Which are the best circle hooks for saltwater fishing? While size is important, it also depends on what fish you are targeting. This will be discussed in the blog. We encourage you to look at the chart of circle hook sizes here and learn about the different sizes of circle hooks.
How to Choose the Right Size Circle Hook for Your Goals
Seven parts make up a fishing hook. These are the:
- Eye – Where you attach your hook to your line.
- Shank – This attaches to your eye and is a straight piece that ends at the point where the hook bends.
- The Bend – This is the bottom of the hook, where the metal forms a U-shape.
- Throat – The throat is where the hook starts to straighten after the bends. There may be a barb in your throat to keep the hook in its place.
- Point – Where the throat meets the barb.
- Barb – The pointy part of the hook that penetrates the fish’s flesh and helps to set the hook.
- Gap – The gap is the distance between the barb, point, or shank. It’s a space of air that contains no metal. The gap is the size of the opening which indicates the ratio between the fish’s jaw and hook size.
Two Things Are Essential When Choosing the Best Circle Hook
- The hook’s diameter is determined by the size of the metal. It is smaller for smaller fish and larger for heavier baits.
- You can measure the gap to determine how big a fish will fit on your hook.
Each species of fish will have a different size of circle hook. You should consider the size of your bait or soft plastic. For soft plastics with longer lengths, you will need larger hooks. These are extremely popular. The shank should be longer so the head of the soft-plastic piece is at the hook’s eye. The bend will emerge from the soft plastic in the middle or top of the soft imitation.
Also, circle hooks require that you consider the gap. Make sure you leave enough space to place the hook above the jawbone. The fish may literally tear off the hook if it is not.
Saltwater Fishing: Best Circle Hooks
When shopping for circle hooks, there are two brands that stand out. Gamakatsu and Mustad.
Saltwater fishing is best done with a 2/0 hook. This hook can be used for both inshore and offshore fishing. You can either use a 1/0 hook for reds and speckled trout or a 2/0 hook for them.
#4-6 for Jack Mackerel. Yellowtail 5/0 is a better choice if you’re targeting larger fish like Cobia. Use soft plastic baits such as soft plastics. A 3/0 is a good size, depending on how long your bait is.
You will need to reach the top of the large hooks with 11/0 or 10/0 hooks for massive fish like marlin. You can catch a red snapper with a 10/0 circle hook or an 11.0 circle hook. Because they are so open-mouthed, they will grab hooks from you.
Which size circle hook will work best for your next fishing trip? In solo fishing, you can use a variety of circle hooks to match your catch. For most inshore fishing, a good quality 2/0 is sufficient. For medium-sized fish, you can choose from 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0. If you want to go bigger, 10/0 and 11.0 are the best options.
Book a Fishing Trip Today
The best circle hooks for saltwater fishing are the ones that you feel most comfortable with. There are many options for circle hooks. You will find one that meets your specific needs.
Salty Knots Fishing Charters is the best charter in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, with the finest hand-picked guides. To learn more about our services, call us today.
