Hook size

[fishingjack]

Hi guys,
how important do you feel hook size is? For a typical 20lb carp what size hook would be best suited? This probably depends on the bait used?

Also what's the biggest or the smallest hook you have caught carp on?

A lot of hook manufacturers from around the world have very different ideas about hook sizes(eg what is a size 6, 2 ,1, 1/0, 2/0), certainly if it comes to circle hooks as well.

Thanks for your opinions and thoughts on this.

[peter crabtree]

Originally Posted by fishingjack

This probably depends on the bait .

Think you answered your own question Jack.....

[steph mckenzie]

I have to agree with Peter, try to match your hook to the size of bait you are using ... or match the Bait to the hook most probably.

I've caught carp on a size 20 Kamasan B911 hook, but, i wouldn't recommend fishing for them with hooks that size unless they are small carp.

[fishingjack]

Oh boy which to choose?

I think a size 6 is the smallest i've got.



and for abroad:



I've got lots of different types to see which I prefer. The Gamkatsu G points look amazing. A very heavy gauge with a very well made point. Like the Owner Gorillas.

[agamemnon]

i tend to use drennon continental boily hooks size 4-8 they tend to cover me fine for all my large carp fishing

[Beaker]

I use Gardener Mugga and Talontips, in sizes from 6 through to 12 depending on the size of bait.

[sam vimes]

As you've already suggested, bait type and size is the important factor. I see an awful lot suggesting no smaller than size 10 for carp fishing. I'd suggest that it depends on what you consider carp fishing to be. I can only think that people have boilies and bite alarms in mind when they say no smaller than a 10. However, I regularly floatfish maggots for carp and will often go down to an 18. It is more usual for me to use 10-14s when fishing this way though.

If you are specifically fishing for decent sized carp on lighter tactics and smaller hooks, it's important to consider the wire guage of the hook. There's little point in using fine wire match hooks. Something like Kamasan Animals, Drennan Super Spades or Drennan Super Specialists are my usual choices unless I go down the big legered baits route.

[smufter]

Freelining or legering meat/bread/sweetcorn/boilies 8's, 10's and 12's are my favoured sizes. If I had to choose just one it would be a 10.