Hook selection should be based on both its size and wire gauge.  The hook size should be appropriate for the size of the bait.  Large hooks (No.4 - 10) hold well, while small hooks (No.10 - 16) snag less and are less likely to spook fish.  Wire gauge ranges from thin (RAVEN^® Sedge and Sedge Supreme Hooks) through medium (RAVEN^® Specialist and Shrimp Hooks) to heavy (RAVEN^® Octopus Strong).  Thin wire hooks cause the least damage to the bait and help maintain a natural presentation, while heavy wire hooks have the power to hold big fish in current or steer them away from snags.

Selecting Gear
Size: small bait = small hook and large bait = large hook
Gauge: light, clear water = thin wire gauge hook and deep, fast water = heavy wire gauge hook

TIP
Change to a heavier wire gauge or larger size hook if the hook is gaping (bending open) or pulling out on fish. Drop down to a lighter hook if you are getting no hits or just quick jabs on the float. Jabs are caused by fish hitting and immediately dropping the bait.

© 2007 RAVEN^®, Ontario Canada