Friday, April 20, 2012

Getting The Most Out Of Mustad Fishing Hooks

By Melody Lyons


There is nothing like getting new tackle to try out on the water. But a new rod and reel needs to be matched with the right fishhook for the situation. Mustad fishing hooks are available in a full range to use in any situation or conditions. One can significantly increase their success on the water by choosing wisely.

A hook is made up of four main sections. The eye is the loop where the line or leader is secured. The shank is the long straight section leading to the bottom bend. The up-turn ends at the point and barb. Two other terms of note. The throat or bite is the distance from the point to the bottom of the hook. The gape is the width from shank to point.

The sizing system can be confusing. The smallest size is 32 and the smaller numbers represent bigger size. At 1 a zero is added (e. G., 1/0) and the sizing continues from 1/0 to 19/0 (pronounced '19 aught'). There is no industry-wide standard, but sizing is consistent from manufacturer to manufacturer. Base hook size on bait choice, not the size of species.

The shape of the hook is also important and is based on bait and lure as well as species of fish. The shape should work well with the bait choice. For example if fishing with artificial worms, one should choose a long, offset shank to help presentation in the water. Each bait type has a corresponding ideal hook shape and style.

For catch-and-release one must use a barbless style, but beyond this, most do not consider barb type. Kirbed barbs are offset to the side and in some situations result in a better set at strike. Knife edge barbs help with hard-mouthed fish by slicing through bone and cartilage more effectively.

Putting as much thought into one's fishhook as in other tackle choices will increase one's success. The next time one is considering what hook to purchase, think carefully about the bait, fish-species and conditions. The right choice of mustad fishing hooks will mean more fish in the boat or creel.




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