No matter what type of fishing you like, choosing the best hooks for the technique and keeping the hooks in good shape is very important. When you buy new lures such as crankbaits or jerkbaits, you might want to change out the original hooks for ones that you have more confidence in. I do this because I have a great hook sponsor, Gamakatsu, and also because I have seen that the hooks on some lures are not the perfect fit or shape.

Hooks need to balance with the lure and the fishing conditions. For example, bigger hooks make some baits sink faster. However, sometimes the fish prefer a presentation where the bait is more suspending or slow-sinking. Other lures might not work properly if the hooks are too big, or if one hook catches another hook on the lure while you’re casting or reeling. In such cases, I will pick hooks one or two sizes smaller. Also, it is important to me to choose hooks designed for specific presentations with soft plastics: straight hooks for flipping, offset hooks for casting, G-Finesse Jig Head Wacky for wacky style, G-Finesse Swivel Shot for drop shots – and so on.

Finally, I always check hooks before casting as well as after catching a fish to see if a change (or hook sharpening) is needed. Buy and use the best hooks, like Gamakatsu, and take with you a good set of pliers and sharpener. Hooks are the direct link between you and the fish. Don’t take it for granted that they will always do the job.

—- Kellogg’s Cheez-It/Pringles pro Shinichi Fukae, Palestine, Texas