Outdoor Blog

What Size Hook for Bass

Published

4 years ago

February 18, 2020

Dating back to the Stone Age, fishing hooks are one of the most important human inventions. We’ve improved on the design quite a bit since then and it can be difficult to know which hook to choose when you go out bass fishing. Like most other fishing equipment, there are lots of terms and technical specifications that can be confusing the first time you come into contact with them.

Fishing hooks come in many different styles because some fishing methods call for different hook sizes and weights. The most important thing to remember is that, if you want the right size hook, you have to consider how you’ll be fishing and what you’ll be fishing for.

Bass fishing can be done with numerous different lures and baits, such as plastic worms, crankbait, spinnerbait, chatterbait, creature lures, jigs, squarebills, jerkbait, and more. Even the simplest fishing with live bait will require the right hook in order to fit the bait with a Texas rigging or a Carolina rigging. There are a variety of hook shapes, like worm hooks, weedless hooks, circle hooks, treble hooks, octopus hooks, wide gap hooks, baitholder hooks, and Aberdeen hooks, to name a few.

They come bare or attached to lures meant to mimic popular fish food sources like a minnow or other baitfish. It’s helpful to have a variety of fish hooks in your tackle box, but in order to do that, you have to know how to tell one fish hook from the other.

Choosing the right hook will depend on what kind of fish you’re chasing.

Tackle is also important in deciding on the right fish hook. What fishing line you use is as important as what kind of fishing rod you use. Fishing line comes in different sizes and weights. One of the most popular kinds of fishing line is a braided variety that has just the durability bass fishermen need to reel in a bass.

In addition, hooking a bass the right way to keep it on the line and get it into the boat requires a nice hook set. The right hook will let anglers get a good hook set a majority of the time. Of course, you have to understand how to perform the fishing style you’re attempting for it to really work, but learning new ways to fish is one of the most fun things about sport fishing and fishing in general.

At risk of supplying a non-answer, the right hook for bass fishing could be almost any of the wide variety that exists on the market. Luckily, a survey knowledge of fish hooks is fairly easy to come by with a little research. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling all the information you need to choose the right hook (or hooks) next time you go bass fishing. Read on to get a general description of the best hooks for bass fishing so you’ll be well-prepared next time you’re out on the water.

Parts of a fishing hook

There are seven parts of a fish hook that you should know before we start talking about how they change between the different hooks. If you have a vague idea of what a fish hook looks like, you can likely imagine what all these terms describe. Here are the parts of a fishing hook:

Eye: The eye is the part of a fish hook that the fishing line goes through. The eye is important because it can be the source of increased strength and weight tolerance for the whole fish hook. The ring eye, or ball eye, is the most common variety, but there are also brazed eyes, and some fish hooks have no eye at all. Hook eyes can be turned, straight, or downturned on a fish hook.

Shank: The longest part of the hook is called the shank. The length of the shank can vary from fish hook to fish hook. Longer shanks are easier to bend, but they are necessary to accommodate larger types of bait.

Bend: The bend is the part right after the throat, the curved part of the fish hook. Many of the different styles of fish hooks alter in their bend, which is altered by changing the throat and/or the gap. A round bend affects how snug the hook set will be in the fish’s mouth and varies with the type of fish.

Throat: After the shank, where the hook starts to bend, is a place called the throat. Essentially, the angle of the hook depends on how it bends at the throat.

Gap: From the sharp point of the hook to the shank is a space called the gap. To hold larger bait, a wider gap will be needed. Anglers can really get a good hook set with a fish hook that has the right gap, but a gap that’s too wide will give anglers trouble when they try hooking a bass.

Barb: Just below the sharp point of a fish hook is a hook that points the opposite direction. This second hook is called a barb. Once you have a hook set, the barb is designed to prevent the hook from slipping back out. Like the gap, the barb can be larger or smaller. A large barb will help keep the fish on the line, but if it’s too large it can be difficult to get a good hook set. Catch-and-release bass fishermen often fish with barbless hooks to speed up the process of getting the bass back off the hook and throwing it back in the water.

Point: The sharp end of the fish hook is called the point. As you can imagine, the point has to be nice and sharp if you hope to snag a bass at the end of your line.

Now that you have some idea about the parts of a fish hook, let’s take a look at some different styles that make alterations to these different parts for different effects on the water.

Different hooks are better suited to catch different types of fish.

Types of fishing hooks

There are advantages and disadvantages to every kind of fish hook. The shapes can accomplish different goals, from offering an easy hook set or eliminating them altogether to suitably holding various types of bait. Some are certainly better for hooking bass than others, namely the treble hook. Here are some of the most popular types of fishing hooks:

Circle hooks

The oldest style of fish hook is the circle hook. The nicest thing about a circle hook is that they can hook a fish with little additional action on the part of the angler. They hook the fish in the jaw, which is easier to remove and healthier for the fish and therefore likely to be more useful in catch-and-release bass fishing. They snag less often and are safer to handle for anglers. Many who are new to fishing start with a circle hook.

J-hooks

A j-hook is a circle hook that curves in further. This makes the bend sharper and will require some extra effort from the angler to get a good hook set. J-hooks usually work better with bass fishing because the additional curve helps with hooking fish that turn away after an attack like bass tend to do. They aren’t as nice for catch-and-release and may cause more damage to the fish, but they won’t slide out without hooking as often as a circle hook will.

Treble hooks

A treble hook looks like three J-hooks combined into one. They’re really common on jerkbaits and crankbaits because the shortened shank helps keep the treble hook near to the lure. Treble hooks are great for keeping larger fish on the hook, however, they are not hooks to use with live bait. They work best on jerkbait and similar kinds of lures.

Octopus hooks

The eye of an octopus hook is bent back away from the point of the fish hook, as opposed to a normal hook where the eye is straight with the shank. The octopus hook is common in fly fishing because it is usually used when you want to snell the hook, a technique which describes tying the line to the base of the shank of the hook after you pass the line through the eye. It can also be useful in bass fishing because it offers better line control and, theoretically, a better hook set, although it is not very common to use an octopus hook in bass fishing.

Wide Gap hooks

This is a good hook to use when Texas rigging soft plastic baits because it gives more space for the baits to move away from the point, which could cause some interference between the hook and the fish. Also called EWG hooks, wide gap hooks aren’t as useful in tandem with thinner or smaller baits. Most bass fishermen will have to modify a wide gap hook to accommodate their favorite bait, so they are so common in bass fishing overall, but especially common when altered to catch largemouth bass.

Spinshot hooks

Spinshot hooks swing on a swivel. They let the bait move more naturally underwater and prevent line tangle. Spinshot hooks are especially useful for drop-shot rigs when you’re right above a nest of bass and want to drop that bait right in on top of them and also give it the appearance of a real-life baitfish.

Fishing line for bass fishing

As you can see, the size of your bait will determine the size of the fish hook. The size of the fishing line and the fishing rod will also play a part.

There are three types of fishing lines that are good for bass fishing. They are fluorocarbon, monofilament, and braid. Many bass fishermen prefer the braided line because of its added durability and resistance to tangles. Some anglers carry all three types of line in their tackle box. Braided line is more visible than the other two types and sometimes that invisibility is more important than the strength of the line. Line strength is good when there is a lot of cover and the line might snag. Ripping a lure through grass is a great time to use braided line.

Fluorocarbon is less visible but it tends to sink more quickly, which means topwater fishing and floating lures are not ideal with it. For crankbaits and jerkbaits, it can work just fine. Monofilament is kind of a mixture of the two. It is invisible to the fish and tends to float on the top of the water. It also casts more easily than the other two kinds.

Fishing line strength is measured in pounds and described as ‘test,’ as in, 6-pound test, 7-pound test, etc. Bigger fish mean heavier lines. For bass, somewhere between a 6-pound test and a 10-pound test is great. If you’re after largemouth bass, stick closer to 10.

A larger hook usually works better for heavier-test fishing line. Let’s talk about the sizes of fish hooks and then we’ll put all this information together to decide what size hook you should use for bass fishing.

Treble hooks are commonly found on jerkbaits and crankbaits.

Fishing hook sizes

The size of a fishing hook is one of twenty on a scale. That scale doesn’t go from zero to twenty, however. Rather, it goes from the smallest hook, #10 to the larget, 10/0. The scale for smaller hooks looks like this:

#10 – #9 – #8 – #7 – #6 – #5 – #4 – #3 – #2 – #1

While the scale for larger hooks looks like this:

1/0 – 2/0 – 3/0 – 4/0 – 5/0 – 6/0 – 7/0 – 8/0 – 9/0 – 10/0

Zero is in the middle of the two scales to form a complete spectrum. Numbers on opposing sides represent hooks either larger or smaller by a factor of ten. A 5/0 is ten times larger than a #5, for example. The spoken word for ‘#’ in this context is ‘size,’ while the term for ‘0’ is ‘aught,’ as in 8-aught, 9-aught, etc. Sizes get smaller as the number gets larger and aughts get larger as the number does.

Anglers have to choose the right hook to match the test weight of their line and their fishing rod should also be chosen to accommodate that weight. The weight of the target fish should be factored in as well as possible, although that’s pretty difficult to do with the fairly wide range of bass weights. The right hook should also be proportional to the bait you want to use. Generally for bass, it will be in the upper mid-range in these categories.

A smaller, thinner line is good for a smaller, thinner hook. A light action rod is best to use with these, and smaller fish that can be caught with that setup is ideal. If the line, rod, and hook are too weak and thin, the hook will straighten or the light wire will break and the fish will be gone.

Everything in your rig should be proportional. For most bass fishing, anglers will have three or four different types of hooks and switch between them throughout the day. Smaller hooks are better for finesse angling while hook styles like the wide gap hook tend to be larger since their goal is to be large enough to accommodate larger bait.

Final Verdict:

There are many ways to fish for bass and they can almost all be done with a different type of hook. Whether you’re after largemouth or smallmouth bass might determine the size of the bait, the strength of the line, and therefore the size of the hook you want to use.

Like lots of other fishing tips, advice on the size of a hook is difficult because it changes with the particular conditions under which you’re fishing. One thing you can always use to gauge which size hook to use is that everything should be in proportion with one another. A small hook doesn’t go with heavy wire, a large hook doesn’t work with low test weight fishing line.

Hooks with a long shank will bend more easily and aren’t likely to be successful with larger bass. That being said, a short shank doesn’t leave room for larger bait, so most anglers turn to medium-size shank hooks. There are some hooks with a straight shank and some, called octopus hooks, with an eye bent backward to enable snelling the hook for more line control.

Anglers argue about the sharpness of the hook point of their favorite hooks all day long but there’s not really any way to say definitively. The most important question to ask is whether or not the hook catches into the fish’s mouth and brings it back to the boat.

Well-known brands like Mustad make nice, durable hooks that can take the beating bass fishing will likely give them. There are many styles, but the sizing system is usually the same. Anglers who are really in doubt about what size hook to bring should know that it’s common practice to bring several sizes along and switch between them strategically.

Luckily, hook size can remain about the same whether you’re fishing for crappie, walleye, or bass, so you won’t be limiting yourself by going with a small range of hook sizes. Just bear in mind what size bass you want to catch with what size bait and plan your tackle accordingly.

Bonus tip: If you’re really into DIY, check out this video of a survivalist making his own fish hook by hand!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter