Catfish fishing is a completely different kind of fishing, which is associated, among other things, with a certain risk, and even with the risk of life. This is primarily due to the size of this freshwater giant. As you know, the size of the hook is selected depending on the size of the fish that is supposed to be caught. Choosing a hook for catching catfish is a serious and crucial moment, especially if before that you had to catch roach, crucian carp, scavengers, silver bream, etc.
This suggests that special hooks should be chosen for catching catfish so that you can see the results of fishing, and the results can be impressive. As far as we know, the catfish is able to gain weight up to 70 kg. One can only imagine how powerful this fish has. If such facts are ignored, the catfish can simply straighten the hook or break it.
Catfish hook size
Well, if the catfish can grow to an impressive size, then at the same time it has a certain strength, which is not so easy to deal with. Since a catfish of any size can peck, you should decide on the optimal hook size for a catfish. As a rule, most anglers know which catfish can be caught in a particular part of the reservoir. But what if the reservoir is unfamiliar? Basically, small catfish, weighing up to 5 kg, are caught, for which a carp hook is also suitable. To catch larger specimens, you should use larger hooks designed for catching catfish. For example:
- for catching catfish, weighing up to 10 kg hooks No. 5/0-6/0 are used;
- for catching catfish, weighing up to 15 kg it is desirable to use hooks up to No. 9/0;
- for catching catfish, weighing over 15kg hooks No. 10/0-11/0 and more will do.
Naturally, depending on the size of the hook, the appropriate bait is also used. It is advisable to use crawling when catching catfish weighing up to 10 kg. You should not count on the bites of larger specimens for such a bait. For larger individuals, larger baits should be used, in the form of pieces of meat or even a whole chicken. At the same time, it should be remembered that a large catfish is unlikely to bite on a small bait. Large individuals are caught purposefully, preparing the bait in advance. For example, a large catfish can peck at a large live bait and nothing else. Catfish loves such bait as a frog. The larger the frog is planted, the larger the catfish can be caught.
Characteristics of a catfish hook
Naturally, the size of the hook is of paramount importance, but if it turns out to be of poor quality and even more stupid, then the effectiveness of fishing is not even worth mentioning. When choosing a hook for catfish, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- Hook beard should have optimal dimensions: it should not be too big and not too small, otherwise fish gatherings are guaranteed.
- Hook prying should be rounded, this factor will minimize the loss of fish after hooking.
- The hook must have maximum strength. Not every hook will be able to withstand a weight of 15kg, not to mention larger individuals. The ideal option is the hooks of well-known manufacturers, made of stainless steel.
- If you focus on high-quality branded hooks, then their sharpness guaranteed and you need to be sure of it.
Angling Tips
In order for fishing to bring joy, not disappointment, you should give preference to a quality product. If this is not true when catching small fish, then serious fishing requires a serious approach and serious equipment. Alternatively, you can recommend hooks from such well-known companies as:
- owner;
- Gamakatsu и др.
Such manufacturers produce only high-quality products. Naturally, these are expensive hooks, but the price is worth it. Naturally, the list can be expanded, but that’s not the point at all. Those who are seriously preparing for fishing will always find the information they need. Many people may be intimidated by the price of imported hooks, but you can’t save on them when it comes to catching catfish.
Overview of catfish hooks