Fishing for trout can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to use the right equipment to increase your chances of success. One of the most critical pieces of equipment is the fishing hook.
The size and type of hook you use can significantly impact your fishing experience. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on what size hook to use for trout fishing.
Hook Numbering/Sizing System Explained
The hook sizing system is a scale of whole numbers. Like wire, a smaller number is going to mean a larger hook. For most freshwater fishing, hook sizes from 1 to about 16 are the most common.
Smaller hooks (size 18-18) are generally reserved for tiny trout flies. Smaller numbers indicate larger hooks, while larger numbers indicate smaller hooks. There are even larger sizes of hook sizes as well, numbers lower than 1.
Hook Types for Trout Fishing
Following are the different types of hooks for trout fishing:
Standard Hooks
A standard hook is a great choice for most trout fishing. With a single hook, you can fish with a lot of different types of bait such as worms and powerbait.
Standard hooks are cost-effective and an easy choice.
Pros:
- They are versatile and can be used in a variety of fishing methods.
- They are strong and can handle different types of fish.
- They are beginner-friendly due to their higher probability of hooking and landing fish.
Cons:
- They can cause more harm to fish, especially if you practice catch-and-release fishing.
- They pose a higher risk of injury to anglers as they are more challenging to remove.
Single Hooks
Single hooks are ideal for trout fishing as they cause less harm to the fish during catch-and-release fishing. They are also more convenient and easier to remove from clothing or skin.
It would be best to use size 12, 14, or 16 single hooks for trout fishing.
Pros:
- They work well with smaller baits.
- They have a strong tensile strength value, especially when catching big fish.
Cons:
- They are more likely to lose a fish.
- They are not ideal for letting your bait or lure sit on the bottom.
Long Shank Hooks
Long shank hooks are designed with light wire with a long shank. The light wire design keeps your live bait alive. The unique bend forces fish into the elbow, making it virtually impossible to throw the hook.
These hooks are particularly small, and anglers typically only use them for tying flies while fly fishing.
Pros:
- They help keep toothy fish from breaking you off.
- They are great around structure as setting the hook pulls fish away from structure.
- They typically cost less than circle hooks.
Cons:
- There is a high risk of gut hooking or foul hooking a fish.
- There can be missed strikes due to poor hook setting, more common with beginner anglers.
Barbless Hooks
Barbless hooks, as the name implies, do not have barbs. They are beneficial for fly fishing.
If you plan to release a fish after catching one, barbless hooks do not cause injury to the fish. They are better than their barb counterpart, which may cause fish to die or cause them to be infected.
Pros:
- They allow for better hook sets.
- They cause less injury to the fish.
- They pose fewer chances of the angler getting injured.
Cons:
- They are more likely to lose a fish.
- They can be difficult to get.
Treble Hook
Treble hooks are ideal for anglers who intend to keep and eat trout. You should avoid treble hooks if you are on a catch-and-release expedition. They almost always hurt the fish as you remove them.
It would be best to use size 12, 14, or 16 treble hooks for trout fishing.
Pros:
- They are masters of good hook ups.
- They are great for fishing with paddletails.
Cons:
- They can cause more damage to the fish’s mouth, raising ethical concerns, especially if you practice catch-and-release fishing.
- Hook removal may be trickier, especially if the fish is deeply hooked or if the hooks become tangled.
Jigheads
Jigheads are a type of fishing lure that is often used in trout fishing. They are typically made of lead or other heavy materials and are designed to sink quickly in the water.
The size of the jighead you choose will depend on the size of the trout you are targeting and the depth of the water you are fishing in.
Pros:
- They are strong and have a simple, yet effective design for keeping lures rigged on them properly.
- They are great for fishing with paddletails.
Cons:
- The spikes can be accidentally squeezed down with pliers (they’re made of lead).
- They are not ideal for when you’re letting your bait or lure sit on the bottom.
What Size Hook to Use for Rainbow Trout
When fishing for rainbow trout, the size of the hook you use can significantly impact your success. In general, a hook size between #10 and #12 is often recommended for most situations. However, you may need to adjust the hook size depending on factors like the bait size and local fishing conditions.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the best possible presentation of your bait, as this will significantly increase your likelihood of success when fishing for rainbow trout.
What Size Hook for Trout to Use with Different Baits
The size of the hook you use can also depend on the type of bait you’re using. Here are some general recommendations:
Best Hook Size for Trout Powerbait
Powerbait is a popular choice for trout fishing, and it can be used with both single and treble hooks. For single hooks, a size between 8 and 12 is recommended. This size hook is small enough to fit a single egg naturally, but will still hold up to relatively large-sized trout.
You don’t want to be under-gunned in case you hook into a large trout, but you also don’t want the hook to be too big. For treble hooks, a size between 10 and 14 is typically suggested.
Since treble fishing hooks are bulkier than single hooks, it’s necessary to use smaller hook sizes for trebles.
What Size Hook for Trout Should You Use with Worms?
When fishing with worms, a size 8 to 14 single hook is generally recommended. If you’re using nightcrawlers, it’s usually best not to use the whole worm, but to cut off a 1 to 2 inch long piece, and then thread it onto your single hook.
The best size fishing hooks to use for trout fishing are between size 8 (larger) and size 12 (smaller). Any fishing hooks within this range of sizes are going to be best. The thing to remember is that trout don’t have very large mouths, especially compared to say something like a bass.
What Size Hook for Trout Should You Use with Salmon Eggs?
When using salmon eggs as bait, a size 10 to 12 single hook is typically recommended. It’s best to use a baitholder fish hook for salmon eggs, as they can be soft and tend to slide down the shank after you thread them onto it.
As we mentioned above, we like using size 12 egg hooks for salmon eggs. This size hook is small enough to fit a single egg naturally, but will still hold up to relatively large-sized trout. You don’t want to be under-gunned in case you hook into a large trout, but you also don’t want the hook to be too big.
What Size Hook for Trout Should You Use with Different Types of Hooks?
The type of hook you use can significantly influence the size you should choose. Here are some general guidelines:
What Size Treble Hook Should You Use for Trout?
Treble hooks are a type of hook that has three points. They are often used when fishing with lures or artificial baits. Treble hooks are known for their practical design that increases hooking success while being gentle on the fish.
Their unique barb placement ensures a lip hook, making them one of the most effective tools for landing your prize. For trout fishing, a size 10 to 14 treble hook is typically recommended.
What Size Hook for Trout Should You Use When Using Octopus Hooks?
Octopus hooks are a type of hook that has a short shank and a wide gap. They are often used when fishing with live bait. Octopus hooks are versatile, multi-purpose fishing hooks characterized by their round bend, short shank, and inward-bent point.
They are popular for their ability to securely hook a wide variety of fish species, making them a go-to option for anglers targeting everything from bass to salmon to catfish. For trout fishing, a size 8 to 14 hook is generally recommended.
What Size Hook for Trout Should You Use When Using Circle Hooks?
Circle hooks are a type of hook that is designed to hook the fish in the corner of its mouth, reducing the chance of gut hooking. Circle hooks are like circle or j hooks, except that the eye is bent backward.
This is so that if you’re snelling the hook, the line can go straight down to the backside of the shank.
However, the tip of the hook is at the same angle as the eye, so that even if you tie a knot directly to the eye, it will still effectively hook into a fish’s mouth. For trout fishing, a size 8 to 14 hook is typically recommended.
Best Hook Sizes for Trout Across the Various Types of Hook
When it comes to trout fishing, the size and type of hook you use can significantly impact your success.
Here are some general recommendations for the best hook sizes for trout across various types of hooks:
Standard Hooks: Owner 5177 Mosquito Lightwire Hook
The Owner 5177 Mosquito Lightwire Hook is a versatile hook that is designed with a black chrome finish and a light wire forged shank with an offset super needle point. This makes it ideal for rigging small live baits, nose-hooking soft plastics, and wacky worming. The recommended size for trout fishing is between 8 and 14.
The hook is super sharp and has a great design. It is manufactured with the highest quality standards and true precision. Thanks to the black chrome finish, this hook is 100% suitable for use in saltwater. It is also ideal for rigging finesse-type baits and small live baits.
The Owner 5177 Mosquito Lightwire Hook has received positive reviews from customers. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, indicating that most customers are satisfied with their purchase. Customers have praised the hook for its sharpness, design, and versatility.
In short, the Owner 5177 Mosquito Lightwire Hook is a high-quality, versatile, and reliable choice for any angler. Whether you’re rigging small live baits, nose-hooking soft plastics, or wacky worming, this hook won’t let you down. Its super sharp point and durable construction ensure that you’ll be able to catch even the most elusive fish.
Specifications:
- Brand: Owner American
- Color: Black Chrome
- Style: Size 1/0, 7-pack
Long Shank Hooks: Mustad Classic Special Long Shank Beak Baitholder Hook
The Mustad Classic Special Long Shank Beak Baitholder Hook is a strong, forged hook that features a reversed hook point for improved hook hold. It allows the point to come in contact with the mouth of the fish without turning.
The long shank is designed for bigger and longer worm baits. The beaked hook design offers great hookset and holding power throughout the fight. The recommended size for trout fishing is between 8 and 14.
The Mustad Classic Special Long Shank Beak Baitholder Hook is a reliable choice for bait fishermen. The long shank and reversed hook point make it an all-time favorite. It’s great for rigging with rag worms, crabs, and fish chunks, depending on the size of the hook. The additional slices/barbs on the shank help to hold the bait in position and obscure the point, improving the chances of a successful catch.
The Mustad Classic Special Long Shank Beak Baitholder Hook has received positive reviews from customers. Users have praised the hook for its strength, design, and versatility. They have also appreciated the improved hook hold provided by the reversed hook point.
Treble Hooks: Eagle Claw Lazer Treble Hooks
The Eagle Claw Lazer Treble Hooks are a popular choice among anglers for their sharpness and durability. These hooks are chemically and/or laser-sharpened, ensuring they come out of the package extremely sharp. In fact, they are so sharp that they can cause bleeding if not handled carefully.
The Eagle Claw Lazer Treble Hooks are considered high-end hooks, often costing more than other brands. However, their quality and performance justify the price. They are known to maintain their sharpness for a considerable amount of time, although, like all hooks, they do dull after a few uses.
These hooks are also praised for their strength. They have a 4X strong shank, which means they can withstand the struggle of larger fish without bending or breaking. This makes them a reliable choice for anglers targeting bigger species.
The red color of the Eagle Claw Lazer Treble Hooks is another feature that sets them apart. Some anglers believe that the red color can attract fish or trigger strikes. While this is subjective and can vary depending on the species and conditions, it’s an interesting feature that some anglers might find beneficial.
Specifications:
- Brand: Eagle Claw
- Type: Treble Hooks
- Sharpness: Laser-sharpened
- User Reviews: Positive
Octopus Hooks: Gamakatsu Octopus Hook
The Gamakatsu Octopus Hook is a versatile and popular choice among anglers. It’s known for its superior sharpness and durability, which are key factors in successful fishing. The hook is designed with a short shank and a wide gap, making it ideal for fishing with live bait.
The hook comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and finishes, including fluorescent finishes. This variety allows anglers to choose the perfect hook for their specific needs. The recommended size for trout fishing is between 8 and 14, but the range of sizes available makes this hook suitable for catching a wide range of fish species.
One of the standout features of the Gamakatsu Octopus Hook is its strength. Despite its thin wire construction, it’s incredibly strong and capable of handling large, heavy fish. This strength doesn’t compromise the hook’s performance in any way, it’s still very sharp and capable of penetrating the fish’s mouth easily.
In terms of durability, the Gamakatsu Octopus Hook is top-notch. It doesn’t rust easily, which is an important factor for many anglers. This means that you can use these hooks in various fishing conditions without worrying about them deteriorating.
Specifications:
- Brand: Gamakatsu
- Type: Octopus Hooks
- Sharpness: Superior
- User Reviews: Positive
Jigheads: Northland Tackle Slurp Jig
The Northland Tackle Slurp Jig is a unique jig head designed specifically for soft plastic grubs, shads, and minnows. It has a lifelike minnow head that mimics a live baitfish minnow, one of the most desired forage for game fish. The jig is hand-sculpted and features a premium Mustad UltraPoint hook that provides unmatched hooking performance.
One of the distinctive features of the Slurp Jig is its unique “double-barb” BarbWire keeper. This keeper securely grips and holds plastics firmly, almost like super glue. This design addresses the common issue with traditional jig heads where the plastic often splits and slides down the shank.
The Slurp Jig is available in 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8 oz. sizes and comes in various colors including White Chad, Emerald Shiner, Sunfish, and Sunrise. It is effective for a variety of fish including walleyes, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and more.
In terms of user experience, the Slurp Jig has received positive reviews for its durability and effectiveness. Users have reported that it works well with any kind of swimbait and is particularly effective for rigging new-generation soft plastics and biodegradable compounds. The jig’s paint finish is also noted to be very durable.
Specifications:
- Brand: Northland Tackle
- Type: Jig
- Design: Lifelike minnow head
- User Reviews: Positive
Frequently Asked Questions
How to bait a trout hook?
Baiting a trout hook involves a few simple steps. First, select the appropriate bait. This could be live bait such as worms or artificial bait like powerbait. If you’re using a worm, thread the worm onto the hook, making sure to cover the hook completely. If you’re using powerbait, mold a small amount around the hook, again covering it completely. The goal is to make the bait the star of the show, attracting the trout to your hook.
Where to fish for trout?
Trout can be found in a variety of freshwater locations. They are often found in cold, clear streams and lakes. Trout are also stocked in many ponds and lakes by local wildlife agencies. Look for areas where there are natural structures like overhanging trees, undercut banks, and fallen logs, as trout like to hide in these areas.
What is Rainbow Trout’s Favorite Food?
Rainbow trout have a varied diet and their favorite food can depend on what’s available in their environment. They are known to eat everything from small insects to fish eggs and small minnows.
In many cases, rainbow trout in the wild eat a lot of insects like mayflies and caddisflies. They are also known to eat small crustaceans and other invertebrates. When rainbow trout are stocked in lakes or ponds, they often eat commercial fish food pellets.