Check Out What Size Hooks For Largemouth Bass

What is the right size hooks for largemouth bass? Easy question? but I know that some people are at their wits end trying to figure out the correct answer. While anglers easily fall in love with bass fishing, few people get it right the first time when it comes to the right size of hooks to be used.

To make matters even more interesting is that both the sea hooks and fresh water hooks use the same scale. I honestly was at pains at first to get the right hook size for largemouth bass and guess what things couldn’t get worse because I had to determine the bass fishing hook styles.

Therefore, for those who are like me don’t worry because I will take you through and discuss what size hooks for large mouth bass is required.

What is the largemouth bass?

Largemouth Bass

We can not talk about the hooks without first looking at this amazing fish. Largemouth bass (scientific name: Micropterus salmoides) is very popular game fish and in most cases it has the upper jaw that goes beyond the rear end of the eye.

It is common in North America and can also be distinguished from other bass fish by its deep dip between its first and second dorsal fins. They have a big attitude and will not hesitate to strike a lure or a bait.

Don’t dare to think they are easy to catch because once they sense danger with a particular lure or bait then you should wave good bye. They are intelligent and will avoid that bait or lure.

They are a species of black bass and can live up to 16 years old, extend up to 29.5 inches and a weight of 22 pounds. They prey on crawfish, frogs, insects, shrimps, small fish, snakes and many more.

Freshwater and saltwater hooks

The most important thing when determining what size hooks is to ensure that the size and gauge should match the bait size. Then the size and type of fish and not forgetting the terrain in which you will be fishing.

It’s important to also note that the hooks for freshwater are bright in appearance. They are polished to look shiny and a chemical coating called lacquer is applied. The hooks for saltwater are coated with tin, zinc cadmium and other chemicals.

Types of hooks

Hooks are made from different wire thickness. They come like 3x heavy, 2x heavy, extra heavy, heavy, fine wire and so on. They also come in different sizes and you need to use the right size and thickness for largemouth bass.

The largemouth bass requires a hook that is large enough to fit its mouth. In the same way, if you are using too small hooks this can cause the bites to be missed by the fish. The reason being the bass would not see the hook point.

You want to ensure the hook point is clearly exposed so that it can pierce the fish. This again provides a more secure hold on the fish.

Now let’s look at the hook size measurement scale. According to Outdoor Choose ( n.d.) the numbers on the hook scale are described as aughts and sizes. The 1/0 indicates the median of the scale.

The smallest size are 32 and the largest are 20/0. The scale in a nutshell looks like this:

7 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 1/0 – 2/0 – 3/0 – 4/0 – 5/0 – 6/0 – 7/0

Size 1 hooks are larger than the size 7 hooks. 1/0 is smaller than the 7/0. measured in aughts what it means is that the higher the hook number, it means that it has a larger hook.

Therefore, a 2/0 is larger than size 2. The hooks get the higher value depending on their increased size and this means a 7/0 hook is bigger than a 1/0 one. However, this is not the same when it comes to the plain numbers because a 7 is smaller than a 1.

Hook styles

Bait-holder hook

These hooks have barbs on its metal rod that ensures that the live bait does not free itself. These hooks come in different sizes and can range between size 14 and 6/0. You can take a look at Bronze Bait Holder Hooks on Amazon if you want to get one.

Aberdeen Hook

These hooks are light wire that have wide gaps between their points and shank. This gap fits in the baiting minnows. In most cases the live bait will actively stay longer because the wire ensures that it inflicts minimal damage to it. They come in sizes ranging between 2 to 4/0. to catch a largemouth bass you will need to use thick gauge hook like x2, x3, x4 going upwards. This fish needs more drag and you might need all the force to pull the fish away from the weeds or any obstructions. If you want to get one for your bass fishing then take a look at Mustad 3260B Classic Aberdeen Hook on Amazon.​

Circle Hook

These hooks are popular with the catch and release bass fishers. The bait can not be swallowed if used correctly. They come in sizes of 1/0 to 8/0 for heavy wire and the light wire 8-1 sizes. These are also designed to ensure that the hook point rolls in the corner of the mouth if the fish. Therefore, you just need to reel in when you feel the fish. This helps the largemouth bass to survive. Lazer Sharp Circle Hook Assortment might be the one you are looking for. You can get it on Amazon.

Octopus Hook

Aberdeen Hook

These hooks are light wire that have wide gaps between their points and shank. This gap fits in the baiting minnows. In most cases the live bait will actively stay longer because the wire ensures that it inflicts minimal damage to it. They come in sizes ranging between 2 to 4/0. to catch a largemouth bass you will need to use thick gauge hook like x2, x3, x4 going upwards. This fish needs more drag and you might need all the force to pull the fish away from the weeds or any obstructions. If you want to get one for your bass fishing then take a look at Mustad 3260B Classic Aberdeen Hook on Amazon.​

This one also has a shorter and rounded shank extending to its bend. They come in sizes between 6 to 5/0. you will never go wrong with Gamakatsu 25 Pack Octopus Hook. It’s available on Amazon.

Treble Hook

Designed with 3 hooks coming from a single shanks, these hooks are used on topwater lures, crankbaits and many more. The sizes are from 1 to 2/0. nothing comes better than the Treble Hooks. You can get it on Amazon.

Conclusion