We love fishing and one of the most prevalent accessories in fishing is the fishing hook. How much do we really know about the hook. We know it hooks the fish but do we know much else? Let’s get started with what a hook is. A fishhook is a device that is used to catch a fish by “hooking” the fish by the mouth. The hooks come in many different shapes, designs, sizes, and materials. The hook looks like a simple piece of metal, but it is much more complex than it looks. It is made up of different parts coming together to form the traditional J shape. It starts at the top of the hook (the top of the J) with the eye followed by the shank, which is the long spine of the hook. The shank flows into the bend then it finishes off at the point of the hook.
The point is the business end of the hook, it is where all the action happens. The point of the hook is where the fish is caught onto the line. There is another piece of metal that is attached to the point which is called the barb. It is in place to prevent the hook from slipping out of the fish once it has been caught.
There are different types of hooks. There is the traditional J hook, which looks just like a J. This hook is best used with natural (live or dead) bait. J hooks are the most common as well as the oldest hooks on the market.
There is also a hook called the treble hook. This hook has three different points attached to one shank. You will find this hook usually attached to artificial baits.
The final type of fishing hook is called the circle hook. It is very similar to the J hook with the exception that the point goes further in pointing toward the shaft. This makes it look like a circle. The circle hook is the hook for beginners. There is little to no work when you are catching the fish.
Now when someone asks you about a hook, you will now more about the history and types of hooks that are on the market. Take what you have learned and head out to find your next fishing hook. Let’s go fishing.
*Photo Credit: Mike Cline
