I’d be happy to help you with any questions you might have on hooks size for trout or any tips you might have so leave a comment or question in the comments section below. There are many advantages to using the right hook size for trout but there are some disadvantages to the wrong hook size. The right hook size for trout will improve your presentation. So for example a 3/0 is bigger than a 2/0. Replies (3) 2 4. In other words, i’m not going to put on a size 14 hook when a size 10 will still work. Most people don’t troll inshore, but it’s actually a really fun (and effective) way to fish. These floats let you put the bait right there with them. This has enabled me to have plenty of opportunities to watch thousands of trout feeding above and below the surface. As a guide for the last 20 years, I have done a lot of research on trout feeding habits. font-display: swap; Here are some general tips for catching speckled trout. A 3x 4/0 hook has the same wire thickness as a 7/0 hook. A bigger hook will hook more fish and will hold on better so if the water is dirtier and I think that the trout won’t likely see my hook due to the reduced visability, I will use a bigger size 6 or size 8 trout hook. The only difference between a hook for a large trout and a small trout is the thickness of the hook. On the flip side, a small hook doesn’t grab a lot of flesh and doesn’t hook trout as well and is more likely to tear out of the fish’s mouth but a small hook in a bait is less likely to be seen by the trout and is more likely to get grabbed. The offset point can improve strike rate but it is also easier for the trout once hooked to shake it free. If you have a good quality hook, then all you have to do is set your drag right, use the right size hook based on the bait and the conditions, present your bait well and you will catch more trout. Double hooks are mostly used for trout for tying certain types of heavy flies or to a lesser extent used with PowerBait. Brown trout and speckled trout are known for having a good eye for hooks. If you do not intend to kill and eat any trout you catch you should always try to use a barb-less hook. Required fields are marked *. If you don’t want to skip to another page, here is a quick summary of the best hooks for trout and the ones that I use the most for both trout and for steelhead. Back to top. Having said that, there are so many different hooks that are built for the different species of fish, with different hook sizes designated for each kind. Another hook that I like in all these sizes and conditions is the. I find my hookup ratio is much better if I let them eat and lift and reel, especially with the trout,” he said. A Raven size 10 sedge hook is a thin wire hook that might straighten out on very big trout or on a big salmon, but a size 10 Gamakatsu Octopus Strong hook won’t bend or break. As an example, a size 6 hook by Eagle Claw may not be the exact same size as a size 6 Gamakatsu hook. Treble hook artificials had a 97% survival rate, single hook artificials were 91%, treble hook with bait had 83%, and single hook with bait was 74%. The best hook size for trout fishing when I am using a bigger bait like a garden worm or a spawn bag that is about the size of a nickel would be a size 8 or size 10 trout hook. #2 Best Speckled Trout Lure – Grub On A Jig Head. Doubles and trebles in this scenario can cause a lot of damage to a trout particularly the eyes. It’s even more so if these trout are wild and feeding in clear water. font-weight: 700; Following on from double hooks a treble hook is three hooks joined at an angle along the shank. Hook sizes with a zero(aught):​When you see a fishing hook size such as 3/0(three aught) it means that the bigger the first number the bigger the hook size will increase. A bigger trout hook is better to hook and hold onto the trout but it can also be bad under certain situations. This means that if they see your hook you will have a tough time catching trout. But for sinking fly lines and flies, you can go as short as 4 to 5 feet. If you're using a pinfish, pigfish, etc. As for rigging up this bait I only use an Owner Beast 4/0 1/8 ounce weighted hook. The hook size for trout that I use the most is a size 10 but when I go trout fishing I have trout hooks on me from size 6 to size 14 because there are times when a size 10 is too big or too small. If you want to be among the small number of anglers that succeed in their speckled trout fishing endeavors, there are several speckled trout fishing tips; you will have to be familiar with. Single hooks are most popular when fishing with bait for trout. Not sure but can be confusing if not using and buying hooks often. A smaller hook size is usually best for catching trout. If you have read any of my previous posts on how to fish for trout you will know that I think proper presentation is critical in catching trout consistently. Wolfmanjack Member since Jun 2017 568 posts. This something a lot of guys don’t think about when choosing the hook size for trout. A larger hook will be wider and it will give you a better hookset, and a larger hook will also grab more flesh so it will hold onto the fish better, but don’t let that be the reason you go straight to a big size 2 hook because if the hook is too big they may not put it in there mouth in the first place. Top 9 Speckled Trout Fishing Lures. I trout hook that is too big will not allow a small bait to move naturally in the current because it is too heavy and weighs it down. Catching Speckled Trout – Tips. “Nine times out of 10, you hook them in the corner of the mouth. There are also hooks bigger than a size 1 and they rate them like this 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, and even much bigger with some over 8/0 for musky and saltwater fishing. The problem with small hooks and bait is that a size 14 trout hook might be too small and will get buried in the bait which may close up the gap which will then affect how well the hook penetrates and how well or how poorly it hooks the trout. For trout fishing treble hooks will mostly be used on all types of spinning and trolling lures and in the smaller sizes are used for fishing with Berkeley's Powerbait range of artificial baits. 4 for flies that imitate tiny prey to 2/0 or 3/0 for big mullet patterns to tempt those big gator trout. The best hook size for trout when using a very large bait like a chunk of skein, a crayfish or a dew worm or even a large minnow would be a size 6 or 8 trout hook. I have guided and taught around 3000 anglers and many other fishing guides. }, Your email address will not be published. For the extra 1 to 2 dollars a pack it’s worth buying better quality hooks. But trout can be line-shy and that means that a big strong hook will never be put to its full potential because the chances are that the lighter leader will always break long before the hook will bend or break. Unless you are fishing for stocked trout which I often call dumber than dumb, you will struggle to get wild trout to bite if the trout keep seeing your hooks. The larger the hook size, the more likely trout will see it as something to avoid. The hook size for trout fishing will change based on the water clarity. If you want to know what my favorite baits are for trout and my tactics for catching more trout on baits, go to my page called Best Trout Baits – The Only 5 Baits You Will Ever Need. Best Trout Baits – The Only 5 Baits You Will Ever Need, How To Catch Trout: Learn From A Professional River Guide, 2 Float Fishing Leader Setups From A Pro River Guide, Best River Fishing Rods Of 2021: Trout And Steelhead Rods, 5 Best Trout Nets And A Guides Advice On How To Attach Them, What Are The Best Indicators For Fly Fishing? The size of the fish usually doesn’t matter, except when hook strength is a factor. re: How to rig live mullet for speckled trout? Not aggressively setting the hook — particularly for speckled trout — is a big key to catching more fish. The ideal hook size for trout fishing range from 6-18. My go-to size when I am guiding for steelhead is a size 10 trout hook in clear water conditions, and I sometimes put over 300 steelhead in the net just in the month of November. A size 10 hook Raven sedge hook is a thin hook and in a 3-inch plastic worm, it will be hidden enough that the trout won’t see it even in very clear water. Choosing the wrong hook can definitely work against you as you try to land a picky trout. This article may contain affiliate links. For example, if you’re using a longer six-inch tail you would need a 4/0 size hook, not a 2/0 like you might use for a four-inch tail. Hook size for trout or any hook for that matter is measured in numbers from 1 to 26 with the larger number being a smaller hook and a smaller number being a bigger hook. Single hooks - ​Size #12 or up to # 8 Gamakatsu trout hooks if you are fishing for larger fish. I’m not talking about trolling inshore waters for speckled trout! I use a larger size 6 or 8 hooks whenever I can, and I use a smaller size 10 to 14 hook when I need to. Obviously, use a smaller size reel if you use a light or ultralight rod. If you used a hook that was much bigger … A regular hook can be de-barbed by flattening out the barb with a strong fishing pliers. We participate in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Also, make sure your hook size matches your tail size. A hook that is too large for the bait will stand out too much and be ignored by the bigger wiser trout especially under clear and slow water conditions. Trout has a habit of suspending at a certain depth, depending on water conditions. The majority of hook-caught speckled trout survive when released. The bait will A heavy hook will also drag along the bottom too much which also looks unnatural to the trout because most bugs and other bait will drift freely on and off the bottom. Whether the trout is 20 pounds or 4 inches they both see things the same way and they will both see the hook if it is too big. The key is having the right set up to ensure that when you hook one you can successfully land it. These fish are a little more particular than other fish, so you don’t want to skip this section. If the current is slow then the trout will have more time to inspect your bait which means they might see a bigger hook. To do this simply squeeze down the barb of the hook so that it is flat against the hook wire. I leave the line slack so the bait can swim down on its own and that is the key. Treble hooks - Size #12 or #14 eagles claw sometimes down to a size #16​. Perfect size to match the popular small 2 1/2" to 3" swimming minnow soft plastics used to hammer summer and winter time specked trout. Speckled trout will be wherever the bait is. Guides Advice, How To Keep Fishing Rod Guides From Freezing – 3 Guide Tips. In faster currents, the best hook size for trout fishing will be a bigger hook. Just kidding. I have seen plenty of fish turn away from a bait, but with a few hook adjustments, I have seen that same fish grab the bait. @font-face { font-style: normal; A thick hook stands out more than a thin hook does so that is something else to consider when choosing the best hook size for trout. Barb-less hooks are used to when you want to create less damage to the trouts mouth. If you want a big wise old trout to bite you need leader and a hook size that they wont see. The gauges are commonly described using and X descriptor. Treble hooks - Size #12 or #14 eagles claw sometimes down to a size #16​. The speed of the retrieve is a big factor and may vary throughout the day depending on depth, current, feeding pattern, and water temperature. Read MoreContinue@font-face { What size hook, weight etc etc... TIA. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. font-display: swap; Many rivers and fisheries will operate on a catch and release system. Hook sizes without a zero:The second hook size system does not include a zero. This rig is a weightless one and I use a Number 8 treble. Sadly, not every angler gets to go home with a prize 7-pound speckled trout. The larger sized hooks are described by the aught system and are generally used for sea fishing. Hook the live shrimp on your line with no weight and no float, and let it drift along with the current. A lot of trout fishermen will swear by the same size, shape and brand of hook for all of their fishing lives. Not aggressively setting the hook — particularly for speckled trout — is a big key to catching more fish. TroutandSteelhead.net makes every effort to provide trusted and unbiased advice and reviews. “Nine times out of 10, you hook them in the corner of the mouth. Same strong and sharp black nickel hook … You may have to increase up to a 3/0-4/0 hook. Cancel. Hook sizes run from No. Two main factors determine what size hook for trout fishing: A trout fishing hook is fundamentally the same as most other freshwater fishing hooks and is constructed and described in the same manner. Reply. The best hooks for trout fishing as mentioned earlier should be as small as possible depending on the target fish size. A smaller size 12 trout hook will be lighter and allow the bait to have better and more natural movement which looks better to a trout and provides a better presentation but don’t go buying a bunch of tiny hooks just yet. Like I mentioned earlier, you can either choose JRW Gang Hooks for better catch, or if you prefer single hook, try the Gamakatsu Trout Worm Hook , both of which are readily available to order online at Amazon. The best jig head size is usually still the 1/8 ounce or 1/4 ounce because they are usually in the upper parts of the water column. Posted by Wolfmanjack on 8/6/17 at 9:03 pm to eyepooted. A size 6 will hook and hold a trout, steelhead, or even a salmon just fine. I like to use a small circle or kahle hook free lined. They are also used on single hook lures. font-style: normal; If you are not sure about how to present your bait effectively or you want a guide’s advice on the best methods for bait fishing check out my page on How To Float Fish and my page on How To Bottom Bounce Lie A Pro. However if you are fishing in a stocked pond and want to avoid the smaller younger fish you can use a slightly bigger bait and hook, the bigger hook will deter the smaller fish. Unfortunately there are two systems that are currently used to describe the size of a hook. font-weight: 400; If you make a purchase after clicking on a link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If the water is dirtier and I can get away with a bigger hook or I am using larger baits, I will go with the same 2 hooks but in a size 8 or maybe a size 6 trout hook if it’s really dirty water. This works particularly well in creeks where there is a deep bend. Read our full disclosure – HERE. The best hook size for trout fishing will depend on the size of the bait and the size of the trout that you are fishing for. Trout fishing is an enjoyable experience and it's very important to have the right size hook size for better success when catching trout. Jim Klopfer’s top 9 speckled trout fishing lures. For example a 2X hook is twice as strong as a normal gauge hook. If a size 10 trout hook is good enough for steelhead it’s good enough for trout too. One of the reasons that I use size 10 trout hooks for steelhead without worrying that I’m going to bend out hooks is because I know that if I pull too hard my leader will break long before my hook will bend so I never have to worry about bent or broken hook, especially since I only use good quality trout hooks. 6 or No. Terms of Service and Conditions | Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy. That number is based on a recent study I read, but I have been saying this for over 20 years. You want a flimsier fishing hook that flexes for fish species with softer, paper-thin mouths, like a speckled trout. However having a small variety in your tackle box is definitely the best approach. Louisiana conducted a 18-month study ending in 1995 on the survival of released speckled trout. Trout have small mouths (much smaller than that of a bass and other game fish) which is why you need to use such a small hook. For a good multi-purpose trout hook that is suitable for most river conditions and most bait sizes, and most fish sizes, I will use the same two hooks types as above but in a size 10. 1 of 3 This keeper trout landed by Harvey Winingham of Phoenix hit a croaker with authority -- note the bait is on the line above the hook being removed by Capt. Some anglers think that you need a bigger hook for big trout and a smaller hook for small trout but that’s not true. Here, I hook the croaker just in front of the dorsal fin and toss it towards the structure. A thin wire hook produces a smaller hole in the fish's mouth and won't tear it up so bad the fish comes off. Follow the Birds. ​When choosing the best hooks for trout fishing you need to be aware that trout especially wild brown trout can be notoriously finicky when it comes to bait presentation. ​What bait you are using and how big it is. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Did you know that trout have superb sight? For all the same reasons why I would or wouldn’t use a large hook will still apply to big trout or small trout. A double hook is simply two hooks joined together at an angle. How big are the trout in the local rivers or lakes. The best rule to follow when selecting a trout hook is to choose the smallest suitable size possible. A large trout hook will be thicker, heavier, and stronger and has the advantage of hooking the trout and holding onto the trout better. That means the wrong hook can warn them off your bait entirely. For the rest of this guide I will be using the second system that does not include zeros. Thicker stronger hooks are mostly used when fishing with live bait. Just like how one clothing line’s medium shirt may fit like a large in another clothing line. Even a size 6 to me is big for trout. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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