This chapter is dedicated to try and explain the main things that you need to know.
The "Eye"
Some are straight and others are offset or angled either in or out,
which will affect the way your bait and hook sit when your line is tight
to the hook.
Make sure that this properly closed on the brand that you settle
on. If you are going to open the eye to put the hooks on spinners etc.,
then choose a "wire" hook. Cast/Forged hooks will often snap when you try
to open them without heat.
This also decides on how you will have to tie it on. Some hooks
do not have eyes, they have "spade" ends, and they have to "snelled" (See
Knots Chapter)
The Shank
Do you need the hook to have "bait holder barbs (sliced shank)"
or do you want it plain. For fillets and live bait fishing, have a plain
hook. For worms and other static baits you can use ones with "bait holders".
Do you need a "long" shank to hold the bait higher up for special
species ? or a short shank for others?
Some hooks have "offset shanks" (a bend in the shank) for
plastic worm fishing for bass etc.
Twist
Do you need the point twisted off to one side or not ? If hooks
are going on to spinners, then they should be straight, otherwise they
turn and spin (and catch weeds too). Generally it thought that the hook
being offset will help in get a good hookup. They can be bought with the
twist to either side, and are known as "kirbed" or "reversed".
The Throat and Gap
You may require a hook that needs to be deep and wide between the
shank and the point, for fish with funny mouths, thick cheeks/lips etc,
or some other reason to do with your bait presentation etc.
Consider this carefully when you choose your baits and decide on
your species. There is no set rule.
For example:- Live
bait fishing generally requires a wide "gap" and a long "shank" or deep
"throat" on the hook, so you can get the hook through the thicker parts
of the fish, and still have the point above the fishes back and ablt to
get a good hookup.
The Barb
Some hooks have very wide barbs, and consequently on some fish the
barb does not pull through. The hooks with the smaller barbs work just
as well, if you keep your line tight to the fish when playing it. If you
are going to release your fish either buy "barbless" hooks or simply file
it off. An alternative solution is just to squash it back against the point
with a pair of pliers.
Colour
This is a personal choice, but consider how visible and unnatural
the hook might look when you are using it for some fish. (Some fish seem
to have very good eyesight.)
Many anglers prefer brown hooks, as this colour does occur naturally
in the fishes environment.
(Also to note :- Very few if any cast/forged hooks are brown, they
are normally silver)
Cast/Forged or Wire Construction
Again this is a personal choice, but I have found that most of the
bigger cast/forged hooks do not sharpen well, and on top of that, with
the sizes of line that we generally use in this country, wire hooks are
more than adequate for the job in hand.