The eye shape makes it ideal for burying the complete hook inside live or dead bait when either trolling or using vertical presentations. The most common application for needle-eye hooks is for saltwater fishing, especially for large species. This type of hook is easily identified if you picture the eye of a sewing needle. This type of eye has a nearly oval shape that extends along the shank of the hook aligned with the direction of the bend. Ringed eyes are used on the majority of bait and lure hooks. The configuration is round, and it’s uniform in shape. The ringed eye design is the most common type of hook eye, and a good choice for most applications. Eyes that are offset are intended to increase penetration by pulling the barb upward on the hookset. The selection of hook eyes is varied, with specific designs intended for unique applications. Tying line to smaller sizes of hooks is simplified with magnifying lenses, even for those with young eyes. The eye of a hook is the direct link between hook and line, and one that causes consternation for those with failing eyesight. The longer shank makes it easier to remove the hook, and this fact makes them ideal for youngsters or any beginning fisherman. The advantage of the long shank becomes apparent when you attempt to remove one from the gullet of a hooked fish. Long-shank hooks are preferred for large predator species, especially those with sharp teeth, but they’re also favored for aggressive feeders that tend to swallow live baits deeply. These hooks are used for most game fish in a wide variety of presentations. Regular shanks fall into the all-purpose category and make up the largest segment of hooks. Fly-fishermen prefer short shanks for specific, small-bodied flies, but they’re also used extensively for all sorts of panfish, especially species that are easily spooked. Shanks come in three basic sizes: short, regular and long. The shank is the part of the hook between the eye and the first bend. This hook has two flat sides forming a single edge that penetrates well and is easy to sharpen. Proper penetration requires a bit more pressure, and unless you bear down pretty hard you won’t get penetration beyond the barb. Alignment of the point is in a straight line from the tip to the barb. The spear point is another point that is named because of its appearance, with angles that are shaped like a spear. These hooks are good for soft-mouthed crappie and fish that need to be hooked and fought delicately. This point is rounded and forms a curve from the tip to the base of the barb. This hook is very effective for species that jump or thrash around when brought to the net or gaff because it tends to set deeply. The point is rolled in, or aligned in a curve pointing directly toward the eye of the shank, and ultimately the fishing line, which exerts the pressure. The theory behind this design is to reduce the pressure needed to set the hook. A close inspection will reveal that the sides of this point are round and evenly tapered. This point is aptly named because of its appearance. Given a seemingly unlimited imagination and a penchant for innovation, hook manufacturers have developed a number of designs, each with its own positive aspects. While it would seem that a sharp point is a sharp point, there are many ways to cut, hone and shape a steel wire. Let’s take a look at the business end first. Although there are a wide variety of innovations in point design, it’s the shank and the bend that have changed the most. All hooks have an eye to tie your line to, a sharp tip to pierce the fish’s mouth and a barb to hold it in place. Still, the concept is basically the same at both ends of the hook it’s the metal in the middle that has gone through the most gyrations. With so many fish, so many hooks and so little time, how do you pick the right hook for a specific technique? Looking at huge racks and row upon row of fishhooks of all sizes and configurations, even seasoned anglers can be confused when it comes to selecting hooks. Early fishhooks were crafted from bone or sharp shells, and then, as metals were discovered and designs refined, the modern hook began its evolution into the multitude of offerings available today.
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