Hook Sizes Baits and Rigs for Different Fish

[NCthompson]

Hey guys I know this is probably something I should already know but Ive basically taught myself how to fish. My dad is basically a sport guy but not much outdoor and none of my friends really fish or know anything . I was wondering what size hooks are best for different types of fish as well as what bait is good for that size hook and different rigs for fish. By the way Im not talking about using lures here just live or frozen bait.

1st off is brim/crappie/panfish

My friends always say I use to big of a hook but Im not sure if there right. Whats the best bait for this and rigs?

2nd-Gar/Pickerel

3rd-Bowfin

4-Catfish

5-Bass

6-Any other freshwater fish

Thanks!

[Hookemdown.]

There really is no "best" size hook for fishing.  For bass I use anywhere from a 1/0 to a 6/0.  

[Paul Roberts]

Fish, within species, vary so much in size that just filling in your list would not do justice.

Also, different styles of hooks that are better suited for different applications live bait type and bulk, lure type, cover present, presentation particulars, etc...

Some basic ideas to think about:

Match hook wire thickness to line test rating. I'll take a quick run at this:

Line (rating)            Hook Gap Size (Standard wire)

(Trilene XL)            (American standard)

4lb                        4-12

6                          1-8

8                          2/0-6

10                        3/0-4

12                        5/0-2

14                        7/0-1

...

Actual wire courseness will affect this table quite a bit. In general, choose a high quality finer wired hook unless you really need heavy wire big fish, heavy cover.

-Know that line test ratings are just that, not actual break strength manipulated for marketing purposes. Wish all lines had a standard label providing actual diameter and straight-pull break strength, along with their unique properties.

-Most new, quality hooks, are pretty sharp. But you should get a hook file and use it. Test points on your thumbnail it should stick. Sharp hooks are dangerous to handle.

-I like micro-barbs, or will bend or file down too course a barb.

-Bulk of bait or lure may mean going up in hook gap size or style. But you should keep your line in mind and choose an appropriate wire gauge.

-Be ready to adjust. If you find the bluegills are bigger than you expected at a certain water, you may need to go up in hook gap, to keep them from swallowing it so easily. If bass want smaller baits you may need to drop down. If fish are taking light you may need to drop down in line and hook wire to be quicker on the set.

-Get the Mustad, Eagle Claw, Gamakatsu, Owner catalogs, and peruse them. As a multi-species, multi-method angler, over the years I've amassed a lot of hooks.