Hooks
Hooks are one of those things we take for granted in fishing. The range of hooks is enormous and there is no hook for all conditions. Choice is usually a compromise. Even a beginner trying the most basic fishing should be aware of choosing the best hook for the job at hand.
Commercial fishers are very fussy about using specific hooks for the right fish to both increase their hook-up and reduce the by-catch. Likewise, recreational anglers should also look at the best hooks for the fish they want to catch. Just recently recreational anglers have shown an increase in the use of the "circle" hook style. This style of hook generally hooks a fish in the side of its mouth and reduces mortality if a fish is being released. It has long been used in commercial fishing and has recently been recommended by the Marine Fisheries department for recreational use.
Hook size
Hook size is important and it is common for big fish to be caught on small hooks, which can lead to bigger fish being "gut" hooked and this is not desirable. Small gape hooks are needed for fish such as garfish as they only have tiny mouths. Combine the small gape with a long shank and you will find almost all garfish will be hooked in the mouth and are easily unhooked.
Long shank hooks are also useful for fish with sharp teeth or strong jaws. This ensures they are biting on the hook rather than on the line.
Short shank hooks are useful for fish that are wary of anything un-natural and are also often used for trout flies.
Size is something that often confuses the beginner. A size 32 is about the smallest currently available and as the number drop to zero the hooks get bigger. Then the scale changes to 1/0, 2/0 and as the number gets bigger so does the hook. These are not called one zero hooks though, but "one o', "two o', "three o" etc. right up to 20/0.
So from small 32, 30, 28 ... 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, then 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 - 20/0.
Some styles of hooks for Tasmania
Kirby
The Kirby is the original pattern introduced by Charles Kirby of London in 1651. Old as it is the Kirby is still a common and popular style hook. The bend is well rounded with reasonably wide gape, shallow throat and offset or Kirbed shank.
Octopus
One of Tasmania's most popular hooks the Octopus is a short, strong hook with upturned eye and offset shank. The Octopus was originally a Suicide hook produced by Sealey in England under the name Octopus. It tends to be a more rounded hook than the Suicide.
Suicide
Also an upturned short strong hook with an offset shank. It is probably shorter in the throat than a try Octopus. An excellent all round hook. From size 10 up to a 2 they can be used for trout and for bream a hook size from 2 to 2/0 and in bigger sizes flathead and up to a 4/0 or 5/0 for snapper.
Baitholders
Can be found on Octopus, Suicide or any number of hooks. Baitholders usually have sliced barbs on the shank which is designed to hold bait in place a little longer.
Circle
Long used by commercial fishers the circle hook is gaining popularity with recreational anglers. The Circle hook tends to hook a fish in the scissor or side of the mouth and does less damage if the fish is to be released. Once hooked a fish is also less likely to come off and this is why the commercial fishers use this style on long and drop lines. There are many styles available, but they are easily recognised as the point turns in towards the shank.
Long shank
Anglers tend to use these for species such as whiting and garfish so they don't swallow the whole hook. This makes it easier to remove the fish from the hook. Long shanks are also used for the very toothy fish such as tailor and couta as they offer some protection from the sharp teeth. Leatherjackets are another fish which will be better caught using long shank hooks. Long shank hooks are usually designated 2X or 4X which denotes the extra length in the shank.
Offset or not?
There are as many opinions as to whether offset or straight shanks are best as there are styles of hooks.
Flathead 1/0 to 3/0 Suicide or Octopus, but there has been a move towards Circle hooks.
Bream 4 to 8 baitholder styles.
Trout 14 for mudeye hooks, 6 to 8 for worms
Salmon 1/0 to 3/0 Octopus or Suicide
Garfish 8 or 10; 4X long shank or long beak
Leatherjacket 4 or 2; 4X long shank or long beak
Snapper 3/0 to 6/0 Octopus or Suicide
Whiting 6 to 8 long shank or long beak
Tailor 1/0 to 3/0 long shank or ganged for large baits