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The most experienced fishermen will tell you that the key to catching more fish is being better prepared and having a little knowledge mixed in with your bait. The same can be said when it comes to buying trout fishing hooks. There are various types out there, so knowing the size and style of the hook will give you the best chance to make a proper catch. The best type of hook to use for trout is a single hook. Trout are extremely sensitive to changes in pressure and vibration in water. This, combined with their particularly good eyesight makes the small size and simplicity of single hooks the best option to catch trout. There are numerous types of trout hooks to choose from to increase your efficiency, each with unique features and characteristics. This article will look at the variety of hooks used for trout fishing, the best hook sizes, and answer some frequently asked questions. Recommended Hook Types for Trout Fishing Knowing the best hook types for trout fishing is essential if you're a beginner or even an experienced fly fisher. The type of hook you choose will determine whether you catch your fish or not, so being prepared and knowing the basics can save you a lot of time and money. You can use several hook types for trout fishing, each with its purpose and benefits. Here’s a list of a few you should know about: Single Hooks Are Most Commonly Used for Trout Fishing If you're a regular fly fisherman, you've most likely used single hooks when fishing for trout. Alternatively, if you're not familiar with them or haven't used them much, you should know what they are, what they do, and how to use them to their best advantage. Single hooks are the most popular choice for trout fishing because they are small and cause little to no vibrations in the water. Trout are extremely perceptive fish. Not only do they have particularly good eyesight, they also are very sensitive to the tiniest vibrations in the water. The simplicity of the single hook shines here. Since they are so small, they rarely disturb the water and their size also makes them less conspicuous. However, if you're fishing in murky waters, you might need to use a bigger hook than you would for clear waters (I’ll go into more on hook sizes later). Single hooks are primarily used for bait and fly fishing, and several kinds are available. Circle Hooks Circle hooks are rounded so once you've hooked a fish, it will loop at the corner of the fish's mouth. This makes them a beneficia to any trout fisherman because you're not likely to lose your trout once it's been snagged. However, there is a downside. If you choose to use a circle hook, you should be aware that it's challenging to secure your bait to the hook. Other hooks often maintain bait better than this one — something to keep in mind if you're bait fishing for trout. J-Hooks J-hooks are best used when using live bait to catch a trout. These hooks come in many different sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is the shape of the hook. The hook shaft is straight and begins to loop at the point to form the shape of the letter J. The hook can be set anywhere in the fish's mouth. However, this can be both an advantage and disadvantage. Using a J-hook, you won't have to worry about setting the hook and will be less likely to lose your catch. That said, because the hook can be set anywhere in the fish's mouth, it's possible that it can actually damage the fish. J-hooks often cause a trout's death or harm by settling in sensitive areas or even being swallowed. This notably happens with smaller trout, because they have more delicate mouths. Octopus Hooks Octopus hooks are similar to J and circle hooks in that they feature a round shape. However, its name refers to the bend on the eye of the hook - the eye is crooked at an angle backward. The bent eye makes this hook suitable if you're looking to snell your hook. However, the bend in the hook is also aligned with the fish’s eye. This small feature makes it much easier for the hook to lodge properly in the fish. For bait fishing, octopus hooks are the best option as they hold bait much better than other alternatives. Double Hooks Are Rarely Used by Trout Fishermen Even though you're unlikely to use double hooks for trout fishing, they can be used for large flies or synthetic baits with bright colors. Double hooks are basically two small hooks attached to one shaft. They are rarely used by anglers because single and treble hooks are more versatile and practical. Treble Hooks Are Perfect for Lures Treble hooks are similar to double hooks, except they consist of three hooks, all joined to one single shaft. They are commonly used for trout lures, power bait, and spinners. You'll be expected to use a smaller treble hook for power baits, while a larger one is more suited for lures and spinners. Trout are very wary fish, so it's unlikely that you'll use a treble hook more often than a single hook. Treble hooks are more discernible, making it unlikely for a trout to be attracted to the lure. This type of hook should not be used for catch and release. Treble hooks commonly injure the fish when detaching the hooks from its mouth. Therefore it's best to use them when you're catching trout to eat. Barbless Hooks Are Most Commonly Used by Catch and Release Anglers Barbless fishing hooks are designed for anglers who want to catch trout without harming them. A barbless hook is precisely that - a hook without a barb. The barb is a small, sharp metal point shaped as a triangle and faces opposite the hook's initial point. The barb helps to securely lodge the hook in the fish so that it does not come off once caught. However, it's known to be a feature on a hook that can cause a lot of damage to the fish. A barb can make removing the hook from a trout's mouth challenging and, in turn, hurt the fish. The lack of a barb makes barbless hooks perfect for catch and release anglers because they can easily remove the hook without tugging it and damaging the fish. Barbless hooks allow the angler to release the fish unharmed into the water. In fact, many regions of the United States have specific regulations for using barbless hooks to protect trout. I If you’re looking to make your fishing as humane as possible, go for barbless hooks. How To Make Barbless Hooks Barbless hooks are great for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, they're a lot easier to remove from fish than their barbed counterparts. Barbless hooks also reduce mortality by not damaging the fish's mouth. They make fishing much more enjoyable by inflicting less harm to your catch. They are made by cutting off the barbs of a hook. There are several ways to do this. The most advanced way is to use a lathe, but if you don't have access to a lathe (or simply don't want to spend the money), there's another option. Alternatively, you could utilize a good set of pliers and simply squeeze the barb down. By rotating the hook as you squeeze you’ll be able to ensure that the barb is fully compressed downwards against the shape of the hook. To assist you step-by-step, here is a great YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he_kzmPjCbU Trout Hook Sizes When it comes to fishing, anglers know that the right bait and hook size is the most significant factor in successfully catching a fish. Many people are unaware of this. After all, certain kinds of fish have specific types of bait and hook sizes that work best for them. Now, it may seem simple, but when it comes to game fish such as trout, you'll want to figure out a rough estimate of the size of the local population and make sure that your lure size is an appropriate match-up. This will make your fishing adventure significantly more productive than it would be otherwise. Since size can be such an important factor, getting the hook size could leave you waiting for hours on end with no catch. Generally, trout fishermen use small hooks ranging between 14 and 8, depending on your selected bait. Trout have small mouths, excellent eyesight, and can detect vibrations in the water. Bigger hooks are easier for trout to see in clear water and create more significant vibrations than smaller hooks that trout can sense in the water. Trout are timid and suspicious fish. It's in their nature to avoid something that doesn't seem right. Therefore, a larger hook will have less chance of attracting a trout because it’s more conspicuous than a smaller one. What Size and Type of Hooks To Use for Different Baits The hook size to use when fishing for trout is a critical piece of the puzzle. The table below will help you examine which hook size is best for your needs. Technique/BaitHook TypeHook SizeDry fliesSingle hook 20 - 14Wet fliesSingle hook 12 - 8SpinningTreble or single hook16 - 12Power baitSingle or treble hook12 - 8Live baitSingle hook14 - 8 Best 3 Trout Hooks Trout fishing hooks have evolved over the years. They are now produced from high-quality materials to ensure durability and strength. They also need to be the correct size and gap so they don't scare the fish away and hook properly. Your fishing hooks are one of the most critical parts of a fisherman's kit so getting the best hooks for the job is essential - otherwise, you might not catch anything. Consider some of these if you're trying to decide which ones to buy. Gamakatsu Octopus Hook Gamakatu Octopus Hooks are a great general trout fishing hook. It's a popular hook that is increasingly used by trout anglers worldwide for its versatility and the fact that it holds the fish exceptionally well. Its black anodized finish helps disguise it from the trout when in water, and it's an ideal hook to use when fishing with minnows, leeches, and worms. Additionally, this hook is strong, sharp, and comes in sizes 8 to 4 making it an excellent hook when you’re looking to catch a bigger trout because it easily sets in the fish’s mouth once you strike Daiichi 1150 Heavy Wide-Gape Hook This Daiichi hook is perfect if you need a lighter setup while maintaining a low profile. Despite the high carbon steel hook has excellent strength, and its chemically sharpened tip makes it easier for close to instant hook sets. Additionally, its strength and sharpness allow you to hold the fish easily. Its wide gap makes it perfect for most types of bait, such as: ShrimpGrubsSan Juan wormsnymphs egg patterns It comes in sizes 8 to 16. However, if you're looking to use big bait, it's recommended to look for a hook with a wider gap. Daiichi Salmon Egg Hook This is another excellent low-profile hook for trout anglers to utilize. The Daiichi Salmon Egg Hook is currently available in sizes 8 to 12 and is a lightweight option, making it perfect if you use smaller baits. Its low profile and small design make it excellent for trout fishing, especially in crystal clear waters. Although it says its an salmon egg hook, this is not a necessity, you can use many other baits here. Additionally, if you’re looking for an all round general purpose hook, or a fan of the snell knot this, hook is for you! These light wire hooks are massively popular around the Great Lakes for trout fishing. Other Frequently Asked Questions Fishing for trout can be a blast. This activity is great for getting outside, breathing in the fresh air, and getting your heart pumping. However, you're bound to have many important questions. Below you'll find some common questions about trout hooks and sizes. Can I Use Circle Hooks for Trout? You can use circle hooks when fishing for trout, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Circle hooks are designed to help anglers respectably catch the fish by reducing the amount of hooking damage done. Circle hooks also tend to result in fewer deep-hooked fish. Traditional hooks hook the fish anywhere in its mouth, making it easy to cause damage. However, when using a circle hook, once the fish is hooked, it will loop to the corner of the fish's mouth. Why Are Trout Hooks So Small? Trout have small mouths that get more and more delicate the smaller they get. They are also very wary fish - any hook that is too big will create vibrations in the water that will raise red flags for them. The hook should always be small and maintain a low profile. Should You Use Barbless Hooks for Trout? For the catch and release fisherman, barbless hooks are the way to go. They won't damage fish and make it easier to remove the hook. But there are some strong opinions on both sides of this debate. Many anglers believe that barbs on hooks help land a fish and keep them snagged. Summary Remember that patience is vital if you're new to fishing for trout or thinking about giving it a shot. Trout are more finicky than other fish species and react differently to fishing methods. My angler's tip - anglers should try different trout hooks and sizes until they find one they like and works best for them. However, it's essential to keep the basics of hook types and sizes in mind. If you're still in the market for a new set of hooks, hopefully, we've helped to make things a bit clearer. Sources Trout and Steelhead: 11 Best Hooks For Trout: What The Guides UseBoat Safe: Best Hooks For Trout FishingBass Pro Shop: A Simple Guide to the Most Popular Fish Hook StylesBlue Ridge Mountain Life: Barbless vs. Barbed HooksYouTube: Octopus Hooks: What They Are And When You Should Use ThemAnglers Crate: Best Hooks for Trout FishingAnglers Gear: Trout hook size

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