Original Article: Best Trout Fishing Hooks – Top 5 of 2020
Whether you’re fishing for big browns or smaller trout in rivers or in lakes, having the right hook can make the difference between a slow fishing day and a memorable one. At the same time, however, it’s important not to get too specific with your purchase so that your money goes farther, and so that you can have more options depending on where you like to fish. We’re here to help you find a variety of the best trout fishing hooks.
Since trout are a very versatile fish, you’re going to want a versatile hook. Although trout are known especially for fly fishing, catching trout with a rod is also common. These methods can also be applied in rivers, lakes, deeper ponds, and on ice as well where trout are most commonly found.
The size of the trout will also affect what type of hook is ideal since naturally, bigger fish will need a bigger hook. However, in general, it is best to keep the hook size small if possible when catching trout so that the bait looks natural.
We have written down some of our best tips for picking the best hooks possible, alongside general know-how tips and information that is essential for your day out. These include what to look for when picking the best hook size for each type of bait, what price to shoot for, and what type of hook to look for when fishing for trout – be it single, treble, barbed, or barbless.
Hook Sizes
The hook size is probably the biggest factor in your hook that is going to be up to you to choose. Most hooks come in a variety of sizes and choosing the right one will make a big difference. For this reason, hooks that include a greater variety of sizes will be more ideal. However, as long as the hook you want comes in the size you want, then there should be nothing to worry about.
The appropriate hook size for you will largely depend on what type of fish you are targeting, what size of that fish you want, and what kind of bait you are planning to use. Since trout can range from large (16 inches) to much smaller (younger trout), a very wide variety of sizes can be used. Regarding bait, larger bait will ask for a larger hook as well, and when fly fishing a generally smaller hook will be preferable.
There are two scales that hooks are measured in: Normal Scale and Aught Scale.
AUGHT SCALE
The Aught Scale is primarily focused on sport and saltwater fishing and is therefore not very relevant to fishing trout. With that said it ranges from Size 2/0 to Size 7/0, with incremental numbers that increase alongside the hook size
NORMAL SCALE
The Normal Scale focuses on smaller hooks and is what you’ll want to look at when choosing the best trout hook. These sizes range from Size 1 all the way to Size 16, with these working opposite where 1 is the largest and 16 is the smallest. For trout it is best to focus on smaller hooks, especially when fly fishing since the bait will be especially small. A smaller hook also provides a more disguised presentation in the water and does not frighten any fish that swim near it, increasing the chances of hooking one.
Types of Hooks
Fishing hooks in general are differentiated as either single hooked, treble hooked, or barbless. With each having its advantages and disadvantages for trout.
SINGLE
Single hooked is the most common type of hook. These are great for any normal type of bait or fly fishing in fresh or saltwater. For trout specifically, they will be used in freshwater areas such as lakes, rivers, or ice. These are very appropriate for trout and can fit multiple flies for fly fishing, a variety of worm baits, and many manufactured baits as well. For larger manufactured baits a longer hook will be preferable.
TREBLE
Treble hooks are nothing more than three single hooks attached to each other. They are most appropriate for lure fishing, where a moving bait meant to mimic real bait is used but kept in place. Although not the most common for trout, they can absolutely be used as well. For our list we did not include treble hooks in the Best Five Trout Hooks as they are not ideal for fly fishing and traditional rod fishing – which are the most common ways of fishing trout.
BARBLESS
Barbless hooks are great for catch-and-release fishing since the barb is not there to injure the fish. They will definitely work well for trout as they are often in protected zones where catch-and-release is enforced. For these reasons, we have included some barbless hooks in our list. However, any single hook can easily be filed down to be barbless if necessary to fish in a catch-and-release zone.
Price
Naturally, price will be one of the most important factors when deciding which hook to buy. Since nobody wants to go buy multiple hooks for different occasions of the same fish, it’s important to have a good balance of price and quality.
With that said, trout hooks follow roughly the same price-range as most hooks, at roughly $10 for a pack of multiple. Trout hooks specifically might occasionally fall slightly on the more expensive side, especially given the highest quality, but don’t let price be a huge factor when buying a trout hook as the nature of hooks keeps the prices generally low and even.
When you’re starting out, we recommend keeping the price low while you’re still learning your way around trout, and then build up from there whenever possible.
With that information, we have then compiled a list of the five best hooks for fishing trout so that you can have the best trout fishing experience possible.
Top 5 Trout Fishing Hooks
#1 Gamakatsu Octopus Hook
Our number one hook’s misnomer represents what makes it so incredible. For the price, the use of high carbon steel keeps it from rusting and makes it extremely durable. Gamakatsu’s delivery is second-to-none and results in a hook that is sharp, flexible, yet sturdy. Although it can be used for many freshwater fish, it ideally suits trout very well due to its size and shape. The offset and angled eye for tying the line keeps the bait in a suitable position, and the endless choice of sizes allows for an ideal selection to be made, where the right size can be found for a justifiable cost.
FEATURES
- Barbed hook with barbless options available
- Over 12 different sizes available
- Manufactured with high carbon steel
- Distinct shape with offset point to maximize catch-rate
- Well manufactured with durable and sharp high carbon steel
- Large variety of size options
- Offset tying point increases catch frequency
- Slightly more expensive than other hooks due to incredible size selection
#2 Mustad Classic Extra Strong
This hook offered the Gamakatsu tough competition when it came to choosing the best trout fishing hook. It similarly offers very high strength with Mustad’s unique wire technology, which offers a 20% lighter hook for similar flexibility and strength. The large quantity of size availability also allows for individual ordering of specific sizes as opposed to buying a large multi-size container. The Mustad also offers an offset point which helps decrease the odds of throwing the hook. All in all, the Mustad Classic is just as strong a choice, with the only difference being it does not offer a barbless option as a readily available alternative.
FEATURES
- High strength wire technology offers a 20% lighter hook
- Offset tying point shape decreases odds of throwing the hook and maximizes catches
- Large variety of individual size options
- Justifiable price
- Unique manufacturing technique results in a flexible and strong hook
- Lack of barbless option
#3 NYKKOLA Small Size Freshwater Fishhook
The NYKKOLA Small Size Freshwater hook comes at a slight disadvantage in that it comes in a preset box with multiple sizes and does not allow for individual ordering of unique hook sizes. It makes up for this however with its utterly incredible price, selling a 500 piece set for only $10. In addition to this, the hooks are also made out of a high carbon steel and are marketed towards freshwater fish. This makes them highly appealing to those seeking to fish for trout or any freshwater fish in general. Although they have slightly lower ratings at only 4 out of 5 stars, mostly complaining about a lack of larger hooks, this is generally acceptable as we recommend smaller hooks for trout. It is important to keep in mind however that some fishing zones protect smaller and younger fish, therefore limiting the potential usefulness of the NYKKOLA for trout specifically.
FEATURES
- Large variety of hook sizes
- Manufactured with high carbon steel for sharpness, flexibility, and durability
- Non-corrosive
- Very affordable price
- Large number of hooks included in set
- Generally sharp and sturdy due to its steel material
- Sizes tend to fall on the small side, limiting the use of these hooks
- Slightly lower quality than the Gamakatsu and Mustad models
#4 Eupheng Plus Fishing Hook
The Eupheng Plus comes in as the fourth-best trout fishing hook, yet similarly desirable to the other models with a carbon steel wire material that keeps it ideally flexible, non-corrosive, and durable. This hook has great reviews and is an amazing trout snatcher. It also offers lower prices and unique size selection that would allow one to deem it one of the best hooks on the market for the price – if it has what you’re looking for. Unfortunately despite its great reviews, affordable price, and wonderful design the Eupheng Plus only offers a barbless version and has limited size choices. Whereas other options listed offered up to ten and more sizes, the Eupheng is at a simple six. However, if you are looking for a barbless hook that is of one of these sizes, look no further than the Eupheng.
FEATURES
- Carbon steel wire design
- Non-corrosive
- Very high-quality design that is sharp, durable, and flexible
- Offers individual ordering of multiple size options
- Limited size options
- Does not offer a barbed version
- Lacks a unique design feature and does not stand out
#5 JSHANMEI Fishing Worm Hook
Last but not necessarily least, the JSHANMEI Fishing hook offers similar specifications for a lower cost and would generally well suit the needs of anybody looking to have a successful day freshwater trout fishing. It’s metal polish results in a strong finish that lacks some flexibility but is incredibly sharp and durable. It also allows for a large variety of baits and additionally includes individual size order options. The JSHANMEI is especially unique in its shape, with an offset tying point and angled edge resulting in a very high probability of keeping the fish you catch. Although not as flashy with features, size, type, or color options as the other hooks, the JSHANMEI remains an incredible freshwater fishhook and will effectively catch any trout, large or small.
FEATURES
- Unique design minimizes hook throws and guarantees catches
- Very high strength design
- Very well designed hook that is strong and sharp
- Unique shape adds an attractive element
- Lacks a barbless option
- Limited size availabilities (6 total)
- Not necessarily flexible
Conclusion
Regardless of which hook you buy, all of these hooks will do a wonderful job increasing your catch-rate when fishing for trout. It’s a nimble fish, but with the right gear and mindset, you should be on your way to catching a lot. Overall, it’s definitely in our best recommendation if you’re starting out with trout to start cheaper and build up from there when you’re still getting the hang of this fish. Perhaps start with the NYKKOLA and move up to the Gamakatsu from there. Either way, you should have a great time and a successful day with any of these great trout hooks.