Fluke Hook Size

[shrimpman steve]

I use 8/0 and 9/0. If you think they're to big your wrong

Even a 15 inch fish will take a hook that large with no problem.

[Billfish715]

The idea of using larger hooks to reduce mortality has merit. If we can show a reduction of fish mortality, we might have a better argument to change our fluke regulations to something more reasonable.

[arat]

I usually use minimum 6/0 I have used as large as 8/0 not sure I've jumped to 9/0 yet. They eat the 6-7/0 just fine

[fishguy]

A 9/0 seems pretty yuge for fluke but whatever floats your boat. 5/0 octopus is my personal go-to hook.

If you really want to cut down on fluke mortality than don't use English bend hooks. Absolute worst hooks ever.

Cue the outraged flukers....

[Capt John]

Want to reduce the amount of gut hooked Fluke?....bucktails! Ever since I've fished with them exclusively on Fluke trips, the overwhelming majority of fish hooked have been in the corner of the mouth and nowhere near the gullet. Sure they cost more than your plain-jane rig that you drag along the bottom, but something has to give if you are sincere about preserving the species. And, as a added bonus, it's a hell of a lot more fun once you learn the technique.

[MrAC1980]

Yep I just went to bucktails not long ago too and haven't looked back. But I think this question can be said about teaser hook size too. I'm also in the 6/0 club except when I go to MA then I step up to 8/0.

[bunker dunker]

bucktails save lives!!!!!

[Sharkyispy]

Originally Posted by Capt John

Want to reduce the amount of gut hooked Fluke?....bucktails! Ever since I've fished with them exclusively on Fluke trips, the overwhelming majority of fish hooked have been in the corner of the mouth and nowhere near the gullet. Sure they cost more than your plain-jane rig that you drag along the bottom, but something has to give if you are sincere about preserving the species. And, as a added bonus, it's a hell of a lot more fun once you learn the technique.

Great post. As many have said, different sizes for different guyses (crickets). Seriously anything from 2oz up should be a 7/0 or larger hook on your bucktails ( Depending on mold and maker) and how I make and use. I can't recall the last gut hooked, bucktailed fluke I have had as it really just doesn't happen. Occasionally and rarely I might have a teaser with a 4/0 to 6/0 hook on dropper loop inhaled a little deeper but still able to reach from gills and not cause mortality.

[ALS Mako]

1/0 treble. haven't gut hooked a fish yet.

[Billfish715]

The report/study targeted J Hooks and an additional study was to be done with kahle ( English bend) hooks. I dislike too much governmental intrusions and unnecessary and wide ranging regulations but if using a certain size and style hook reduces mortality, I'm for it. The object is to prove to fisheries' scientists that we have cut back on the number of dead fish that they use to create our size and bag limits.

I might remind you that circle hooks only may be used in sections of the Delaware River when fishing for striped bass. Some folks don't like it but the goal is clear.

Using larger hooks is one way to improve fluke mortality rates but careful
handling of a fish before its release is another. Many party boat patrons as well as many private boat fishermen only know how to drag bait........and they catch fish. They are entitled to their own style of fishing and I doubt that there is a charter captain who would turn down a customer's request to use bait.

I'm not sure how some of the sponsors who operate bait and tackle stores would feel if they couldn't sell bait. Bucktails are fun to use but they are not for everyone as evidenced by the big fluke that are caught every season by someone dragging a squid and killie. My point is, again, this study indicates that using bigger hooks catches fewer small fish and thereby reduces the number of throwbacks that will eventually die because of the removal of deeply impaled hooks. Big hooks come out easier and make safe releases more likely.