Gap Hooks
Fish Hooks, Which one will work for you
A fish hook seems like a simple thing. A sharp point, a curve and an eye to attach to fishing line. But there's much more than meets the eye (or finger, ouch!) to the average fishing hook.
Every hook does have those basics. The point is usually supplemented by a barb, to prevent the hooked fish from slipping right back off. That section is called the bite or front length. The curve is called the bend. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to; it's the same thing. That bend straightens into the shank which contains an opening at the end, called the eye.
The distance measured between the shank and point is called the gap (or, sometimes, the gape). The distance measured the other way, from the tip to the farthest point of the bend is called the bite or throat.
So, why should a fisherman care? Because all these different attributes come in a hundred variations of size and style, and each (and the whole) has an effect on fishing. In short, you'll want to choose the right kind of hook for the type of fishing you do.
The point, for example, can be one of many options. A needlepoint looks just like its namesake. The sides of the point are rounded and smoothly tapered. The rolled-in style point reduces the pressure needed to set the hook. They set deeply, so the fish doesn't get off easily. Hollow points are great for soft-mouthed crappie that need to be handled with care, for example.
The shank can vary from short to regular to long. These terms aren't exact but most companies have adopted a standard convention. Sizes range anywhere from 32 (the smallest) to 1 (larger), then start over with numbers running from 1/0, 2/0… up to 18/0, 19/0, 20/0. The shank size isn't the only aspect here, but it's a key one.
Not surprisingly, smaller hooks are generally recommended for smaller fish and larger hooks for larger species. The more aggressive fish that tends to swallow live bait deeply is also easier to manage with a long-shanked hook. Larger hooks are also easier to bait and remove fish from without getting poked.
The difference between eyes is mostly a matter of convenience, but that's often no small matter. Tying onto a hook with wet, slimy hands can be tricky. Anything that makes it easier is a good thing.
Ringed eyes are the most common, since it then becomes easy to tie a standard knot, slip it on the partly open eye, and tighten down. That slightly open ring is sometimes extended into a loop, so that the eye looks like a two-lane road with a circular driveway at the end. Closed ends, called needle eyes, are sometimes used for saltwater fishing of larger species.
The overall shape can take on hundreds more variations, especially when two or three hooks share a single shank (called doubles or trebles). Aberdeen, circle hooks, jig hooks and a thousand more demonstrate the endless ingenuity of fishermen in pursuit of that great catch.
About the Author
When choosing a rod and reel for salt water fishing in particular, look no further than the daiwa saltist reels and for more information on these cracking reels check out http://daiwasaltist.com
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Silver Tone Metal Single Barb Wide Gap Fishing Hooks 5 Pcs $3.21 |
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15 Fishing Tackle Hooks Largemouth Bass Senko Worms weedless wide gap hooks 2/0 $2.95 |
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5 x Silver Tone Metal Single Barb Wide Gap Fishing Hooks $3.91 |
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Silver Tone Metal Single Barb Wide Gap Fishing Hooks 5 Pcs $4.09 |
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15 Fishing Tackle Hooks Largemouth Bass Senko Worms weedless wide gap hooks 2/0 $3.75 |
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15 Fishing Tackle Hooks Largemouth Bass Senko Worms weedless wide gap hooks 2/0 $2.95 |
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15 Fishing Tackle Hooks Largemouth Bass Senko Worms weedless wide gap hooks 2/0 $2.95 |
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Gamakatsu 4/0 Finesse Wide Gap 230314 20 Hook Lot! $10.95 |
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Gamakatsu Black Finesse Wide Gap Weedless Fishing Hooks Size 4 $8.10 |
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GAMAKATSU 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 SKIP GAP HOOKS 6 PACKAGES 32 HOOKS $14.99 |
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50 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 4/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $20.00 |
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200 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 4/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $74.00 |
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25 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 3/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $10.00 |
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24 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOK COMBO - 12-3/0 & 12-4/0 - BULK $10.00 |
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100 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 3/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $37.00 |
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50 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 3/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $20.00 |
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100 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOK COMBO - 50-3/0 & 50-4/0 - BULK $37.00 |
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100 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 4/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $37.00 |
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50 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOK COMBO - 25-3/0 & 25-4/0 - BULK $20.00 |
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25 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 4/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $10.00 |
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200 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOKS - SIZE 3/0 - BLACK - BULK PACK $73.00 |
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200 VMC WIDE GAP SPECIAL RIG'N WORM HOOK COMBO - 100-3/0 & 100-4/0 - BULK $74.00 |
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5 x Silver Tone Metal Single Barb Wide Gap Fishing Hooks $4.08 |
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LINDY MAX-GAP ''BLEEDING BAIT HOOKS''JIGS. $9.99 |
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GAP Huge CHUNKY WOOL Cardigan Hook front Long maxi Sweater Jumper Ivory Small $19.99 |
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GAMAKATSU WORM hooks 5/0 EXTRA WIDE GAP 25 Package NEW $13.99 |
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LOT OF 6 GAMAKATSU HOOKS DROP SHOT/ G-LOCK/ SKIP GAP/G-MAG OVERSIZE/OFFSET SHANK $16.99 |
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Girls 4 Years 4T Baby Gap Navy Blue Hook Line & Sinker Logo Shirt $8.99 |
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Daiichi 2720 Wide Gap Stinger Hooks $5.29 |
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Daiichi 2720 Wide Gap Stinger Hooks $5.29 |
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Daiichi 2720 Wide Gap Stinger Hooks $5.29 |
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Daiichi 2720 Wide Gap Stinger Hooks $5.29 |
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NEW FOX FISHING WIDE GAP WORM HOOK 5/0 20pcs ULTRA POWER HOOKS / HIGH QUALITY $8.90 |
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Gamakatsu Black Finesse Wide Gap Weedless Fishing Hooks Size 4 $6.99 |
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NEW Lot6 Rapala Vanadium Wide Gap Hook #3/0 Lures BASS Fishing HOOKS jigs lure $6.99 |
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EAGLE CLAW Red Wide Gap Worm hooks 2 packs $3.00 |
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EAGLE CLAW Wide Gap Worm hooks 2 packs $3.00 |
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GAMAKATSU SIZE 3/0 FINESSE WIDE GAP HOOK BLACK 5 PACK $4.00 |
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GAMAKATSU SIZE 3/0 FINESSE WIDE GAP HOOK RED 5 PACK $4.00 |
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(24 EA) NICKEL WIDE GAP HOOK #1/0 $5.40 |
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GAMAKATSU SIZE 2/0 FINESSE WIDE GAP HOOK RED 6 PER PACK $4.00 |
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GAMAKATSU SIZE 2 WALLEYE WIDE GAP HOOK BLACK 8 PER PAK $4.00 |
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6 in 1 Sharpened Point 8mm Gap Beak Fish Hook Pair Sz 8 $4.63 |
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GAMAKATSU SIZE 1/0 FINESSE WIDE GAP WEEDLESS HOOK 5 PK $6.00 |
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GAMAKATSU SIZE 1/0 FINESSE WIDE GAP HOOK RED 6 PER PACK $4.00 |
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20 - Eagle Claw 5/0 Extra Wide Gap Hooks and 28 Assorted Bullet Weights $4.99 |
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25 XCalibur Tx3 3/0 Wide Gap X-Strong Hooks Heavy TUFF FIND Super Sharp $3.58 |
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1 PACK MATZUO AMERICA X WIDE GAP SICKLE HOOK(RED CHROME) sz.1 $0.99 |
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1 PACK MATZUO AMERICA X WIDE GAP SICKLE HOOK(RED CHROME)sz.1/0 $0.99 |
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1 PACK MATZUO AMERICA X WIDE GAP SICKLE HOOK- RED CHROME(4/0) $0.99 |
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1 PACK MATZUO AMERICA X WIDE GAP SICKLE HOOK (5/0) $0.99 |
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Yoshikawa fishing lures wide gap hooks 1/0 - 8pcs NEW $3.59 |
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Eagle Claw L949G Size 8 Kahle Wide Gap Treble Hooks $2.99 |
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Baby Gap Boys Toddler 3 Years Hook Closure Adjustable Waist Tan Chino Pants $14.99 |
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15 Fishing Tackle Hooks Largemouth Bass Senko Worms weedless wide gap hooks 2/0 $2.95 |
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Rapala VMC PROPACK 7105GL size 1 25 pack Wide Gap Walleye Glow in Dark Hook $6.99 |
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Daiichi Hook D1100 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1100 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1100 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1100 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1100 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1110 Wide-Gap Dry Fly - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1130 Wide Gap Scud - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1130 Wide Gap Scud - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1130 Wide Gap Scud - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1130 Wide Gap Scud - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1130 Wide Gap Scud - Fly Tying $5.42 |
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Daiichi Hook D1130 Wide Gap Scud - Fly Tying $5.42 |