The Design of a a Fish Hook
Fish hooks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and finishes. Essentially, there are hooks designed to hold a type of bait such as a worm, salmon egg or other natural bait. Then there are hooks designed to be used for fly fishing. These are typically wrapped with feathers, animal hairs and fine threads to create the fly. And finally, there are lure hooks that are designed to be attached to an artificially made lure by means of a split o-ring.
Fish hooks vary in shape and size depending on their intended use, or in other words, the type of bait and fish. For example, a hook used for bass fishing with a worm as the bait might look fairly straightforward and typical, with perhaps a slight inward bend of the final hook point. This hook may also have additional keeper barbs for holding the bait securely in place. Overall, hooks will range in size from a tiny 32, which would most likely be used for fine fly tying, to a large 20/0, which would find use as a large salt or freshwater game fish hook.
A Closer Look At The Hook Itself
The fish hook is broken down into several distinct sections, and all hooks will have these in common. The point is just that--the sharp-pointed end that is honed and designed to pierce the lip of the fish. The barb is the piece of metal that extends back at an angle from the hook point and is designed to prevent the fish from throwing the hook. Many waters are designated catch-and-release, in which case the barb is usually removed. This allows the hook to be more easily removed and prevents extensive trauma and damage to the fish. The eye is the small loop or hole at the end of the hook that allows for tying onto the fishing line. Finally, the shank is the main body of the hook from the eye to the point. This will be made of a a stiff wire that is designed to not easily bend or break. Most hooks today are made
of high-carbon steel, Vanadium alloy or stainless steel and will typically have a finish designed to prevent corrosion.
The Hook In Action
The hook itself is tied onto the fishing line using a strong knot, such as the Improved Clinch, for example. In the case of a bait-holding hook, the bait of choice is then threaded onto the hook. Once in the water, the barbs of the hook help to hold the bait in place as water, current, structure and aquatic plants all act upon the bait to dislodge it from the hook. Once a fish takes the bait into its mouth, the angle and sharpness of the point enable the point to penetrate the lip of the fish. Once the fish attempts to disengage from the bait and hook, the barb helps to prevent the fish from throwing the hook and escaping. The strength of the hook is tested as the fish is retrieved to the fisherman. A poorly constructed hook may bend or break, as will a hook that is not designed for the type of fish or load placed upon it.
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