Talk:Fishing hook

I removed this text: ''The old Kirby hook is now generally superseded by the Limerick, which is considered the best fish hook made. We subjoin the different sizes and numbers, which will be hereafter referred to in these pages. In cases where we have recommended the Kirby, you will find the size of that hook to correspond exactly with the numbers of the Limerick. The trout hook is used for the small fry, while the salmon hook is attached to the tackle for catching that fish, and also other large lake and river fish, etc.

Besides the regular Limerick and Kirby hooks, whose sizes and numbers correspond with the foregoing plates, we have given on the cover of this work a plate of "blackfish hooks," of different patterns and sizes for bottom fishing - also pickerel hooks, the snapspring hook, etc., with numbers and explanations. You should examine the point and barb of each hook to see that it is perfect, and file it if it is not. Always have a small file with you. ''

It's completely out of date, non-encyclopedic, and otherwise inappropriate. The "plates" to which it refers are not in this encyclopedia. -- April

Plan to Rename This Article Fish hook
This article needs sourcing and a bit of taxonomic organization that will encompass all the various permutations of contemporary and historic hook types. Since there is no official standards body that defines hook types, the most reasonable approach is to employ the taxonomic organization used by large, contemporary manufacturers. Generally these taxonomies are supported by current literature. Additionally, a not so minor point. Fishing hook is a wholly incorrect title for this article. It should be Fish hook. A quick perusal of literature and major manufacturers catalogs reveals that fisherman use Fish Hooks and manufacturers make Fish Hooks. Neither of them are involved with Fishing Hooks. Unless there are major objections in the next fews days I will accomplish same and redirect this title to Fish hook--Mike Cline 13:23, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

Fish hook


A Fish hook is a hook used to catch fish. It may be barbed or barbless. It is usually attached to a fishing line. In general the hook is concealed within the bait or trailed closely behind or within the lure.

Ancient fish hooks were most often fashioned from bone or wood. Steel hooks, which generally have an advantage in the ability to pierce a fish's mouth, later became prevalent.

Modern fish hooks are usually barbed and are finished in bronze or nickel plating or are galvanised, and thus are bronze, silver or matte grey in colour. Hooks, of course, exist in a range of graded, numbered sizes for different fish (see diagram). Several different hook shape classes also exist allowing for the differing dimensions of a fish's mouth, and for the preferences of an angler (see diagram). New hook technologies now allow hooks to be finished in a variety of colours including red, black, green, gold and pink, with red and black finishes in particular becoming very popular.

There is at least one known species of fish which will bite a bare hook if it is coloured, Sockeye salmon. Taking this a step further are Piranhas, Gar Pikes (needle fish) and Mackerel; these will bite any bare hook if it is moving, probably being attracted by the flashing of the hook's metal resembling small prey fish, thus functioning in a manner similar to that of the spoon lure.

Often it is desirable for a fish, having been caught, to be released. Barbless hooks (usually created by crushing barbs flat with needle-nosed pliers) are often used to aid the release of fish. If a hook has been swallowed deeply by a fish, it should not be attempted to remove the hook. The line should be cut as close to the hook as possible, or if possible the hook itself cut close to the barb, and the fish released. The metal hook is thought to gradually corrode away in the water.

Fishing with a hook, line and rod is called angling. Long-line fishing is a commercial fishing technique that uses hundreds or even thousands of baited hooks hanging from a single line.

One of the worlds largest manufacturers of fish hooks is Mustad.

Treble hook
A treble hook is a fishing hook with a single eye and shaft but three hook points set 120 degrees apart from each other, similar in design and appearance to grappling hooks. They are usually used on lures (artificial bait) to catch fish. There are many different types of brands that are available on the market.

They are occasionally used to snag baitfish in thick schools off piers, jetties, bridges, etc. This practice is however illegal in many areas.

Trivia
The Norwegian municipalities of Frøya, Træna and Øksnes have old fiskhooks in their coat-of-arms.