Fishhooks have been around for many centuries, and they have been used in a variety of ways by people all around the world. From the simple J-hook used to catch bait fish, to intricate circular hooks and combinations that have been used to catch far larger specimens, these hooks are powerful and effective tools in the angler’s arsenal.
Fishhooks are typically made of metal and are essentially an L-shaped piece of metal. The end of the “L” shape is the point, and the other end is a shank – this is the part that ties into the line, allowing you to bring the fish back to shore. Modern fishhooks are incredibly varied, and even a quick glance at an angler’s tackle box might reveal dozens of different-sized and shaped hooks.
The different shapes a fishhook can take are often used for different types of fishing. J-hooks, made from a single piece of metal, are perhaps the most common of all the hooks. These are generally used for bait fishing – whether that’s for live bait, or for natural attractants like worms and maggots. J-hooks are also generally used for catching smaller fish, like bream or whiting.
Circle hooks – so-called because of their circular shape – have a much wider gape, meaning they can quickly and easily hook fish without the need for the angler to set the hook. This can be a great advantage, as many larger predators like barramundi and jewfish have some powerful jaws and teeth – and a circle hook helps alleviate the pressure from the angler’s side.
Other types of hooks, such as offset worms, weedless worms, and even sabiki rigs, are often used for a variety of techniques and to catch different species. Some anglers even go so far as to make their own custom hooks for particular purposes.
No matter why you’re using them, fishhooks are an essential and necessary tool for any angler. With the immense variety available, it’s now easier than ever to find the right hook for the job – and for the species you’re after. Because of this, fishhooks will continue to be a mainstay of angling for many years to come.
