When you’re trying to figure out which hook to use the next time you go fishing, it’s important to consider the size.
If you’re not sure about what the difference is in the sizes of hooks and how the size of a hook is measured, then I’ve got something for you. I’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about the anatomy of a fishing hook.
Read on below to become an expert in what makes a fishing hook a fishing hook. Check it out!
Different Parts of a Fishing Hook
The first thing to learn about fishing hooks is the different components that differ depending on the style and type of hook. These are the different parts that you need to look out for:
Barb
The barb is a spike that faces backward and prevents the hook from breaking loose.
Bend
The bend is where the hook curves back on itself.
Eye
The eye is a ring that helps to attach the hook to the lure or line.
Gap
The gap is the distance between the shank and the throat.
Point
The point is the sharp bit of the hook that pierces the fish.
Shank
The shank is the section of the hook that runs down on the blunt end.
Throat
The throat is the same as the shank but runs down from the point.
No matter what kind of hook you opt for, they all have these components but the look, length and materials may differ depending on the hook’s specific purpose.
Having a wider gap, for example, allows you to use larger bait to hunt bigger fish. On the other hand, a narrow shank works best when using thin baits such as worms.
However, the most important part of the hook to look into is the eye which has all kinds of variations.
The Fishing Hook Point
As the number of different types of hooks has increased over the years, the same has happened with the hook points.
It’s important to learn about the different types of hook points as this will increase your success with certain fish.
Hollow point
The first type of hook point to consider is the hollow point which has a spike that bends inwards and curves downwards to the barb.
They are ideal for soft mouthed fish and stay firmly in place once the skin has been penetrated. On fish with tougher skin or scales, it can be difficult to cut through.
Knife edge point
The knife edge point is faced away from the shank and sharpened on both sides which are made to penetrate tough skins.
The downside to knife edge points is that they can cause a lot of damage when penetrating the fish.
Needle point
For those who want a hook point that penetrates quickly and easily then a needle point is the best option.
They are slightly bent inwards towards the shank. This helps to keep the penetration hole small and reduces harm to the fish as well as causing minimal damage.
Rolled in point
For those who want to catch fish that have a tendency to thrash whilst being reeling in.
The rolled in point works by penetrating deeply using the least amount of pressure possible.
The tip of the point faces the hook eye which then aligns the hook point with the fish’s mouth.
Spear point
The last hook point to consider is the most common and popular model. It is the best one to purchase if you don’t have a specific type of fish in mind.
As the name suggests, the spear point runs right up the throat which limits the damage to the fish whilst also giving a good amount of penetration.
They are easy to sharpen after use as well, making them suitable for a variety of fish.
The Fishing Hook Eye
The hook eye is something that you should always bear in mind and it’s located at the blunt end of the hook.
The eye determines what kind of knotting and tying style as well as differing in strength for catching larger fish and allowing you to battle with them if they thrash around.
These are the different types of hook eyes that you should consider:
Brazed eye
Brazed eyes are usually used to catch bigger fish and consist of a loop that is sealed shut with melted metal.
This means that the hook won’t bend or break whilst fighting with the fish.
Looped eye
Looped eyes are ideal for fly tyers and allow you to give wet flies more weight making it ideal for catching smaller fish.
Needle eye
Needle eyes allow you to thread the hook through the bait like a sewing needle easily. This is ideal if you are fishing with bait.
Simple ringed eye
The simple ringed eye is the most common type of hook eye.
Easy to thread and use a wide variety of knots, this is ideal for newbies who are unfamiliar with fishing equipment and don’t have a specific fish in mind.
Tapered eye
Lastly, tapered eyes are mainly used by dry fly anglers as they have a more slender structure that helps to reduce weight and allow the hook to float properly.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it. Never wonder again about what this part or that part of a hook is called.
Now you can show off to all of your angler buddies by expressing your thorough expertise when it comes to the anatomy of a fishing hook.
Plus, knowing the different parts of a hook and their purposes can make it easier to choose the right hook for the right fish.
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