Embarking on a surf fishing expedition brings the promise of excitement and the potential for rewarding catches. However, one crucial aspect that can significantly impact your success is the selection of the right hook size. In this article, we’ll navigate the nuances of choosing the optimal hook size for surf fishing, considering factors such as target species, bait preferences, prevailing conditions, and the art of adapting to the dynamic coastal environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice casting lines into the surf, understanding the correlation between hook size and fishing success is key. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this fundamental aspect of surf fishing, aiming to enhance your angling skills and increase the likelihood of a memorable catch by the shoreline.
3 Things To Know Before Selecting A Hook Size
Selecting a hook size is not a binary choice.
By following a size guideline without knowing the basics, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Do you wish to capture more fish that are the proper size and species?
Please take a moment to study the following section on the benefits and drawbacks of tiny and big bait hooks, as well as these three important factors.
1. Understand Hook Size Measurements
It’s important that you comprehend hook size measures to prevent becoming lost in a maze of figures and symbols. You have two systems to become familiar with.
The (#) sign is used in the first system, which has the smallest sizes. Consider number 5.
The smallest number in this system is #24, and the greatest is #1. In addition, all of the numbers in it are even, except for 1.
Of the two systems, the hooks in the second system are the greatest in size. The aught system employs a ( / ) between the size number and 0. It is referred to as such. For instance, 5/0.
Where the first system ends off, the aught system picks up the size. That indicates that you have the somewhat greater size of 1/0, which comes after #1 in the prior system.
The aught system has both even and odd integers and ranges from 1/0 (smallest) to 12/0 (biggest).
It might be difficult to understand at first how various systems are arranged, thus the following is a list of hook sizes in sequence, from smallest to largest:
(smallest) #8, #6, #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0 (largest)
Tip: Knowing how to properly describe hook sizes can come in handy whether you’re in a tackle store or conversing with knowledgeable fishermen.
For #6, you’d say: “I’m using a size 6 hook.”
For 4/0, you’d say: “I’m using a 5-aught hook.”
2. Know The Species’ Size And Strength
I usually think about my major target species first when selecting the size of hook to utilize.
You can target different species of fish (more on that in the “big vs. small hooks” section that follows). It’s simpler to begin, though, by determining the range of hook sizes for a certain species.
The size and hardness of the species’ mouths should be taken into account. It is also necessary to consider their fighting style and general strength.
For a tiny, somewhat weakfish like the pompano (#1 – 2/0), a smaller size hook is perfect.
For the bigger fish, such striped bass (6/0 – 8/0), with a big jaw and a vigorous fight, a larger size hook is suitable.
3. Decide The Bait
The ideal hook size for surf fishing depends on the kind of bait you use for the target species.
The most crucial thing to remember is that you’re attempting to make a fish’s meal look as appetizing as you can.
Consider things from your point of view. You would probably think it odd if someone served you a single chicken wing on a huge serving plate. However, you would also have some issues if you were offered a whole turkey on top of a little soup dish.
To hook up the fish, you need a hook that is large enough to retain the bait without scaring the fish away.
For example, you’ll want a smaller hook (1/0 – 2/0) if you’re fishing with sand fleas. On the other hand, you will want a bigger hook (1/0 – 3/0) if you are employing a shrimp of the same species. You may need a larger size hook for larger baits.
To vary my surf fishing bait without having to change my hook sizes, I prefer to locate a bait size that falls between the two sizes I’m using. In order to cut bait to the proper size for the hook, I also always keep a knife and cutting board close at hand.
Not All Sizes Are the Same
In case you were still unclear after reading that, here’s something more you should be aware of: nor every size 3 hook and nor every size 8/0 hook have the same dimensions.
Hook types determine the actual hook sizes. Later on, we shall discuss some different types of hooks.
Furthermore, no worldwide standard is followed by all hook producers.
A size 3 hook manufactured by one manufacturer may very well differ somewhat in size from a size 3 hook made by another manufacturer.
However, hook sizes are often within the same range, even if they might not be exactly the same. Therefore, you can and should use hook sizes as a reference to select the appropriate hook for the type of fish you are attempting to capture.
How to Choose Your Hook Size
When selecting the size of your hook, the kind of fish you are attempting to capture should be your primary consideration. It just won’t work to try to capture a little fish with a large hook.
Smaller hooks will typically work as well, even though larger hooks are typically used to catch fish that is larger.
As a result, you might want to use a smaller hook rather than a larger one if you’re unsure of what size hook for surf fishing is ideal.
You won’t be able to utilize it if it ends up being too large.
It also relies on the size of the fish’s mouth. You can use a larger hook on an animal whose mouth is larger.
Nonetheless, it’s also critical to consider the bait’s size while utilizing it.
Since you don’t want to put a large piece of bait on a little fish, the size of your bait will naturally rely on the size of the fish.
The significance of bait size may be explained by one basic factor. Fish will flee if you use a little piece of bait on a large hook.
The fish will consume the bait without getting its jaws stuck on the hook if you place a large piece of bait on a little hook.
For this reason, you should match the hook to the size of the bait rather than the size of the fish if you have a variety of hook sizes but just one kind of bait.
It’s also critical to consider the hook’s gauge, or thickness. No matter how big the hook is, if it is too thin, it will bend quickly while handling bigger fish. Verify if it is sufficiently thick.
But keep in mind that bait size matters too, so use smaller hooks if you’re using bait like sand fleas.
Striped bass
When utilizing sand crabs for Striped bass, I prefer to use a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook or size #1 or #2 baitholder. This is the size of hook I’ve been using for a long, and it suits me well.
Surfperch
I prefer to use a size #2 or #4 baitholder hook or circle hook for surfperch. Since a baitholder hook has a longer shank than a circle hook, I use it when employing sandworms as bait.
Bluefish
Generally, a 6/0 hook works well for bluefish. This is supposing that the bluefish weighs between one and five pounds, which is considered typical.
Redfish
When targeting a redfish, you should use a hook that is around three aughts in size. Generally, a 3/0 or even a 1/0 hook will work if you’re fishing at the surf.
It may be necessary to use a little larger hook, such a 5/0 hook, if you venture farther out to sea.
Blackfish
A size 4/0 hook will usually work for blackfish. You may also use a 3/0 or a 5/0 hook, and you can go a little higher or lower.
Flounder
Using bigger hooks is OK since flounders have broader lips. Generally, if you are using circle hooks, 5/0 hooks will work. You may use a slightly smaller worm hook if you’re using them.
Albacore Tuna
Generally speaking, albacore tuna may be caught with slightly smaller hooks. You may even go as low as a size 1 hook; 2/0 is OK.
The Different Types of Hooks
We discussed a variety of hook kinds, so let’s briefly review the most widely used ones. Although it’s not an exhaustive list, it will help you get a sense of what possibilities are accessible.
Among the most popular kinds of hooks are circle hooks, jig, bait holder, and worm. Although baitholder hooks are excellent at gripping the bait, they have the potential to tear open the fish’s jaw.
Circle hooks are made to capture the corner of the fish’s mouth without tearing it apart, worm hooks are for plastic worms, and jig hooks are useful if you wish to release the fish after catching it.
How hook sizes are measured ?
Hook sizes are typically measured using a numerical scale. The sizing system can vary slightly between different manufacturers and regions, but the basic principle is widely consistent. Here’s a general overview:
- Standard Numeric Scale:
- Smaller numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4) represent smaller hooks.
- Larger numbers (e.g., 5, 6, 8) represent larger hooks.
- Fractional or Decimal Scale:
- Some hooks are labeled with fractions (e.g., 1/0, 2/0) or decimals (e.g., 2.5, 3.5). In this case, the “0” or the whole number represents the baseline size.
- “Aught” System:
- Larger hooks, especially in bigger sizes, are often labeled with the “aught” system. For example, 1/0 is pronounced “one aught,” and 5/0 is pronounced “five aught.” The “aught” is equivalent to zero.
In summary, as the numerical value increases, the size of the hook increases. However, it’s essential to note that these sizing conventions may vary between manufacturers and regions, so it’s always a good idea to refer to the specific sizing information provided by the manufacturer of the hooks you’re using.
Small hook vs Large hook
The thing to remember here is that while ocean fish are often rather huge, they also prefer to eat large bait.
Thus, you do want to have a very large hook whether you are surf fishing or fishing from the shore. In the event that you are unfamiliar with fish hook sizes, a size 2/0—the best option overall—is really a very large hook.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind in this situation is that your hook must be both large enough to handle the larger specimen and small enough to catch the smaller specimen of that species.
In keeping with that, it’s also critical to keep in mind that the size of the hook you use will depend on the size of the bait, which we shall cover in detail below, in addition to the size of the fish you are attempting to catch.
Nevertheless, a hook that is a little bit bigger than necessary is usually preferable than a little bit smaller.
Advantages and disadvantages of large hooks
Pros:
- Bigger hooks help you target bigger fish.
A mature bass that is striped, for instance, has greater strength than a youngster. Therefore, in order to get through its bigger, bonier mouth and survive a fierce struggle, you’ll need a bigger, stronger hook.
You may also use a larger size of bait when you utilize a large size hook. Smaller, undesirable fish find the hook/bait presentation less alluring as a result (size and species). Additionally, it attracts larger and more well-liked fish that are searching for a larger meal.
- Bigger size hooks are less likely to kill or hurt the fish
If a fish eats the hook and becomes stuck in its stomach, it has a significant risk of dying. It’s harder to swallow a huge hook than a little one. Additionally, they are simpler to take out of the fish’s mouth, which lowers the risk of injury during the unhooking process. Therefore, whether you fish for catch-and-release or wish to lessen the possibility of killing a fish that is not keeper size, large hooks are a safer alternative.
Cons:
- Bigger hooks catch less fish.
This applies to both your main target species and other fish that you would be content to capture.
Because there are less giant fish in a species than average-sized fish, you’ll ultimately have to wait longer for a strike. Furthermore, even at their largest, the majority of surf fishing species—aside from a select few—are smaller-medium-sized fish in comparison to other species.
This may not be an issue if you’re content to wait for the big one. But those who enjoy a good battle should know that bigger hooks result in fewer fish-ons from fewer fish species.
- It’s easier to steal bait from big hooks.
For bigger hooks, you will ultimately need to use a larger size of bait. Small fish may more easily pull at loose ends and grab the large piece of bait without much chance of being caught because of this.
- It’s easier to spit big hooks.
Bigger hooks provide a smoother surface area. This gives the fish greater area to maneuver during a struggle and raises the possibility that they will be able to slide off.
Advantages and disadvantages of small hooks
Pros:
- Smaller hooks catch more fish.
Both tiny and large fish in your target species are attracted to smaller hooks and smaller bait presentations. A larger variety of species find this arrangement more appealing. If you want to increase your hookup ratio, smaller hooks will result in more hits. I always go for a smaller one when I want to raise my chances of leaving food on the table for later.
Cons:
- Smaller hooks are more likely to kill fish unintentionally.
Particularly for larger fish species, smaller hooks are simpler to swallow than larger ones. The hook will probably kill the fish if it gets stuck in its insides. Thus, while selecting a smaller hook, bear this in mind if you’re primarily a catch-and-release angler looking to lower kills.
- Smaller hooks are less reliable for larger fish.
A huge fish will spit the hook more frequently if it is larger and stronger, even though a giant fish can be caught on the tiniest bait. Small, weak hooks can even be bent by certain bigger fish.
- Smaller hooks are more difficult to tie.
For those who are just starting out, tying a smaller hook will require a little more skill. Still, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it and it’s not that hard.
Why Two Hooks The Same Size Can Be Different
Occasionally, brands may fluctuate somewhat in the actual hook size.
A 5/0 Mustad brand hook, for instance, could be somewhat bigger than a 5/0 Shaddock hook. Nonetheless, the normal measuring scale will remain constant overall, and any size differences are often negligible.
The fact that different forms of fishing call for different types of surf fishing hooks contributes to the variation in sizes.
These are a few of the most typical types of hooks that you could come across when looking for hooks.
Best Hooks for Surf Fishing: Which Type?
Circle Hook
Here’s where I make a clear distinction: circle hooks. This is due to the fact that they usually demand for a distinct kind of fishing. Circle hooks are popular with “bait & wait” fishers since you shouldn’t set the hook with them. You should avoid a hook set whether you actively fish with your rod or leave it in a holder.
These hooks function by creating a 90-degree angle between the shank and the barb’s point, where the barb’s sharp end is aimed straight at the shank. Its oddly formed, small opening is intended to hook fish exclusively in the corner of the mouth, and from my experience, the engineering works really well. I have never used circle hooks to gut a fish. A few have popped off for me, but that’s to be expected.
For larger predators, such as sharks, and for any situation where you would want to keep your rod in a holder and wait for activity, I would suggest using circle hooks. When utilizing circle hooks, I’ve discovered that smaller fish produce more spit hooks than bigger ones.
Octopus Hooks
With two key distinctions, octopus hooks will resemble mosquito hooks in appearance. 1.) To make snelling exits simple, the hook’s eye opens up with a rearward bend. The hook’s overall form is round and has a flowing aspect. To be clear, circle hooks and octopus hooks are not the same. Octopus hooks usually don’t have a tip and barb that make a 90-degree angle in order to qualify as a circle hook.
ideal for tying snells; they permit unhindered hook settings and a nice appearance.
Mosquito Hook
Like the form of an octopus hook. These hooks, however, have the eye aligned with the shank.
J-Hooks
The traditional J hook is a wonderful option if you are not too concerned about obtaining a hard hookset but still want a hook that can hold on to a variety of baits.
Just be advised that this kind of hook might be challenging to obtain a decent hookset on.
Large Treble Hooks
The treble hook is the next kind of hook you may use for surf fishing. Alternatively put, a hook with three distinct points.
This is a great option if your main goal is obtaining a nice hooksett and you aren’t too bothered about getting live bait on the hook.
In other words, three hooks have a far higher probability of entering a fish mouth than one.
Treble hooks aren’t usually the best option, but in some circumstances, they can be perfect.
Live Bait Hooks
The live bait hook is the best option if you’re fishing with live bait and require a sort of hook that can cling onto the bait really effectively without compromising its presentation.
Wide Gape Hooks
Wide gape hooks are another extremely common kind of hook used for surf fishing, mostly due to their exceptional strength and hooking ability.
They can hang on to a large fish rather effectively and can hook a fish with very little effort on your part because of their extremely wide gape.
Baitholder Hook
Another alternative is to use baitholder hooks. Generally speaking, they feature a longer shank with a few tiny barbs on the rear to assist hold your bait firmly on the hook.
Since there is more shank to grasp and they are made to better hold bait on the hook, they may be simpler for novices and those with unsteady hands. Because there is more shank to grip, they may also be simpler to remove. But use caution while handling those extremely tiny thorns. If they are larger, it may make matters more difficult.
Barbed vs. Barbless
Any hook’s barb helps hold the fish in place and keep it from spitting the hook. Certain surf fishing hooks are sold without a barb, or fishermen might choose to file down the barb to get the barbless look. This makes it simpler to capture and release.
It is prohibited in some areas to use barbed hooks, sometimes known as treble hook, for certain species. Check local laws about the species you want to fish for before you go out.
Hook Size By Surf Fishing Species
Corbina
Hook size: #4 – #2
Best bait: sand crabs, clams, worms, shrimp
Surf Perch
Hook Size: #4 – #2
Best bait: sand crabs, clams, worms, shrimp
Porgy
Hook Size: #4- #2
Best bait: clams, squid, worms, shrimp
Yellowfin Croaker
Hook Size: #4 – #2
Best bait: crabs, clams, worms, shrimp
Bonefish
Hook Size: #2 – 1/0
Best bait: shrimp, conch, crab, sardines, worms
Pompano
Hook Size: #1 – 2/0
Best bait: sand crab, shrimp, squid, clams
Spanish Mackerel
Hook Size: 2/0 – 3/0
Best bait: sardines, squid, mullet, shrimp
Snook
Hook Size: 2/0 – 4/0
Best bait: pinfish, shrimp, mullet, plastic worms
Blackfish
Hook Size: 2/0 – 4/0
Best bait: green crabs, shrimp
Flounder / Fluke
Hook Size: 2/0 – 4/0
Best bait: squid, mullet, croaker, minnows
Bluefish
Hook Size: 2/0 – 4/0
Best bait: eels, mullet, bunker, mackerel, squid
Redfish
Hook Size: 2/0 – 5/0
Best bait: crabs, porgies, mullet, squid, shrimp, greenies
Codfish
Hook Size: 4/0 – 6/0
Best bait: clam, eels, crabs, squid
Tarpon
Hook Size: 4/0 – 8/0
Best bait: ladyfish, mullet, shrimp, crabs, pinfish
Black Drum
Hook Size: 5/0 – 10/0
Best bait: clams, shrimp, crabs, average sandworms, shad
Red Snapper
Hook Size: 5/0 – 10/0
Best bait: bonita, pinfish, tomtate, squid, shrimp, porgies, minnows
Striped bass
Hook Size: 6/0 – 8/0
Best bait: clam, eel bunker, herring, shad, porgy
The Top 3 Hooks You Must Have For Surf & Jetty Fishing
You’ll need the proper hooks to catch your target species if you enjoy fishing from the beach or the jetties.
Additionally, you should have three different kinds of hooks in your tackle box!
Kahle Hook
Smaller bait presentations, such as shrimp fragments, sand fleas, and fishbite bits, are ideal for these hooks.
They are truly not the best for practicing catch and release, larger fish, or larger baits.
Since you will be utilizing kahle hooks to target smaller species, a 1/0 or 2/0 size is ideal.
Inline Octopus Hooks
These hooks work well for catch and release and have an excellent hook up ratio.
Medium-sized bait works well with Incline Octopus circle hooks to capture similarly-sized fish.
When pursuing fish that are slot size, use these hooks!
Owner Mutu Light Circle Hooks
For your bigger species near the jetties, use these hooks.
They are the greatest choice for catching and releasing larger slot fish because of their extreme strength.
These are the ideal size 4/0 and 5/0 hooks to use with bigger baits!
Who Makes The Best Surf Hooks
Top Recommendation: Mustad
My preferred brand for sturdy, well-made hooks is Mustad. This Norwegian-based firm has been a reliable brand in hooks since 1877, making it a truly archaic name in the fishing community.
When I want to boost my hookup ratio, I use a 2/0 devil perfect hook on my surf fishing setup with a sand stake fishing rod holder. A 6/0 devil perfect circle hook is what I use when the striped bass are in the area.
Other Notable Brands
- Eagle Claw
- Gamakatsu
- JSHANME
- Shaddock
- Gamakatsu
So What Is The Best Hook Size For Surf Fishing
Selecting the appropriate sort of hooks for surf fishing is more than simply chance in the thrilling realm of surf fishing, people! It resembles science more. Fishing aficionados frequently argue about the most important topic, “What size hook to use?” with the same fervor as a political dispute.
After extensive consideration, it is evident that a size 2 to a size 4/0 hook is often the ideal range for surf fishing.
But, you need to be as adaptable as a yoga expert since the ideal hook size might change depending on the kind of fish you’re targeting and the bait you’re using. Thus, prepare yourself, throw your line, and may the fish always work in your favor!
A size 4 hook is usually the ideal size for fishing. More precisely, it depends on the kind of fish you are pursuing. A hook is the ideal kind of hook for surf fishing.
Why smaller hooks are better for surf fishing?
Smaller hooks are often considered better for surf fishing for several reasons:
- Mouth Size of Target Species:
- The mouths of many target species for surf fishing are quite tiny. It is more likely to hook the fish in the mouth when using smaller hooks, which can result in more secure and successful hook settings.
- Reduced Visible Hardware:
- Tinier hooks have a more understated appearance, which makes fish less likely to notice them. When the water is clear or the fish are hesitant to bite, a less noticeable presentation will draw them in.
- Natural Presentation:
- Bait can be presented more naturally with smaller size hooks. This is particularly crucial when aiming to attract animals who are pickier or more circumspect about what they eat. A bait that has a natural appearance and feel will attract a strike more often.
- Less Weight and Drag:
- Since smaller hooks are often lighter, this might be advantageous when surf fishing and strong equipment isn’t always required. By reducing drag, a lighter bait will be able to travel with the waves and currents more naturally.
- Reduced Risk of Gut-Hooking:
- The chance of gut-hooking is decreased with smaller hooks since they are less likely to be ingested whole by the fish. This improves the fish’s chances of surviving after release, which is significant for catch-and-release methods.
- Versatility:
- Targeting a greater variety of species is made more versatile with smaller hooks. Even though they might be best suited for smaller fish, larger species can still be drawn in provided the bait is designed properly.
It’s important to remember, though, that a number of other factors, such as the type of bait used, the size of the target species, and the fishing circumstances, can also affect the choice of size of hook for surf fishing. In order to determine the ideal hook size for their particular circumstance, anglers frequently conduct trials.
What is the optimal hook size for surf fishing?
The optimal hook size for surf fishing can vary based on factors such as target species, bait size, and fishing conditions. However, a general guideline for surf fishing hook sizes is:
- Smaller Species (Whiting, Pompano): 1/0 to 4/0 hooks.
- Medium Species (Flounder, Redfish): 2/0 to 5/0 hooks.
- Larger Species (Striped Bass, Shark): 4/0 to 7/0 hooks.
It’s critical to match the hook size to both the intended fish and the bait. The best hook size for a given fishing scenario may also be determined by experimenting with various sizes depending on local conditions and angler expertise. In addition, circle hooks may be useful for catching fish in the corner of the mouth, which can lessen the number of fish that end up gut-hooked.
FAQs
What Size Outer Banks Surf Hook Should I Use?
Once more, the size of the hook you choose is primarily determined by the kind of fish you are targeting and the type of bait you are using. In general, the ideal hook sizes for smaller bait are usually between #2 and 1/0, and the best hook sizes for bigger bait are between 2/0 and 6/0.
Are Circle Hooks Good for Surf Fishing?
Indeed, circle hooks are among the greatest for surfing, and they work quite well for it. This is because, among other things, the circle hooks distinctive form makes it possible for a very simple hookset to be made without using any force at all. Circle hook is also perfect for catching live bait without destroying the presentation altogether. Circle hooks also make it much simpler to release a fish and aid in the prevention of gut hooking.