Fishing for salmon in New York can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to use the correct hook size to improve your chances of success. This article will talk about the best hook sizes for fishing for salmon in New York and give you some fishing tips to make your trip more fun.
Hook sizes are denoted by numbers, with smaller numbers indicating larger hooks. How far apart the shank (the hook’s straight part) and the point (its curved end) are tells you what size hook it is. For example, a size 10 hook has a smaller shank-to-point distance compared to a size 4 hook.
Salmon fishing is a popular angling activity around the world Choosing the right hook size is crucial forsuccess when targeting these large, powerful fish This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting hook sizes for salmon fishing.
Hook Types Commonly Used for Salmon
There are several main hook types used for salmon fishing
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Octopus Hooks: These are the general “J”-shaped hooks that are used for salmon. Sizes #2 to 3/0 are typical, with #2 being the most frequently used. The offset shape allows secure hook penetration.
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Circle Hooks – Circle hooks are gaining popularity for salmon. Its round shape catches in the corner of the mouth, so it doesn’t gut hook as much. Sizes range from 2/0 to 6/0.
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Siwash Hooks – Siwash hooks have a straight shank and even width good for bait like salmon roe. They are available from #1 to 3/0 sizes.
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Salmon Egg Hooks – Specialized hooks with upturned points to slide through the cheek. Wide gaps suit large baits. Sizes go up to 10/0.
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Treble Hooks – Used for plugs and spinners. Often have one main hook around 4/0 and two smaller assist hooks.
Sockeye Salmon Hook Sizes
For sockeye (red) salmon, octopus hooks in the #2 to 3/0 range are most common. The #2 octopus hook is an excellent all-round choice for bait like salmon roe when targeting sockeye. The slightly smaller size allows secure hook penetration in their smaller mouths while still being strong enough to handle their runs.
Chinook (King) Salmon Hook Sizes
For chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, larger hook sizes are needed. Their immense size and strength requires hooks that are up to the task.
Common hook sizes for king salmon:
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Octopus Hooks: 4/0 to 6/0
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Circle Hooks: 4/0 to 6/0
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Siwash Hooks: 1/0 to 3/0
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Salmon Egg Hooks: 6/0 to 10/0
Baits like large rubber worms work well on the bigger octopus hooks. For natural baits like herring, the salmon egg hooks provide a wide gap. Large plugs need stout treble hooks, around size 4/0 to 6/0.
Coho (Silver) Salmon Hook Sizes
For targeting coho, also called silver salmon, octopus hooks in the #1 to 3/0 range are ideal. The #1 and #1/0 sizes work well when fishing smaller bait like eggs, shrimp or sandshrimp. For larger herring baits, #2 and 3/0 provide more gap while still fitting in their smaller mouths.
Pink Salmon Hook Sizes
Pink salmon have small mouths suited to smaller hooks. Good all-round hook sizes for pink salmon are:
- Octopus: #2
- Circle Hook: #2 to 2/0
- Siwash: #2
- Salmon Egg: #2 to 4/0
The #2 octopus hook and #2 siwash hook allow bait like eggs and shrimp to be fished effectively and match the pink salmon’s smaller mouth size.
Chum Salmon Hook Sizes
Chum salmon feed on small baitfish and eggs, favoring smaller presentations. Suitable chum salmon hook sizes include:
- Octopus: #2 to 2/0
- Circle: 2/0
- Siwash: #1 to #2
- Salmon Egg: #2 to 4/0
As with pink salmon, #2 octopus hooks are a great choice for all-round bait fishing for chum salmon.
Hook Size For Salmon By Weight
A general guideline for salmon hook sizes based on the fish’s weight:
- Up to 5 lbs: #2 octopus hook
- 5 to 15 lbs: #1 to 2/0 octopus hook
- 15 to 25 lbs: 3/0 to 5/0 octopus or salmon egg hooks
- Over 25 lbs: 5/0 octopus hooks and up
Larger salmon over 25 pounds will require the sturdiest 5/0 octopus hooks and even bigger in some cases, like the specialized large salmon egg hooks.
Smaller salmon under 5 pounds can be landed effectively on lighter #2 octopus hooks. Match the hook size appropriately to the average size of salmon in the waters you are fishing.
Hook Size For Salmon By Bait
Match the hook size to the bait being used:
- Salmon eggs, small shrimp: #2 octopus, #1 siwash
- Herring chunks, large shrimp: #2 – 3/0 octopus
- Whole herring: #2 – 4/0 octopus, 4/0 – 6/0 salmon egg
- Large rubber worms: 4/0 – 6/0 octopus
- Large plugs: Up to 6/0 treble hooks
Make sure the bait can be fished effectively and won’t obscure the entire hook gap. The hook point needs to be exposed to allow solid hook penetration on the strike.
Hook Strength and Features
For kings, coho and other larger salmon, choose hooks with these features:
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Wire Strength: Go for strong, thick wire hooks. Light wire hooks can straighten out.
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Point Design: Needle points easily penetrate, while knife edges provide more holding power. Hybrid points with both cutting edges and needle points are excellent for salmon.
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Barb or Barbless: Barb or barbless is a personal choice, but barbless makes release easier.
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Hook Eye: Upturned eyes, like on octopus and salmon egg hooks, help keep bait in place.
Using ultra-sharp, robust hooks built for salmon fishing helps ensure solid hooksets and prevents losing fish. Prioritizing hook strength and sharpness is essential when tackling these large, powerful fish.
Salmon Hook Size Recommendations By Area
Recommended salmon hook sizes can vary by specific river systems and regions. Some general tips:
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Great Lakes: 4/0 octopus hooks cover most species and techniques.
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Pacific Northwest: Up to 6/0 hooks may be needed for kings.
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Northeast U.S. Rivers: #2 – 3/0 octopus hooks work for Atlantic salmon.
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West Coast beaches: Mustad 94150 tuna circle hooks in 6/0 to 8/0 for surf fishing salmon.
Ask experienced local anglers for advice on salmon hook sizes tailored to the waters you’ll be fishing. River current strength and average salmon size can impact ideal hook sizes.
How Hook Size Affects Salmon Fishing Success
Getting the hook size right makes a big difference in salmon fishing success:
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Landing More Fish: Bigger hooks with thicker wire are stronger for fighting large salmon. Sharp points penetrate quickly for better hookup rates.
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Reducing Lost Fish: The right size octopus, circle or salmon egg hook improves secure hook holds. Barbless hooks allow easy release.
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Presenting Baits Properly: A hook too large or small relative to the bait impairs action. Match hook gaps to bait sizes.
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Avoiding Damage: Oversized hooks can fatally damage smaller salmon. Appropriate circle hooks or barbless hooks help.
Take these factors into account when selecting salmon hooks. With the proper hook sizing and features, anglers can land more fish while releasing wild or undersized salmon unharmed.
Striking a Balance
Choosing salmon hooks requires striking a careful balance. You need hooks sturdy enough to handle large fish but small enough to match hatchery salmon mouth sizes. Going too large may snag and kill wild fish that must be released. Too small and baits can’t be fished effectively.
With salmon, getting the hook size right for the target species, current strength, and bait selection helps anglers succeed while preserving our valuable fisheries resources. Armed with the guidelines above, you can select well-sized hooks with confidence next time you gear up and head out to fish for salmon.
Tips for Successful Salmon Fishing
Here are some more tips to help you catch more salmon when you fish for them in New York, now that you know what hook sizes are best:
- Think about where you’ll be fishing. Different places in New York may have rules about the size and type of hooks and bait that can be used. Always familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations before heading out.
- Use Sharp Hooks: To get a better hookset, make sure your hooks are sharp. Dull hooks can result in missed opportunities.
- Match the Hatch: Look at the salmon’s natural food sources and try to make your bait look like those foods. This can increase your chances of enticing a bite.
- Slowly Show Your Bait: If you’re using live bait, let it move around in the water on its own so the fish have time to strike. Avoid reeling in too quickly or disturbing the water excessively.
- Pay Attention to the Water Temperature: The water temperature can change how salmon act. Change the way you fish based on the conditions, as salmon may be more or less active at different times.
Fishing for salmon in New York requires careful consideration of hook sizes. Using the appropriate hook size can significantly improve your chances of landing a prized catch.
Always follow the rules for fishing in your area and make sure the hook size fits the bait and target fish. With this information and good fishing skills, you’ll be well on your way to a fun and successful salmon fishing trip in New York!
The Best Hook Sizes for Salmon Fishing in NY
It’s important to match the size of your hook to the bait you’re using and the size of fish you want to catch when fishing for salmon in New York. Here are some commonly recommended hook sizes:
- Size 4: This is a flexible hook size that can be used for a number of different salmon fishing methods. It can hold bigger baits and works well for going after bigger salmon.
- Size 6: This is a slightly smaller hook size that works well for catching salmon of average size. It’s very flexible and can handle a number of different types of bait.
- If you’re after smaller salmon or smaller baits like flies or worms, size 8 hooks are the best choice.
Keep in mind that these suggestions are just suggestions; the right hook can depend on things like the water, the fish, and your own personal taste. It’s always best to experiment with different sizes and see what works best for you.
*** FISHING HOOK SIZES 101 ***
FAQ
What is the hook setup for salmon?
What size hooks for puget sound salmon?
Is a single hook or treble hook better for salmon?
What is the best hook for salmon lures?
What size hook for salmon fishing?
The best size hook for salmon fishing is a size four hook which is a good all around hook size for most conditions and baits. However, the size of the hook will change depending on the size of the bait. Even a very large hook, like a size 3/0 can be used as long as the hook is not too large for the bait.
What size fish hook do I Need?
A size ten or size eight hook is best for salmon eggs that are 8mm to 14mm in size. You want a hook that is small enough that the egg mostly covers it. Some great hooks for single eggs fishing are Daiichi Salmon Egg Hook and the Gamakatsu Single Egg Hook. I highly recommend using high-quality hooks made with a chemically sharpened hook point.
What size hook should I use for sockeye salmon?
Sockeye (Red) Salmon: Sockeye salmon possess a smaller mouth compared to other species, necessitating the use of smaller-sized hooks. Sizes between #1 and #2 would be ideal when fishing for sockeye salmon. To maximize your odds of landing that prized salmon, keep the following tips in mind:
What hooks do you use for chinook & coho salmon?
There are a few good hook designs that are suitable for big coho salmon and chinook salmon. Octopus-style and Specimen hooks are the most common and best hooks for salmon. Most guides I know use these hooks. The best ones are the Raven Specimen hook and the Gamakatsu Octopus hook. These are good hooks for float fishing and live bait fishing.