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Hook shape and strength
Hooks are basic equipment for anglers, but not all are suitable for method feeder fishing. Hooks for the method are distinguished primarily by their shape:
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They must have an eyelet so that you can arm them with a bayonet, rubber band or push stop.
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The elbow arc should be fairly wide. This will make it much easier to hook a fish. An example of hooks with a specially shaped hook is the Kamasan T360 P.T.F.E X-Strong Barbless Eyed series. T360 hooks are designed to make hunting carp, barbel and tench easier.
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The shank does not have to be long, and in some techniques (the so-called bauble or pellet waggler) it is not needed at all - the hook can go straight to the bow.
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It is good if they are coated with anti-glare Teflon, especially in techniques where the hook is completely visible.
Equally important is the strength of the hooks for the method. In this technique we are targeting big carp, so the hook must be strong. No angler wants to risk bending it when a large specimen is hit.
What size of hook to choose
A wide selection of hooks includes models in sizes from 1 to 26. Although the products of different manufacturers may differ slightly from each other, the generally accepted dimensions are shown in the table below.
Hook sizes |
Bow width |
1/0 i 2/0 |
13 to 12 mm |
1-10 |
11 to 5.5 mm |
12-20 |
4.5 to 2.7 mm |
22-26 |
2.4 to 1.8 mm |
Which of these sizes is worth choosing? The simplest answer is: it depends on the lure.
Hook size vs. type of lure
The key to properly balancing the set is to match the size of the hook to the type of lure used. This is determined by m.in. the type of lure you are using.
For example, if you are using small protein balls (8-10 mm) or small pellets, hooks in size 10-12 will be optimal. A good example is Kamasan T911 P.T.F.E Barbless Eyed hooks. They have a not too thick wire and can be used when hunting smaller fish (up to 3 kg). Each hook in this Kamasan series is lightweight and allows for a natural presentation of the bait used.
The size of the hook is of great importance if you are fishing with lures that are balanced and actively working underwater, namely wafters. This is a very effective lure, but it requires proper balance. A hook that is too small could fail to hold the wafters and leader to the bottom. You can easily prevent this by sticking to the relationship shown in the table.
Size of the wafters |
Hook size |
4 mm |
16 |
6 mm |
14 |
8 mm |
12 |
10 mm |
10 |
Of course, the above data is a big simplification. Since each manufacturer of wafters uses a different formula, it is always a good idea to make a test in a container filled with water. This way you will see how the leader and bait work.
Great hooks for wafters are produced by Tubertini. We recommend, among others, hooks of the 805 series with a round elbow arc and a tip gently bent from the axis of the shank. Such a design is perfect for method fishing.
What shank should have a hook for the method
In addition to size and strength, the type of shank used is of great importance. Many anglers adapt the shank to the species found in the fishery:
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When hunting fish with needle-like teeth, the shank of the hook should be short.
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For larger specimens, the shank can be sufficiently larger and thicker to ensure a stable strike. You can try Kamasan B911 X-Strong Eyed Barbless hooks, for example. These are strong barbless hooks that can easily withstand the tow of large carp.
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When fishing with the so-called bauble or pellet waggler, the shank is not needed at all, because the whole hook is exposed.
Hooks with a barb - is it worth it?
Some hooks, especially those designed for use with small bait, are finished with a barb that screws more firmly into the fish's mouth. Such a series is, for example, Kamasan B560 Wide Gape Barbed. There are also micro barbed hooks on the market, such as Drennan Wide Gape Specialist.
Each angler decides for himself whether to use hooks with barbs. However, it is worth remembering that hooks with barbs may be banned in commercial fisheries and fishing competitions. Before using them, you should make sure what requirements apply to the fishery in question.
Ready-made sets with leader - an interesting alternative
When fishing by method, you do not always have to tie the leader by hand. Ready-made kits, for example, leaders offered by the Drennan brand, are an interesting option. Ready-made leaders, after taking them out of the package, only need to be stretched and smoothed for perfect presentation in the water. This is a very convenient equipment and worth testing.
Test different hooks and gain experience
In our online store you will find various hooks and ready-made sets with leaders. By testing different options during your sittings, you will gain valuable experience that will certainly come in handy in the future. Check all the products available in our offer, and if you have questions - write to us. We will be happy to help you choose the right hook for your method.
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