The best fishing hooks are one the single most important pieces of equipment you can have as a fisherman.
In 2005, the fish hook was chosen by Forbes as one of the top twenty tools in the history of man.
It is, for this reason, it is important to have the best fishing hooks in your tackle bag, and on your rod and spinning reels.
10 Best Fishing Hooks for 2022 Reviewed
1. Mustad Ultra Point Demon Wide Gap Circle Hook
These hooks are stellar! Billfish Foundation endorsed them for their design specs and meets the standards for catch and release style fishing.
These tough, sharp hooks have taken many trophy fish of different species.
These are some of the strongest hooks on the market, not to mention they are super sharp. These hooks stay sharp at least 20% longer than the nearest competitor.
Whether you’re going for billfish or panfish, these hooks will deliver. Give them a shot!
2. Gamakatsu Octopus Hook
We like these hooks because they’re not only effective at hooking fish but they are made in an environmentally friendly manner.
Taking care of the environment is important for us as fishermen, so we’re happy when fishing companies keep that in mind.
For the price, these hooks are durable, long-lasting, and can be changed out without concern. If you’re looking for one of the best hooks to go after that monster pike, then look no further, these have been tested and they work!
3. Mustad Classic 4 Extra Strong Kingfish Treble Hook
This hook is the gold standard when it comes to treble hooks on the market today. It’s not uncommon for fishermen to get a lure and immediately replace the trebles on them with these.
That’s because it’s nearly impossible for a fish to headshake free from them.
They have a unique bend in the hook that forces the jaw into a spot that traps the hook against the jaw.
Couple that with patented Wire Technology that allows for a lighter yet stronger hook and you’re dangerous out there on the water.
We like their inline eyelet as well that allows the fisherman to set the hook with efficiency.
Whether you’re going for channel cats or stripers, these hooks will hold up just fine.
4. Owner Mutu Light Circle Hook
We were turned on to Owner’s hooks a while back and we love them. Especially when it comes to these lighter-style circle hooks, it’s almost as if the fish hook themselves.
It doesn’t matter if you’re going for flounder, reds, or sharks, these hooks have been vetted by numerous fishermen over the years.
It’s not uncommon for them to just stick to Owner going forward for all their fishing challenges.
When in doubt, try a number five or six hook and get after everything from bluefish to sharks!
The Coach fully endorses this hook almost anywhere they would serve in an application, for any angler anywhere.
5. Gamakatsu 05413 Baitholder Hooks
A good set of baitholder hooks is important for every fisherman’s tacklebox. You want to make sure the hook can hold bait more securely to reduce the need to replace it.
These hooks are super sharp and durable and come with solid anchor points for locking your bait down securely.
If you’re using them in saltwater, rest assured that they are strong against corrosion.
6. Trokar Lancet Circle Non-Offset Fishing Hook
These surgically-sharpened hooks give an extra side to the point which makes it much more efficient at penetrating a tough fish jaw than two-sided points.
This inline circle might be legal for use where an offset circle will not, as this is a regulatory condition in some areas for circle hooks.
These hooks aren’t as common out in the field, but that’s starting to change. If you’re having problems with your hookup ratio, then it could be because you need a hook that is sharper.
Those who’ve fished with the Tokar Lancet have said nothing but amazing things. Give them a shot!
7. VMC Corporation Inline Single Hook 1X Coastal Black
If you like to target big fish out in the water then you know how important it is to have hooks that are strong not only against the fish but to stand up to the corrosion.
These hooks are coated many times with VMC’s Coastal Black finish to help protect them from the elements.
If you’re not planning on keeping the fish then it’s important to swap out your treble hooks on your lures with a solid single hook option.
We recommend swapping them out with these hooks as it limits the damage to the fish while still giving you a good hookup ratio.
8. Umpqua Tiemco Fly Tying Hooks
These are amazing if you’re going to be making saltwater flies by hand. They have a straight eye and have a super sharp point. They are 3X heavy, 3X wide, and 2x short, which makes for the perfect combination for your flies.
These are a bit pricey, but if you’re going to be making your own flies, you should use the best.
9. Daiichi 1130 Wide Gape Scud Hook
This is a great hook if you’re going to tie your own flies. The Scud Hook became popular in the 80s and for good reason, the shape is the same curvature of the freshwater shrimp and gives your flies a more natural shape.
These hooks are great for tying scuds, pill bug patterns, estaz eggs, and more.
10. Partridge Patriot Up-Eye Double
This is a unique hook if you’re looking to do some of the newer salmon and steelhead patterns for your next outing. Some might even say they are the best salmon hooks on the market.
If you’re going to be tying your own flies, then you might as well do it on some high-quality and durable hooks. Don’t let the dream fish get away because you wanted to save a few pennies on hooks.
Fishing Hook Anatomy
Contemporary hooks come from either high-carbon steel, steel alloyed with vanadium, or stainless steel, depending on the application. Most quality fishing hooks have some form of a corrosion-resistant surface coating as covers.
Corrosion resistance helps not only when using fishing hooks, especially in saltwater, but also when storing. Additionally, coatings give color and/or provide aesthetic or penetrative value to the hook.
At a minimum, fishing hooks designed for freshwater use have a clear lacquer coating, but hooks may have gold, nickel, Teflon, tin, and different color coatings.
Commonly referred to parts of a fish hook are:
- The point, is the sharp end that penetrates the fish’s mouth or flesh.
- The barb, the projection extending backward from the point, secures the fish from unhooking.
- The eye, is the loop at the end of the hook that connects to the fishing line or lure.
- The bend and shank, that portion of the hook that connects the point and the eye.
- The gap, is the distance between the shank and the point. In many cases, the use of various parts of the hook describes the fishing hook itself, for example, wide gap, long shank, hollow point, or out-turned eye.
Common Hook Types
Literally, thousands of hook styles are available today, making the selection process confounding for even the experienced angler. The following hook types are the most commonly available today.
Regardless of the hook type, you should match the size of the hook to the bait you are going to use and the size of the species you’re targeting.
Baitholder Hooks
Keeping slippery, wiggling live bait on a hook is a challenge, and manufacturers have developed several designs to make it easier.
Generally, a baitholder fishing hook has long shafts, and they often have barbs on the shaft to assist in keeping bait securely hooked.
A baitholder fishing hook is also commonly available as snells, pre-tied to the line that loops at the end and attaches readily with a knot, swivel, or snap.
When fishing for walleye in the spring, using a live-bait presentation, snells with sizes four to eight are common, while bass fishermen use 1/0 to 2/0 hooks for shiners or minnows.
Worm Hooks
This particular hook is for worms of the plastic persuasion, and a mainstay for bass fishermen. Since bass are heavy fighters, worm hooks are sturdy for deep penetration and durability.
