Are you looking for fishing hooks that will not harm your catch during the process of catching and releasing? You are in the right place. Here, we are discussing the types of fishing books that are good for this activity. We explain each one of them in detail and provide a comparison table for you to compare them more easily. We also have a section for some of the factors you need to consider when buying these hooks and frequently asked questions that we have answered.
Two types of fishing hooks are suitable for catch and release; barbless hooks and circle hooks. These types of fishing hooks ensure that fish is caught at the corner of the lip. They are suitable for catch and release since releasing fish from them is more straightforward than other hooks. They do not cause as much harm as other hooks.
These factors increase the chances of a fish surviving after it has been released from the hook. So if you are looking for fishing hooks that are more humane, these two types of hooks are the way to go. Now let’s dive in and see which brand is the best of them all.
Best Fishing Hooks For Catch And Release
In this section, we have listed the best fishing hooks for catch and release. If you are in a rush and can not manage to read the whole article now, a glance at this section will give you an idea of the type of hook to buy.
Barbless Hooks
1. Best For Bass: Eupheng Barbless Fishing Hooks
2. Best For Salmon, Bass: Agool Carp Fishing Hooks
3. Best For Trout: Gamatsu Octopus Barbless Hooks
4. Best For Bass, Muskellunge: Plusinno Fishing Hooks
5. Best For Trout: Bassdash Fly Fishing Hooks
Circle hooks
6. Best For Catfish, Tarpon: Silanon Circle Hooks
7. Best For Rockfish, Yellowtail: Shaddock Offset Circle Fishing Hooks
8. Best For Sunfish, Walleye: UCEC Circle Hooks
9. Best For Tuna, Crappie: Beoccudo Circle Fishing Hooks
10. Best For Salmon, Perch: Facikono Circle Hooks
Comparison table
In This Comparison Table, You Will Be Able To Compare The Specs, Sizes Available, And The Rating Of Each Fishing Hook.
| Name | Specs | Best For | Size | Rating Out Of 5 |
| Eupheng barbless | 100pc pack, high carbon, black nickel finish, corrosion resistance. | overall | 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | 4.5 |
| Agool carp | 50pc pack, black nickel, high carbon steel. | Salmon, Bass | 2, 4, 6, 8,10 | 4.4 |
| Gamatsu octopus | 25pc pack, high carbon steel, offset points | Trout | 4.4 | |
| Plusinno | 100pc pack, high ranging sizes, high carbon steel, offset point. | Bass, muskellunge, northern pike | 2,1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 | 4.9 |
| Bassdah | High carbon steel, black nickel finish, ultra-sharp, 120pc pack. | Trout | 10, 12, 14, 16, | 4.4 |
| Silanon circle hooks | 80pc pack, stainless steel, offset, specia | Catfish, redfish, tarpon | 1/0 to 9/0 | 4.5 |
| Offset fishing hooks | 180pc pack, high carbon steel, offset, special barb hooks | Rockfish, yellowtail | 1/0 to 5/0 | 4.3 |
| UCEC Circle hooks | 150pc pack, high carbon steel, offset | Sunfish, walleye | 2/0 to 8/0 | 4.6 |
| Beoccudo circle hooks | 180pc pack, stainless steel, offset | Tuna, crappie, perch | 1/0 to 6/0 | 4.5 |
| Facikono circle hooks | 180pc pack, stainless steel, 5 clips | Salmon, perch, | 1/0 to 6/0 | 4.4 |
Best Fishing Hooks
This section describes each hook in detail to help you find the one that perfectly matches your need. After reading this, you will easily choose and settle for the perfect hook for catch and release.
Barbless Fishing Hooks
1. Best For Bass: Eupheng Barbless Fishing Hooks
| Brand name | Eupheng |
| Color | EP-9214 |
| Material | High carbon steel |
| Package weight | 0.02kg |
These barbless fishing hooks come in a pack of 100 pieces. They are made of quality high carbon steel wire, making them strong and durable. They are chemically sharpened and have a wide hook gap design that increases your chances of landing a catch.
The fact that they are barbless enables deeper penetration, hence difficult for the fish to escape. Black nickel finish makes the hooks corrosion-resistant in both freshwater and saltwater.
Features
1. It comes in a pack with 100 pieces of hooks – this set has a combination of circle point and straight hooks that have been designed with catch and release in mind. The hooks included in the package are nymph hooks, dry, wet, pupa fly, shrimp, jig, and larva hooks.
2. The hooks are made of high-quality carbon steel– these hooks are strong and durable due to their material and high-quality construction.
3. They have a Black nickel finishing– the finishing not only makes the hooks look attractive and eye-pleasing, but it also helps reduce corrosion.
4. They are chemically sharpened– this makes them remain sharper for longer and are safe for the fish which will be released
Pros
1. These barbless fishing hooks are powerful.
2. Chemically sharpened.
3. Corrosion-resistant.
Cons
1. Might be heavy.
2. Best For Salmon And Bass: Agool Carp Fishing Hooks
| Brand name | Agool |
| Material | High carbon steel |
| Package weight | 0.05kg |
The Agool fishing hooks are made of high carbon steel, which ensures that they are strong. The finish is black nickel making them durable and tough. They have long, reversed points and special-shaped bends, making it hard for fish to escape.
The long, sharp straight point makes it easy to catch and release fish, increasing its chances of survival after you have released the fish. The spade is optimum sized to cope with higher breaking strains of line.
Features
1. These hooks come in a pack of 50 – these hooks come in different shapes and sizes, giving you various fish species.
2. Made of very high-quality carbon steel– carbon steel has been proven to be a superior material in the manufacture of fishing hooks. Hooks made of this material are strong, durable, and do not bend easily, making them ideal for catch and release.
Nickel black finish that makes them corrosion-resistant.
Pros
1. Corrosion-resistant.
2. Strong and do not bend.
Cons
1. Their size may be bigger than other hook brands.
3. Best For Trout: Gamakatsu Octopus Barbless Hook
| Brand name | Gamakatsu |
| Package weight | 0.01kg |
| Material | High carbon steel |
Gamakatsu is the leading hook manufacturer worldwide. High carbon steel specifically made for fish hooks is the one they use to make their hooks. These hooks have a bend that penetrates quickly and holds the fish, yet still barbless, ensuring that your catch is not hard to release.
The fish hook is durable and robust since it is made from high carbon steel. These hooks come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and finishes. They are designed to set in the corner of the fish’s mouth. It has a conical needle honed point that is sharp, and it stays sharp.
Features
1. Comes in a pack of 25 pieces– this gives you value for money and variety to chose from. The more hooks you have, the better your chances of catching more fish.
2. They are strong and durable– their strength is ideal for heavy catches since these hooks will not bend under the heavier weight.
3. Made of high carbon steel.
Pros
1. ideal for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
2. Stays sharp even after using several times.
3. They are durable.
4. Best For Bass, Muskellunges: Plusinno
| Brand name | Plusinno |
| Package weight | 0.08kg |
| Material | High carbon steel |
Plusinno barbless fishing hooks come in a pack of 100 pieces. These pieces are neatly divided into five sizes available, and each size has its compartment in the container that they come in. These fishing hooks are made of high carbon steel making them strong and corrosion-resistant in saltwater and freshwater.
They are sharp and have an offer point. This allows for deeper penetration and, in turn, fewer chances of escaping. These hooks can be used with different types of hard and soft baits. They come packed in a small container that can easily fit in a backpack.
Features
1. These fishing hooks have sharp needle points. Fishing hooks with sharp points are recommended for catch and release to reduce the chance of injury on the fish
2. pack of 100 pieces neatly divided into five sizes. This variety gives you a wide range of experiences and helps you improve your angling skills.
3. They are made of high carbon steel making them strong.
4. Corrosion-resistant for both saltwater and freshwater.
Pros
1. They are strong.
2. One pack has several sizes.
3. They are sharp.
4. They are resistant to corrosion.
5. Best For Trout: Bassdash
https://www.amazon.com/Bassdash-Fly-Fishing-Hooks-Universal/dp/B07NYG9H4D/ 5
| Brand name | Bassdash |
| Package weight | 0.03kg |
| Material | Carbon steel |
These hooks come in a pack of 120 pieces. These pieces are neatly divided into four sizes, each size getting 30 pieces. It pierces quickly and holds the fish in place, making it less likely for it to escape. It is sharp and is made of high carbon steel making it strong.
Black nickel finish ensures that this hook stays corrosion resistant. This hook has a 60° angled eye and standard length for an easier catch.
Features
1. They are non-offset hooks.
2. Come in 120 pieces assorted in 4 different sizes.
3. Made of high carbon steel.
4. Black nickel finish making them corrosion resistant.
Pros
1. They are strong and do not bend.
2. They are corrosion-resistant.
3. Sharp.
Cons
1. Their size might be smaller than other brands.
2. Some hoops on hooks are open-ended.
Circle Fishing Hooks
1. Best For Catfish And Tarpon: Silanon Circle Hooks
| Brand name | Silanon |
| Package weight | 0.04kg |
| Material | Stainless steel. |
This pack comes with 80 pieces of hooks inside. These circle hooks are made with high carbon steel making them strong. They are corrosion resistant, making them suitable for both saltwater and freshwater.
These hooks have a wide gap circle which reduces deep hooking, improving the survival of released fish. The curved needlepoint and barbed design of these hooks ensure that you catch fish in the corner of the lip, reducing the depth at which the hook goes. These hooks are suitable for fishing with natural and live baits.
Features
1. They are made of stainless steel – stainless steel has been used since time immemorial for extra sharp and strong hooks. Not only is it ideal for big catches, but it also works well in areas with much coverage.
2. Wide gap circle hook – this type of hook is harder to swallow and this reduced chanced of gut-hooked fish. Circle hooks ensure fish survive when releasing back to the water.
3. Needlepoint is curved and is barbed– curved needlepoint ensures you can catch multiple fish in one hook.
4. They are non-offset hooks.
Pros
1. They are extremely sharp.
2. These hooks are corrosion-resistant.
3. They have nine sizes; you just choose which suits your needs.
Cons
1. They are not very strong.
2. They have tiny eyes and are dull.
2. Best For Rockfish, Yellowtail: Shaddock Offset Fishing Hooks
| Brand name | Shaddock |
| Color | Black |
| Material | High carbon steel |
The offset fishing hooks come in a pack of 180 pieces. They are made of high carbon steel making them strong. They have a finishing of black nickel, hence, corrosion-resistant and great for both saltwater and freshwater.
They are perfect for rigging live bait. These hooks are sharp, have offset needlepoint, turned-up eye, and a unique barb hook. All these work together to ensure that your catch has a higher chance of living after releasing it.
Features
1. Special barb hooks – for easy hooking without harming the fish
2. made of high carbon steel – making them durable and strong for any fishing
3. Package includes 180 pieces with different numbers for each size.
4. Offset design.
Pros
1. These hooks are corrosion-resistant.
2. They are sharp.
3. Have mixed sizes assorted well in a pack.
Cons
1. These hooks look cheap and of low quality.
2. They are not strong enough.
3. Best For Sunfish, Walleye: UCEC Circle Hooks.
| Brand name | UCEC |
| Package weight | 0.2kg |
| Material | High carbon steel |
The UCEC package comes in a container full of 150 pieces, assorted in different sizes. These fishing hooks are made of high carbon steel, making them are solid and durable. They are offset design, ensuring that they settle in the corner of the lip. This helps in lowering the mortality of fish captured.
They are also extremely sharp. They are corrosion resistant, enabling you to fish in freshwater and saltwater. Hooking a fish is made easy since the shaft curves perfectly into correct bends.
Key Features.
1. Made of high carbon steel– this material makes these hooks strong, durable, and ideal for multiple uses
2. Package is assorted with hooks in different sizes – if you love variety and value for money, you get all this in the package. You can use the hook for multiple fish species and sizes
3. They are offset.
Pros
1. They are corrosion-resistant.
2. They are sharp. They are organized in a reusable can in different sizes.
4. Best For Tuna, Crappie: Beoccudo Circle Fishing Hooks
| Brand name | Beoccudo |
| Package weight | 0.2kg |
| material | Stainless steel |
This comes in a pack of 180 pieces assorted in different sizes. These hooks are made of high-quality stainless steel, which gives them ultimate strength. They are corrosion resistant, making them ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
They have offset points and a special barb which decreases the chances of fish escaping. These hooks are chemically sharpened with a barb designed to not deep-hook fish due to the barb. This offers a greater chance of survival after release. The circle hooks bait up easily, making it perfect for kids to use.
Features
1. The pack comes with 180 pieces assorted in different sizes.
2. They are made of high-quality stainless steel.
3. They are offset.
Pros
1. They are suitable for kids.
2. One pack has 180 pieces assorted in different sizes.
3. They are corrosion-resistant.
Cons
1. They are inconsistent; some are offset, some non-offset.
2. They bend easily.
5. Best For Salmon, Perch: Facikono Circle Hooks
| Brand name | Facikino |
| Package weight | 0.2kg |
| Material | Stainless steel |
This pack has 180 pieces neatly separated by six sizes. It also comes with five clips inside.
These hooks and clips are made of high-quality stainless steel, giving them strength. They are corrosion resistant, which makes them suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
They are sharp and have an inward bending point for easier releasing of fish. The clips make it easier to change lures and rigs. They have an inward bending hook tip and offset point that ensures the fish is hooked at the corner of the mouth. This reduces the mortality rate after release.
Key Features
1. Pack has 180 hooks assorted in different sizes and five clips.
2. Made of high-quality stainless steel.
3. They have an offset point.
Pros
1. They are strong.
2. They have 180 pieces assorted in different sizes and five clips.
3. They are corrosion-resistant.
Cons
1. They are not strong enough.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Hook
Many factors come to play when determining the type of hook to use for catch and release or any other type of fishing. This section takes you through some of the crucial factors to consider before you settle on a fishing hook. Read on!
1. Type Of Fishing Hook
The best type of fishing hook varies depending on the type of fishing activity you want to engage in. For our case here, which is catch and release, you should ensure to only use a barbless hook or a circle hook. These two are made such that the hook only goes to the corner of the fish’s lip.
When a fish has been hooked at the lip corner, it is less likely to get serious injuries caused by either swallowing the hook or gut hooking fish. Releasing your catch is also made easier with these hooks. Using these hooks reduces the mortality rate of released fish.
2. Size Of Hook
The size of the hook is essential since you can not catch a big fish with a small hook and vice versa. Understanding how fishing hooks are sized is essential. There are two sizing systems.
The first one starts from size 32, going down to size 1. In this system, the bigger the number, the smaller the hook. The second system starts from 1/0-28/0. In this, the bigger the number, the bigger the hook.
A challenge that may occur with this sizing is that there is no universal size for the hooks. You may get a hook size 6 of one brand bigger than size 6 of another brand.
3. Strength
Strength is a factor you have to consider. You don’t want to go fishing with a hook that will bend as soon as you start lifting your catch out of water. If your hook bends like this, you may lose your catch, not one or two, but many of them. What need is there to injure a fish and not catch it?
This one also depends on your target fish. Bigger fish are usually heavier, so if you plan to catch fish like pike, you should consider going for stronger hooks. Sometimes you may need small hooks but those that are thicker. These may be labeled as 2x or 3x to mean that they are wider up to two or three sizes up, respectively. Choose your strength according to the weight of your target fish. The stronger, the better.
4. Sharpness
The sharper the hook, the better and easier it is to make a catch. A blunt hook is as good as no hook because you may only scratch the fish but not be able to pierce it. A sharp hook ensures that you pierce fish fast so that they don’t get away.
Some hooks are bought when they are not sharp enough. Some hooks become blunt with one use. You should chance hooks to ensure that your hooks stay sharp. You can also sharpen the hook using a file sharpener. You should not over sharpen your hook because sharpening involves losing some metal. The more you sharpen, the more metal is lost. This makes the hook weak, and you may lose your catch.
5. Target Fish
Each hook has a kind of fish that is very good at catching because each hook is made differently from the others. First of all, the size and weight of your target fish will influence the size and strength of your hook. There are also various types of hooks; for instance, the Gamatsu octopus discussed above is excellent for hooking trout.
6. Water Conditions
It would help if you considered the conditions of the water you want to be fishing in, whether it is a salty water lake or a freshwater river. The saltiness of water determines which kind of material can survive in it.
To fish in saltwater, you should consider going for hook material that will not be corroded with continuous use in it. Most hooks that have a black nickel finish are corrosion resistant. Fishing in freshwater should not be a challenge, though. You can use any material since it does not corrode the material.
If you fish in both saltwater and freshwater, you should choose a hook to survive salty conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Percentage Of Fish Die After Being Released?
Fish that are held out of water for more than a minute have a 72% mortality rate. The ones held out of water for 30 seconds have a 38% mortality rate, and those that are released without being removed from water have a 12% mortality rate. This shows that the longer fish stays out of the water, the higher the chances of dying after release.
Many factors work together, from injuries gotten from the hooks to lack of oxygen and even shock and psychological torture that the fish goes through. This fish may die from all those factors, or they may be killed by a predator whom it could not run away from.
2. Can You Catch Big Fish With A Small Hook?
Yes, you can catch big fish with small fish. The size of your hook does not determine the size of your catch. What matters is the strength of your hook. Most manufacturers give greater power to bigger hooks. But if your small hook is strong enough, you are good to go.
3. What Are The Different Hook Sizes?
There are two sizing systems. The first one starts from size 32, going down to size 1. In this system, the bigger the number, the smaller the hook. The second system starts from 1/0-28/0. In this, the bigger the number, the bigger the hook.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, we are hopeful that you have made up your mind on what type of fishing hook is best for you, including the brand and size. All the hooks that we have mentioned above are ideal depending on your fishing situation. However, our top pick is the UCEC circle hook. This particular hook is made to bait up quickly, making it perfect for kids and beginners. It is chemically sharpened and made of high-quality stainless steel, which does not corrode. This makes it ideal for fishing in saltwater and freshwater. We wish you a happy angling experience as you head out to try your new hook.
