Fishing Gear – The Anatomy of a Fish Hook

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A fish hook seems like a simple thing. A sharp point, a curve and an eye to attach to fishing line. But there’s much more than meets the eye (or finger, ouch!) to the average fishing hook.

Every hook does have those basics. The point is usually supplemented by a barb, to prevent the hooked fish from slipping right back off. That section is called the bite or front length. The curve is called the bend. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to; it’s the same thing. That bend straightens into the shank which contains an opening at the end, called the eye.

The distance measured between the shank and point is called the gap (or, sometimes, the gape). The distance measured the other way, from the tip to the farthest point of the bend is called the bite or throat.

So, why should a fisherman care? Because all these different attributes come in a hundred variations of size and style, and each (and the whole) has an effect on fishing. In short, you’ll want to choose the right kind of hook for the type of fishing you do.

The point, for example, can be one of many options. A needlepoint looks just like its namesake. The sides of the point are rounded and smoothly tapered. The rolled-in style point reduces the pressure needed to set the hook. They set deeply, so the fish doesn’t get off easily. Hollow points are great for soft-mouthed crappie that need to be handled with care, for example.

The shank can vary from short to regular to long. These terms aren’t exact but most companies have adopted a standard convention. Sizes range anywhere from 32 (the smallest) to 1 (larger), then start over with numbers running from 1/0, 2/0… up to 18/0, 19/0, 20/0. The shank size isn’t the only aspect here, but it’s a key one.

Not surprisingly, smaller hooks are generally recommended for smaller fish and larger hooks for larger species. The more aggressive fish that tends to swallow live bait deeply is also easier to manage with a long-shanked hook. Larger hooks are also easier to bait and remove fish from without getting poked.

The difference between eyes is mostly a matter of convenience, but that’s often no small matter. Tying onto a hook with wet, slimy hands can be tricky. Anything that makes it easier is a good thing.

Ringed eyes are the most common, since it then becomes easy to tie a standard knot, slip it on the partly open eye, and tighten down. That slightly open ring is sometimes extended into a loop, so that the eye looks like a two-lane road with a circular driveway at the end. Closed ends, called needle eyes, are sometimes used for saltwater fishing of larger species.

The overall shape can take on hundreds more variations, especially when two or three hooks share a single shank (called doubles or trebles). Aberdeen, circle hooks, jig hooks and a thousand more demonstrate the endless ingenuity of fishermen in pursuit of that great catch.