What hooks to use? Size/Brand...

[Ryan Rumkee]

Been having trouble hooking some fish, When I strike, I sometimes feel the fish, then nothing...

To be honest, I think its the hooks im using, I actually lost a fish at the weekend, Was only a small one though.

Any idea what i could be doing wrong? I was using Sweetcorn, Maggot and meat (On the hook as i cant hair rig(yet)).

I was using a size 16 hook that i got from eBay for 120 (£4,99)

Im float fishing for tench using 6lb mainline & 4lb hook length.



I would like advice on what size hook and what brand please

 

[binka]

It might be worthwhile trying a size or two larger in the case of sweetcorn and meat as it sounds as though you're either just lightly pricking the fish or "bumping" fish off which could have something to do with the stiffness of your rod in that it's not absorbing the impact of the strike and pulling the hook out so if a bigger hook doesn't solve it try striking a little softer.

Kamasan and Drennan (Super Specimen) are the hooks I use the most for my general fishing and both are pretty much faultless.

One last obvious point (pardon the pun) but are you certain your hooks points are actually sharp and if they feel a bit dull try sharpening them.

 

[Ryan Rumkee]

It might be worthwhile trying a size or two larger in the case of sweetcorn and meat as it sounds as though you're either just lightly pricking the fish or "bumping" fish off which could have something to do with the stiffness of your rod in that it's not absorbing the impact of the strike and pulling the hook out so if a bigger hook doesn't solve it try striking a little softer.

Kamasan and Drennan (Super Specimen) are the hooks I use the most for my general fishing and both are pretty much faultless.

One last obvious point (pardon the pun) but are you certain your hooks points are actually sharp and if they feel a bit dull try sharpening them.

Thanks, For the sharpness side of the hooks, they easily catch my fingers, so they are quite sharp. And I believe my rod is a 13ft 2lb tc.

I watched a video on YT a while back with Matt Hayes and he said 'Dont be scared to strike hard' Ill try and slacked off a little.

 

[binka]

Thanks, For the sharpness side of the hooks, they easily catch my fingers, so they are quite sharp. And I believe my rod is a 13ft 2lb tc.

I watched a video on YT a while back with Matt Hayes and he said 'Dont be scared to strike hard' Ill try and slacked off a little.

I think the striking could be the main problem with a small'ish hook like a 16 on a 2lb tc rod, well worth a go I think especially if you can combine it and still get the bites on a size or two larger hook.

Far better getting fewer bites but banking more fish in my opinion.

Good luck with it...

 

[mick b]

The penetration of a fishing hook is all governed by the diameter of the wire the hook is made of.
The thinner the wire the easier it penetrates, both you or the fish.

Think of a broom handle and a wooden spoon handle, which goes into the ground easier.

Sharpening the hook before you ever use it is a sure way to hook more fish.
Use a fine carborundum stone and use it periodically throughout the day as well.
Sharpen the point like the early pastoralists used to sharpen a wooden plough shear, two faces angled towards the central cutting edge (which faces the hook shank).
Round 'chemically' sharpening a hook is not done to make hooking fish easier, it cuts down the manufacturing times and increases profits for the producer.
If a round point penetrated better why are all the spears and bayonets not made like that???

Oh and when the day ends dump the hook in the bin.


Compare a Drennan hook to a Kammasan and the Kamma is of a smaller wire diameter.
Also Kamasan owns the hookmaking factory whereares many other brands are just repackaged hooks made by others.

Do an online search and check the hook manufacturers sites, a wealth of info is there for you.

Me, I use a Kammasan 711 in size 11.
Brought 1000 last year and saved over 50p on a packet of 10


Hope this helps?

.

 

[anglerpaulm]

If you are fishing a hair rig I would 100% recommend the Guru QM1 (Size 14 & 16). Ultra sharp and easy to tie.

If you don;t know how, check out the below link - Paul on Coarse Fishing: Fishing Basics – Knot tying - How to tie a knotless knot.

Or PM me if easier.

From reading your post I would use a slightly lighter rod. 2lb T.C seems a bit severe. Mayb also consider using bigger hook (if hooking the corn) and a Drennan Specialist is a great shout. I prefer Wide Gape (Whisker barbed) when using them. I think the hook hold is that much better, but they dont tie great hairs ( sometimes the bottom of the eye can be sharp). Stick to a small gauge when using maggot, you get a better presentation and doesn't damage the maggot as much.

 

[iain t]

I don't think the hook size is the problem here. You may find your rod my be a bit over gunned. It sounds like your rod may not be sensitive enough at the tip section for smaller fish

 

[tigger]

Compare a Drennan hook to a Kammasan and the Kamma is of a smaller wire diameter.
Also Kamasan owns the hookmaking factory whereares many other brands are just repackaged hooks made by others.

Do an online search and check the hook manufacturers sites, a wealth of info is there for you.

Me, I use a Kammasan 711 in size 11.
Brought 1000 last year and saved over 50p on a packet of 10


Hope this helps?

.

Mick, I mainly use both drennan super spades and kamasan animal hooks (because they're very sharp and strong) but as far as i'm aware Kamasan is part of / owned by drennan.
The gauge of wire on the animals and superspades looks very similar to me.

 

[john step]

I feel your tackle is not a balanced outfit. A 16 hook is fine for 4lb bs bottom but I think a 2lb tc rod is not. You would bump less off with a float rod as opposed to a carp/barbel rod which it seems you might be using?? If you can safely land the fish you are seeking on 4lb bs then you don't need such a powerful rod. There are many float rods at very reasonable prices advertised that are rated up to to 6lb lines.
Also tying hair rigs is pretty straight forward. If it is difficult for maybe physical reasons there are many brands ready tied.

 

[Ryan Rumkee]

I feel your tackle is not a balanced outfit. A 16 hook is fine for 4lb bs bottom but I think a 2lb tc rod is not. You would bump less off with a float rod as opposed to a carp/barbel rod which it seems you might be using?? If you can safely land the fish you are seeking on 4lb bs then you don't need such a powerful rod. There are many float rods at very reasonable prices advertised that are rated up to to 6lb lines.
Also tying hair rigs is pretty straight forward. If it is difficult for maybe physical reasons there are many brands ready tied.

So you think everything is ok, apart from the rod?

Ive had this rod a few years, recently started fishing again, Ive caught fish on this rod before, just not many recently with these new hooks, Hmmm...

I think ill change my rod, and my Hooks lol


What TC rod do you recommend?

 

[Tee-Cee]

I think you need a few recommendations for a float rod with tench in mind, so why not a drennan tench Float rod at around 12' long. This rod has been going for years and I think the Mk 4 is the latest. I have three of these rods and wouldn't be without them for general tench fishing BUT like all rods they have limitations if you are fishing for very big tench in waters that are heavily weeded or with lots of lilly pads.

I suggest you do a 'search' on FM under the heading of Tench Rods or Drennan Tench Rods plus another on 'hooks to nylon' as this sunject has been discussed many times in the past..

I AM NOT saying this is the ONLY rod for the job, but it is reasonably priced and available on ebay AND A VERY GOOD ALLROUNDER !!


I HOPE OTHERS WILL SUGGEST RODS SUITABLE FOR TENCH FISHING as this is only my suggestion.

A 2lb test curve rod is just not suitable for use with 4lb line and a 16 hook. I might use this test curve with 10lb line an size 6 hooks if fishing for double figure fish such as carp in very snaggy waters...

I hope you get some more suggestions................................................

 

[john step]

Yes agree the Drennan would be spot on.

 

[law]

Or, you're getting pestered by 2" long fish that can't take the bait fully.
At this time of year, they are rife.

 

[kenpm]

Mick, I mainly use both drennan super spades and kamasan animal hooks (because they're very sharp and strong) but as far as i'm aware Kamasan is part of / owned by drennan.
The gauge of wire on the animals and superspades looks very similar to me.

Kamasan started life as Kamatsu which was a partnership between an ex Mustad employee and Peter Drennan but this changed to full Drennan ownership several years ago.The name was changed after complaints from Gamakatsu who actually do make hooks,that it sounded to similar.
All the Kamatsu/Kamasan/Drennan hooks are bought in from the far East and have been since Drennan changed their original range again some years ago.

Super Spades are stronger than Animals as are Super Specialists.

 

[law]

Thanks, For the sharpness side of the hooks, they easily catch my fingers, so they are quite sharp. And I believe my rod is a 13ft 2lb tc.

I watched a video on YT a while back with Matt Hayes and he said 'Dont be scared to strike hard' Ill try and slacked off a little.

I think that's your problem. The rod is far to heavy for such a small hook/light line combo.

I'd use a much lighter rod. When I tench fish, I use a 13ft match rod and 6lb main and 4lb hooklink with a size 16 or 14. Or even 12 if need be.

 

[superted77]

I usually employ a Drennan red range 12ft carp waggler When float
fishing for carp and tench, normally in conjunction with an okuma centre pin, when fishing the margins, line rating 3-6lb, sometimes step up to 8lb line straight thru, when it's hook and hold stuff and leave it made up with tip and butt protectors when not in use. Value for money if you're on a budget.

 

[robtherake]

Before you go out and spend more cash, just what is the rod you're using? We're all assuming it's a carp/barbel rod, but there aren't too many 13ft rods at that test curve, so maybe you've misidentified it.

 

[law]

Good point. Most 13fts are for long range and therefore 3lb upwards!

 

[anglerpaulm]

So you think everything is ok, apart from the rod?

What TC rod do you recommend?

A quiver tip... TF GEAR COMPACT ALL-ROUNDER ROD SAVE £70.00 | eBay

Used the 8ft compact on the weekend. Great rod!

 

[sam vimes]

So you think everything is ok, apart from the rod?

Ive had this rod a few years, recently started fishing again, Ive caught fish on this rod before, just not many recently with these new hooks, Hmmm...

I think ill change my rod, and my Hooks lol


What TC rod do you recommend?

The vast majority of float rods do not have a marked test curve. I have a quite unusual float rod that is rated at 1lb 6oz. It's a specialist tool for big fish. It only sees action when targeting carp of 10lb+ and barbel on the river. I consider it far, far too brutal for light lines and small fish. In no way is it suitable for allround fishing.

The vast majority of rods which are given test curve rating do not make good float rods. For all round floatfishing, for anything with fins, there's no test curve rated rod that I know of that I would recommend. If you are using hooklinks up to 4lb and mainlines of no more than 6lb, a fairly standard 13' match rod will be a good allround choice, especially when the target fish tend toward the smaller end of the spectrum. You needn't spend a fortune and there is plenty of choice available if you choose to go the second hand route.