I have always used a 1/0 or 2/0 hook when drift fishing for winter steelies. I have noticed it seems like on a lot of posts that most are using size 1 or 2 hooks I was just wondering why the small hooks for winters?
#2's and even #3's I fish small drift gear and smalll egg clusters and it works great they float well under a small corky and do the job for me :grin: .
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I like to use a red size 1 owner needle point for winters and summers. That is what I have done best with. I like to use smaller corkies and baits (Eggs/Shrimp Tails) Just my $0.01
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I thoughtmaybe it was just the water conditions that most of the posters fished. in the summer I use #1 and #2 hooks because the water is lower and clearer.
the rivers on the mid coast seem to hold their green a long time and using 1/0 and 2/0 hooks never seemed to be a problem.
The smaller the better in my opinion, especially while drift fishing. A smaller point will require less energy/force to penatrate. Your gear will also ride higher off the bottom. I know guys who go down to a #4. Bigger corky/bait=bigger hook.
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I size the hook to the corkie I'm using (just big enough to put the corkie in the "jaws" of the hook).
In the winter, I use a 1/0 usually, although I'll go with 2/0 and a bigger corkie if the water is colored.
In summer, I'll range all the way down to a 4, but that'll only be for crystal clear conditions. You can imagine the size of the corkie I'm using then... Tiny.
I will use anywhere from #1 to #4 for winter fish. Depending when and where you fish the water may be low and clear. Even though many people say steelhead are not "line shy", I don't feel I lose a lot of fish with the small hooks. Although the larger hooks do seem to bite better in the faster water I say use the hooks you feel you land more fish with in the water you are fishing, and fish with confidence.
what size hook for drift fishing winters?
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I say use the hooks you feel you land more fish with in the water you are fishing, and fish with confidence.
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