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Fishing Hooks

Fishing hooks are the critical link between bait and fish, and choosing the right type, size, and pattern can make the difference between a lost fish and a perfect hook-up. Whether you’re drop-shotting for perch, fishing a hair rig for carp, or presenting a maggot for roach, every angler relies on hooks designed to match the target species, bait, and fishing method. Since 1988, we’ve helped anglers select the right hook for every situation, with a huge range of barbed, barbless, eyed, spade-end, and pre-tied options from the most trusted brands in the game.

Why Fishing Hooks Matter

✅ Hooks are the most important component for secure hook-ups
✅ Designed to suit different baits, species, and tactics
✅ Hook pattern affects how deeply and safely fish are hooked
✅ Hook size, wire gauge, and point style impact bait presentation
✅ Choosing the right hook improves catch rates and fish welfare

From delicate silverfish to hard-fighting carp and predators, there’s a specialist hook for every angling challenge.

Types of Fishing Hooks

Hook TypeBest For
Barbed HooksSecure hook holds—ideal for predator and specimen fishing
Barbless HooksEasier unhooking, fish-friendly—common on commercial venues
Eyed HooksIdeal for knotless knot/hair rigs and heavier lines
Spade-End HooksBetter bait presentation with fine line—common in float fishing
Circle HooksUsed for predator and sea fishing—minimises deep hooking
Treble HooksFor lures and deadbait rigs targeting pike and zander
Pre-Tied HooksConvenience—hooklengths tied to precise length and strength

Common Hook Patterns & Use Cases

Hook PatternIdeal Use
Wide GapeCarp rigs, pellet or boilie baits
Long ShankWorms, maggots—easy unhooking for silverfish
Short ShankTough baits like corn or meat, tight hook holds
Crystal BendGeneral coarse use—magots, casters, small baits
Bait Holder HooksBarbs on shank help hold worms or soft baits
Specialist Barbel HooksThicker wire for rivers, meat or pellet baits
Lure HooksFor soft plastic baits—offset or weedless options

Hook Sizes Explained

Hook SizeTypical Species
22–18Roach, rudd, dace, bleak
16–12Skimmers, perch, F1s
10–8Tench, bream, small carp
6–4Big carp, barbel, chub
2–1/0+Pike, catfish, sea species

🔍 Smaller number = bigger hook. Always match hook size to bait and target species.

Best Hook Brands We Stock

  • Drennan – Legendary quality in barbed/barbless, spade and eyed patterns

  • Guru – Match and feeder fishing hooks with sharp points and durable wire

  • Korda & Fox – Specialist carp hooks in curved and wide gape designs

  • Owner & Gamakatsu – Razor-sharp, high-end predator and sea hooks

  • Preston Innovations – Commercial hooks for F1s, carp, and pellet waggler rigs

  • ESP & Nash – Advanced carp patterns for rigs like Ronnie, D-rigs, and blowback

  • Korum – Ready-tied and specialist specimen hooks for rivers and stillwaters

Hook Wire Thickness Guide

Wire GaugeBest For
Fine WireFloat and pole fishing, natural bait, shy fish
Medium WireGeneral coarse and feeder fishing
Heavy WireCarp, barbel, and predator fishing

Expert Hook Fishing Tips

✅ Match your hook size to the bait—don’t overpower small baits with large hooks
✅ Use fine-wire hooks for natural bait and small fish
✅ Always check hook sharpness—replace or sharpen if dulled
✅ For hair rigs, use eyed hooks with a knotless knot
✅ On barbless-only venues, carry a dedicated selection of patterns

🧠 FAQ: Fishing Hooks (10+ Questions)

1. What size hook should I use for maggots?
Use a size 18 to 14 barbless or spade-end hook for maggots, depending on species and bait quantity.

2. What’s the best hook for carp fishing?
Size 6–10 wide gape or curve shank hooks are most common, often with a hair rig for boilies, pellets, or corn.

3. Are barbless hooks better for fish welfare?
Yes—barbless hooks reduce damage during unhooking and are required on many commercial waters.

4. Should I use spade-end or eyed hooks?
Use spade-end hooks for natural baits and fine lines; eyed hooks for hair rigs and stronger setups.

5. Can I use treble hooks in coarse fishing?
Only for predator fishing (e.g., pike), and often only on designated venues. Always check local rules.

6. Are pre-tied hooks any good?
Yes—modern pre-tied hooks from trusted brands are strong, reliable, and save time on the bank.

7. What’s a wide gape hook?
A hook with a larger gap between the point and shank—great for bigger baits and better hook holds.

8. How do I sharpen a hook?
Use a hook sharpening file or stone—gently stroke the point until it’s razor sharp.

9. Are circle hooks good for freshwater fishing?
Not commonly used in coarse fishing, but great for predator rigs or where deep hooking must be avoided.

10. What’s the difference between a match hook and a carp hook?
Match hooks are finer and designed for delicate bait presentation; carp hooks are thicker, stronger, and shaped for aggressive hooking.

11. Can I use the same hook for all species?
No—hook size, pattern, and wire thickness should always match the bait, target species, and fishing conditions.

Hooked on Quality Since 1988

For over 30 years, we’ve supplied anglers of all levels with precision hooks that match the method, bait, and species. Whether you’re drop-shotting for perch or method-feeding for carp, our collection of loose and pre-tied hooks offers trusted performance, razor-sharp points, and fish-friendly options for every venue and season.

🎣 Hook more. Miss less. Browse our full range of fishing hooks online or visit us for expert rig advice.

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