would think that wire gauge would be what makes the difference as to whether you pull out or not.

Given a choice, I go for a bigger hook every time. I know many top anglers advocate a smaller hook for keeping fish on, but I seem to lose far too many when I do this.
For roach, I'll always use an 18 if I lose some on a 20 and for carp, I'll change to a 14 if I pull out at the net with a 16 on.
It usually cures the problem.