Hook types for all scenarios

[Esox obsessed]

Im trying to minimize and save so what type and size of hooks do you guys use for what bait and species
Like nightcrawlers
Minnows
Senkos
Ect

[Smallie_Stalker]

I use straight shank hooks for everything but a few applications. But the actual Size and type will depend on lots of things like the thickness of the bait, the desired rigging and presentation etc.

Too many variables to give a short pat answer.

[Esox obsessed]

I use straight shank hooks for everything but a few applications. But the actual Size and type will depend on lots of things like the thickness of the bait, the desired rigging and presentation etc.

Too many variables to give a short pat answer.

Nightcrawlers
Balled up bread and soft baits
Minnows hooked through back
Spikes
Egg sacs
Usually on split shot rig or sometimes  under a bobber

[bigjim5589]

I use straight shank hooks for everything but a few applications. But the actual Size and type will depend on lots of things like the thickness of the bait, the desired rigging and presentation etc.

Too many variables to give a short pat answer.

I agree here with what Smallie has said. It's not easy to simply choose a general purpose hook and a few sizes if you use a variety of baits due to their size. I use various hooks and sizes and it also depends on the type of tackle I'm using. I don't fish with live bait much for bass, but will sometimes chase some catfish using nightcrawlers, and a 2/0 circle hook has worked well for such bait. I can use them with my bass gear, or some heavier gear that I've used for surf fishing and catfish. It's not what I might use for panfish or bass. I also can catch catfish with lighter gear, but those 2/0 hooks might be too large for that purpose.

I like the Owner Mosquito hooks for some plastics, such as nose hooking Zoom's Tiny Fluke, and similar lures, and wacky rigging senko type worms. It's also an excellent hook for live baits such a Minnows, but size might depend on the size of the minnows and the tackle being used. I have them in sizes for 8 to 2/0. they can be used for other baits too. They're not cheap to buy, but they do sell them in bulk packs which could last awhile unless you lose a lot of terminal tackle.

For small baits, like you've listed, spikes, and eggs, I don't use them, and the only fish species I might use them for here would be Bluegills or Shellcrackers, and a good, basic Aberdeen hook would work fine. Eagle Claw 214 hooks work fine for panfish, and most hook brands have a similar style hook.

If you're drifting them for other fish, such as Steelhead, you might want to use those Mosquito hooks or another from of octopus style hook, even one with a snag guard.

You could use a basic baitholder for most natural baits, but with the different sizes of baits, one size hook rarely will fit with all fish species or even the bait.

That Mosquito hook might be a good choice for you, as it can be used for a variety of purposes.  Perhaps get 3 sizes, 6, 1 and 2/0 maybe,  and you'll have many baits covered.

[Esox obsessed]

Thx

[Esox obsessed]

I agree here with what Smallie has said. It's not easy to simply choose a general purpose hook and a few sizes if you use a variety of baits due to their size. I use various hooks and sizes and it also depends on the type of tackle I'm using. I don't fish with live bait much for bass, but will sometimes chase some catfish using nightcrawlers, and a 2/0 circle hook has worked well for such bait. I can use them with my bass gear, or some heavier gear that I've used for surf fishing and catfish. It's not what I might use for panfish or bass. I also can catch catfish with lighter gear, but those 2/0 hooks might be too large for that purpose.

I like the Owner Mosquito hooks for some plastics, such as nose hooking Zoom's Tiny Fluke, and similar lures, and wacky rigging senko type worms. It's also an excellent hook for live baits such a Minnows, but size might depend on the size of the minnows and the tackle being used. I have them in sizes for 8 to 2/0. they can be used for other baits too. They're not cheap to buy, but they do sell them in bulk packs which could last awhile unless you lose a lot of terminal tackle.

For small baits, like you've listed, spikes, and eggs, I don't use them, and the only fish species I might use them for here would be Bluegills or Shellcrackers, and a good, basic Aberdeen hook would work fine. Eagle Claw 214 hooks work fine for panfish, and most hook brands have a similar style hook.

If you're drifting them for other fish, such as Steelhead, you might want to use those Mosquito hooks or another from of octopus style hook, even one with a snag guard.

You could use a basic baitholder for most natural baits, but with the different sizes of baits, one size hook rarely will fit with all fish species or even the bait.

That Mosquito hook might be a good choice for you, as it can be used for a variety of purposes.  Perhaps get 3 sizes, 6, 1 and 2/0 maybe,  and you'll have many baits covered.

Would a SL12S BIG GAME WIDE GAP hook from gamukatsu work as they seem the same and i can buy slot more for cheaper

[bigjim5589]

That's a good hook, I use them for tying large flies for bass & Striped bass. It's a slightly heavier wire than the Mosquito Hook, but since price is always a concern, then sure you can use them if you can get them at a better price.

I wouldn't have any concern about using them for Pike, as many folks I know who fly fish for them use them too for tying big Pike or Muskie flies.

[Esox obsessed]

What sizes or would a O'SHAUGHNESSY HOOKS be better

[Esox obsessed]

Hopefully to buy a 100pack
Actually would a gamakatsu straight eye octopus hook work as they look like they are the same thing

[bigjim5589]

Again, sizes are up to you, but since your budget restriction is an issue, maybe 3 sizes spread out from small to large to fit as many applications as is possible.

I use many different types of hooks, especially for tying flies. Some I use interchangeably if the size is available, and they have sufficient strength. The label given to the hook, makes no difference to me, it's the dimension, strength and sharpness I want, and for some the shank length and gap are important attributes.

Various brands have hooks that they label "O'Shaughnessy", but when comparing brands, you may see a physical difference in the appearance, so that name isn't necessarily a good indication of whether the hook will be well suited for the intended purpose. My idea of a true O'Shaughnessy style is Mustad 3407, or 34007, or Eagle Claw 253 or 254 type hooks. Gamakatsu does produce a similar hook, but they have others that they use that name, and it looks different, more like that SL12S.

I use straight eye Octopus hooks for the same types of applications as I use the Owner Mosquito, and various similar hooks labelled as "Live Bait" hooks. It doesn't matter the name or label, it only matters that the hook does what I need.

For plastics or live baits, hook gap and wire diameter is important. When the wire diameter is too heavy, it creates problems with the plastic or bait, and frankly the only way to determine if a hook is a good choice is give them a try. I don't use some live bait hooks for my flies, or for baits, because the wire is heavier than I need, but I still will give a pack a try sometimes. Some of them also have kirbed or offset points, which is fine for bait, but not what I want to tying a fly and most of time for a plastic.

Gamakatsu produces a wide range of hook types, and IMO, some are similar enough to be the same hook, yet they apply a different model number and name to them. It only matters to me that they do the job I need from them.

For what you need, you're the only one who can determine if the hook is correct for applications. I've added as much insight as I can, but my use and yours are not all the same. I know that's not a helpful answer, but it's truthful. Get a pack of the hooks and try them is the only way to see if they work for you.

[Esox obsessed]

Thx was trying to match based on material and design
I think gamakatsu live bait hooks are closest cheapest I could find
Do you have a size recommendation for either species or presentation
(Like 2/0 for wacky rug and pike as an example)

[caddyjoe77]

Some real good info here. 

wacky rigs i like the vmc with the weed guard.  the weights are 1/16 and 1/32.  In my opinion, if i am resorting to wacky, its a finesse kind of day or else i want to catch anything. 

regular 5" senkos I use a 4/0 EWG gamakatsu. 

[Esox obsessed]

Some real good info here. 

wacky rigs i like the vmc with the weed guard.  the weights are 1/16 and 1/32.  In my opinion, if i am resorting to wacky, its a finesse kind of day or else i want to catch anything. 

regular 5" senkos I use a 4/0 EWG gamakatsu.

Dont want weedguards