Steely hook size?

etacada · 01-24-2003, 09:05 PM

I've been drift fishing the Clack latley and have lost several fish. I'm wondering if i'm using to small a hook. I've tied 8lb leader to a size 1 hook, 2' leader. I feel that i might get a firmer hook set if i go to a 1/0 or a 2 hook. All the times i've lost fish i feel the take and go to set only to yank it out of the fishes mouth!

MasterCaster · 01-24-2003, 09:09 PM

Hers a recent thread on just this same issue. Hope it helps.

hooks? click here

Jon :smile: :grin: :smile:

Dan Christopher · 01-24-2003, 10:43 PM

I will tell you that you can drive a smaller hook deeper on the hook set. The same force will drive a size 2 far deeper than a 1/0. I don't think it is the size of the hook that is your problem. Check the sharpness often and don't be cheep. Replace the hook if need be. All I mainly drift fish with are size 2 and 1 with 6lb leader.If the water is high and off color I will run a 10lb leader with a 1/0, so I can horse the fish out of the stronger current if i need to.

Hope this helps..

riverraider · 01-25-2003, 07:21 AM

I have to agree with Madwizard about the size #2 hooks. Thats all I use. For whatever reason, the offset of the Gamagatsu gives me the best chance of landing the fish once its hooked. You name 'em and I've tried 'em. The gamis just do it for me. You don't mention what technique you use. If you are side drifting or boondogging, try lengthening your leader to about 30-36 inches. Last year I noticed that from a moving boat, I was starting to feel and set the hook too fast, and losing fish. The longer leader solved that problem. (If you're banking it or sitting on anchor this doesn't apply) Hope this help. Oh yea, I use #8 UG for leaders.

BUBBA911 · 01-25-2003, 07:39 AM

I try to use the biggest hook i can for the condition.. 1's and 2's in ultral low clear water.. and 1/0 -2/0 in medium to high water.. I also try for the best hook i can gami's , owners, or ultra point mustad's are my top three choices. good luck and tight lines..

Fishrite · 01-25-2003, 07:51 AM

I agree with MadW...the hook set will drive a smaller hook deeper. However, a larger hook, will usually hold a fish better. I prefer using size 4 hooks in streams were they are legal. I have caught fish up to 19 lbs. on this hook. My son has been fishing summers in the Rogue and catching lots of steelhead on a size 14 nymph.....but he also looses lots of fish because the hook in just too small to hold a steelhead. He practices catch and release (even on hatchery fish) so it doesn't make a difference to him...but MW has it right!!

Norski · 01-25-2003, 08:04 AM

With all the talk [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] on hook size I have tryed #1 and #2 and most of the time I use a 2 hook set up, tieing a egg knot on the bottom with a corkie and than another hook with same egg tie up this way I can use eggs or rag, don't be cheep on the hooks I use gammie also, good luck tight lines and stick it to the fish.

Thumper · 01-25-2003, 08:04 AM

Size 1-2 for winters. Size 4 for summers.

RichH · 01-25-2003, 08:14 AM

I'm with Bubba, I like the larger hook sizes. I've been fishing rags alot lately and 2/0 is just perfect. Add a little bait and the rag floats the hook very nicely. I almost never hang up the hook.

For side drifting a size 2 can't be beat though.

etacada · 01-25-2003, 08:42 AM

Thanks for all the input guys! :smile:

as my girlfriend says "size DOES matter!!"

fish on

KingFisher85 · 01-25-2003, 09:01 AM

I'm with MADWIZERD that you can drive a smaller hook deeper on the hook set.

All I use for steelhead fishing is #4 size hooks, and #1 and for salmon fishing when I do all my driftin.

blacktail · 01-25-2003, 09:12 AM

I use Gamakatsus anywhere from size 4 to 2/0 for Steelies. Size 1 is a great all around choice.

I will use size 2's and 4,s with 6 lb. leader for Summers and/or low water Winters and up to size 2/0 and 12 lb. leader for off colored higher water.

For "normal" Winter fishing I mostly use size 1 or 1/0 with 8-10 lb. leader.

Which brand hooks are you using, and how do you set the hook?

Mike

Thumper · 01-25-2003, 10:13 AM

"Which brand hooks are you using, and how do you set the hook?"

Mark at First Cast Jigs taught me the benefits of Owners. That is all I use anymore, even though I have to re-finance the house every year to pay for them.

Since I am mainly boondogging without power, the bait is moving faster than the current and the "take" is explosive, so I don't usually need to set.

When bobber fishing I set very gently since I am using Power-Pro and keep the line free of slack. And since I use only First Cast products when bobber fishing those Owners pay off again.

[ 01-25-2003, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: Thumper ]

blacktail · 01-25-2003, 10:52 AM

Thumper,

Thanks for the response, but I was asking "estacada", the poster to see if he needed some pointers. I should have been clearer.

Thanks,
Mike

etacada · 01-25-2003, 11:53 PM

Hi Blacktail,

I was using eagle claw up untill 2 days ago size 1 tied with an eggloop and yarn and running the leader abnout 2'. i'm bank fishing using sand shrimp tails. each time a fish takes it is usually feels like a quick chomp chomp on the bait then i lift my rod up and back twards me.

i am now going to try some size 2 Owners hooks. I bought some First Cast jigs at the Guide Shop last week and upon opening the jig baggy fumbled the jig and it embeded in my hand with no effort! that is sharp!