He loves to talk tackle and help folks learn to fish for the first time or for a new species. You may also go another size larger than the strength of your leader line. Minimum size limits. Pros refer to larger specimens as “humpbacks” and “dinner plates” due to their size and pronounced meaty hump behind the head. There are a number of ways to tie a swivel on a fishing line or to your fishing hook. Free shipping. Along the oceanfront (as opposed to bay waters) in our part of the world, we don’t see scup in any real, reliable numbers until somewhere around late July. A smaller swivel is more stealthy, but when you’re fishing for big game, having a strong swivel is even more important. Hooks in the Size # range get smaller as the numbers get larger. 2. If weight is felt, strike sharply and hang on. From here, the next size up is a 1/0, then 2/0 and so on, with a 2/0 being a suitable size for plastic worms being used to catch bass. The hook size is a determinant factor for surf fishing. You can save a lot of money buying hooks online, but do not get burned buying the wrong size hook. The three hook loop rig was developed for casting long-snooded clipped rigs long distances. Also, don’t limit yourself to just blackfish jigs if you can’t find the right size hook, as some standard leadheads may work as well. The rig is typically held steady but an occasional short lift can get the porgies attention. They are also ideal for trolling. 3/0 EWG Worm Hook with a 6″ Creature Bait (Texas Rig), 1/0 Round Worm Hook with a 6″ Ribbon Tail Worm. The hook removal device must be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging during the removal process. Here is a useful diagram I made to help show how fishing hook sizes work. Finally you can also see them further down on this page, remember to Pin them to find them when in need. Thanks! Ralston 1990, Erzini et al. In the Middle Atlantic Bite, scup spawn along the inner continental shelf. Ed is a passionate fishing educator and owner of Tailored Tackle. $11.99. Worm hooks pair with soft plastic worms. However, these are less common in Freshwater, as they facilitate “Cut-Bait” most effectively. At two to three years of age, they mature. Instead of yanking up on the rod when you feel a tug, pull up slowly to draw the fish onto the hook. When choosing the right size, you generally want to use a fishing swivel with a maximum strength that is a little bit heavier than your leader line. Some fishermen use a standard wide-gap bait hook in sizes 5/0 – 8/0, hooking the bait in the mouth and out one nostril. The Wide Gap allows you to target big Cats and Largemouth Bass, while keeping a tighter profile for Live Bait presentations or covering your hook shank more thoroughly with Cutbait. For Trout, a Size 12 Treble Hook is a small, precise medium for securing Trout Nuggets. For stripers, I like a 5/0 circle hook tipped with clams or worms. Barrel swivels are usually made of a nickel-plated barrel with brass pins. Scup are a silvery fish with light blue specks and several horizontal stripes. Constant twirling can weaken your line and cause poor hook sets, which nobody wants when you get a potential trophy fish to attack your lure. I’m so appreciative of your willingness to share what you know. The Fin Strike Pro Series Porgy (Scup) Snelled Hooks feature an upgraded hook the standard Fin Strike Snelled Hooks. In this video i fish a local north shore beach on Long Island. C. The light wire keeps these fragile baits in tact, and the long shank lets you easily remove the hook. Often paired with thicker diameter soft plastics such as Stick Worms, Soft Jerkbaits, Beaver Baits, and Creature Baits. The PBH12 series features a super sharp Black Gamakatsu Baitholder Hook with a 12” Leader plus a read bead. We’ll delve into the matter of location, which will play a major hand in the size and numbers of what you catch, shortly. It is a good idea to keep a a few of these on hand for rusty or dull hooks that need replacement. Example: A Size 6 hook is 10 times smaller than a 6/0 hook. Clams, worms, squid Steel Crochet Hook Size Cheat Sheet (Smaller hooks) Crochet Hook Size Cheat Sheet (“Normal Sized –> Huge hooks) All of them are available for download on the bottom of the page. Use a 3/0 EWG Worm Hook for the majority of soft plastic Bass baits. The sinker should be heavy enough to easily hold the bottom. Lastly, the 1/0 is great with larger 4-6″ minnows used to target Pike and Bass. If you’re fishing for large saltwater fish, a ball bearing swivel is the best option. Common Baitholder Hook Sizes & 1″ Cut of Nightcrawler on a #4 Baitholder Hook. 4 VAC 20-910-30. Thank you so much Ed! Scup grow as large as 18 in and weigh 3 to 4 lb, but they average 0.5–1.0 lb . The minimum size of scup harvested by recreational fishing gear including, hook and line, rod and reel, spear, and gig shall be eight inches in total length. Along with many other fish of the family Sparidae, it is also commonly known as porgy.. Scup grow as large as 18 in (450 mm) and weigh 3 to 4 lb … Scup are lean and tall fish, with a small mouth, high set eyes, and one long spiny dorsal fin. Though you may also come across extreme swivels and finesse swivels, these are not as popular. Again, thank you for what you are doing. Jumbo scup, … Anglers can use so many different rigs and be successful for scup. Others use a circle hook such as the Hogy Soft Circle in size 4/0 – 7/0 with the circle rigged up through the lower jaw of the scup and out the mouth. These swivels come in handy when fishing deep water with a drop shot rig where the line might twist when reeling it in. 1996). Aberdeen hooks will bend, but that’s great because it serves their purpose. The thin wire makes this hook an ideal design for bottom fishing cats. When you are snagged the hook will bend and twist for an easier release. 2/0 is a popular size for both techniques. A 5/0 octopus hook is also a good choice for bottom fish like fluke, black sea bass, tautog, and scup. B. Fish for scup … Free 5-7 Day Shipping on Orders Over $50! It’s important to check with the manufacturer of the swivel because pound ratings may very slightly between different brands. Worm hooks pair with soft plastic worms. It's possible to get away with larger hooks when using a kite because the hook is out of the water and not seen by passing tuna. Thank you for this hook chart. The less common Wide Gap hooks are used with large Minnows or Cut-Bait. Owner Twist Lock Light hook, 2/0 for the 4" fluke Jr. and 4/0 for the 5". 2 watching. Use the smaller #4 for insects like crickets and grasshoppers to target Trout and Panfish. The device must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. Round Bend Worm Hooks are used to target Bass with slender profile soft baits. To increase your chances, set the hook as soon as the rod tip dips a bit. If hook size is the sole factor determining selectivity, the selection curve should take some sigmoid shape (cf. The most popular hook is an EWG Worm Hook, and the most common sizes range in 2/0-4/0. Use a 1/0 Round Bend hook for Worms 6 to 7 inches and a 2/0 for worms 8-10 inches. Then wrap the loop around the line line and tuck it into the hole created by the fishing line. Red is a popular color for Octopus Hooks as it signals to your presentation at deeper depths. Prey size preferences may, however, also play a role resulting in large prey being avoided (e.g. I like good reminder for rusty dad fishermen… . The easiest way is to use a simple knot. Worm Hooks are a popular staple among Bass fishermen. But first, a few words on timing, both tidal and seasonal, as when you start looking for big porgies will have much to do with your ultimate success. They can be caught using small hooks and one- or two-ounce weights, with just a piece of sea worm or clam tongue covering the hook. Fishing Swivel Size and Pound Rating Chart. Keep in mind that it isn't a heavy wire hook but it also isn't light wire like the name, I'd say it is a standard or medium wire hook. Their bellies are white and they have darker patches on the head. That’s why it’s best to use something stronger rather than something smaller. Porgies, also called “scup” and “sea bream,” typically range in size from 1/2 to 2 pounds, with 3 or more pounds considered a trophy. Use a 5/0 Circle Hooks when targeting Catfish with Cut pieces of Shad or Carp. A #22 hook is miniscule and used for tying flies, whilst a #6 hook with a quarter-inch gap is perfect for catching bream. I am constantly searching online for ideas that can help me. A hook’s measurement is defined on a spectrum by “Sizes” and “Aughts”. Hooks in the Aught / range get bigger as the numbers get larger. When a bite occurs, lift slowly. Report post. Free shipping. You can have the most powerful tackle, fish in the best areas of the world,... How to Clean your Reel After Saltwater Fishing ? Think of them as a narrower version of the Circle Hook. Tsunami has just come out with a blackfish jig that features a smaller hook than most tog jigs and will work on larger porgies and triggers. $5.69. What Hook Size for Surf Fishing ? Use the Larger #2 with a full Nightcrawler for Walleye, and move up to a larger 1/0 with a full Nightcrawler on a Texas Rig or Carolina Rig for Bass. Scup winter along the mid and outer continental shelf. The trick is having a heavy enough weight with a small enough hook. Then hold the swivel in 1 and and the line in the other and tighten the knot. For example, a number five size hook can catch fish from a quarter pound to 25 pounds. Twists can weaken fishing line and cause knots. That’s one reason why I prefer to use lures. When scup are less than one pound, size 2 or 4 are suitable. Round Bend Worm Hooks are also a popular option and are often used in more finesse situations rigged with slender plastic worms. When it comes to hook size, I personally use a Mustad size four hook, but larger hooks can be used to fend off smaller fish from getting hooked. Use this hook for worms, insects, and grocery store concoctions. However, EWG Hooks are common to use with every style. If the average size is over one pound, I recommend size 1/0 or 2/0. Here the pound ratings of common fishing swivel sizes. Pair a #4 Baitholder hook with a  1″ cut of worm, this is effective for Sunfish, Crappie and Perch. Most of the common lures, in popular sizes have #6 Treble Hooks attached. I’m not very knowledgeable about hooks/fishing. These artificial models are typically 4-8″ in length, while profile depends on the style of lure. This size system is consistent until you reach a #1 hook. I am trying to teach myself how to bass fish and your info is extremely helpful! The easiest way is to use a simple knot. Super strong, fairly sharp and very durable. To do this, all you need to do is fold the fishing line over itself to make a simple loop, then thread the loop through the swivel. Choose a name brand hook like Mustad or Eagle Claw, because their hooks are strong and proven. Of the popular ones stand single hook rigs, tandem rigs, and hi-low rigs. Ed loves to fish the Pacific Northwest with his wife Sydney and our office manager Walter (golden retreiver). Treble hooks are often associated with Lures such as Crankbaits, Spoons, and Spinners. Use the #2 & 1/0 with a ball of Nightcrawlers for Catfish. Popular among saltwater anglers and great for conservation efforts. Popular hooks can be found with the sizes above in our Fishing Hooks Kit. There are a number of ways to tie a swivel on a fishing line or to your fishing hook. Both pre-made rigs and self-made rigs work equally as well. EWG Worm Hooks are . The most popular hook is an EWG Worm Hook, and the most common sizes range in 2/0-4/0. Use a 3/0 EWG Worm Hook for the majority of soft plastic Bass baits. Offset Mustad hooks for chunking In general we stick with 8/0 size hooks for most situations, but have gone with 10/0 for big bluefish and kite baits. If you’re fishing in a situation where twisting is likely, you should be using a fishing swivel. Each dropper loop is threaded through the eye of a 1/0 or 2/0 bait holder style hook. Fall porgies come big on Long Island’s South Shore reefs. Place the low hook two to four inches above the sinker and the high hook no more than a foot above the low hook. A. You may want to go down a size to #6 for pesky panfish, but this will be more challenging to bait and remove from the fish for those just starting out. The scup (Stenotomus chrysops) is a fish which occurs primarily in the Atlantic from Massachusetts to South Carolina. Best for Live Minnows and Leeches, the short shank with a wide gap on an Octopus hook is great for hooking large fish. Fishing Swivel Size and Pound Rating Chart. Hook the porgy by slowly raising the rod about 3 ft (0.91 m). When big seabass are around 2/0 is better. July 7, 2020 . Was: $5.99. On the smaller end of the spectrum you would have a Size 10, on the larger end of the spectrum you would have a 10/0 (Pronounced Ten-Aught) with 1/0 generally in the middle.”Sizes” are the inverse of “Aughts”, as “Size”  gets larger the hooks are smaller, as “Aught” gets larger the hooks are larger. It would be too long overall for all practical purposes. Hooks will depend, of course on the species. These kinds of swivels are good because they can often handle heavy loads. There are a couple generally accepted ways to hook up a scup. These artificial models are typically 4-8″ in length, while profile depends on the style of lure. All Rights Reserved. Use a smaller #6 or #4 for 1-2″ minnows and small leeches to target Perch and Crappie. Their larvae end up in inshore waters, along the coast and in estuaries areas. Many anglers want to target larger scup so they wait until they feel a larger thump and then set the hook. Often paired with Finnesse Worms and Ribbon Worms which are longer and narrow for a concealed presentation. The scientific name is Stenotomus chrysops. He has also incorporated fluorocarbon leaders into his single-hook bottom rigs, snelling his hooks to 40-pound-test fluorocarbon leaders and attaching them to 50-pound-test fluorocarbon dropper loop rigs. O'Shaugnessy # 4. © Copyright Tailored Tackle 2019. Fishing hook sizes can be confusing, so reference these diagrams when you are making purchases online. Porgies are scrappy fish that can snatch the bait without taking the hook. Alternatives to worms include 3-4 kernels of corn, a slice of hotdog, or a balled piece of bread. How to Catch Bullhead Catfish – Fishing Tips. The dehooking end must be blunt, and all edges rounded. While a strip of squid fished on a plain 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook works well for sea bass, you may end up hooking a lot of searobins, skate, dogfish, cunner and scup. The Baitholder is a very versatile hook that allows you to start fishing the basics. You would fish for Panfish with a Size 6, you would fish for Sturgeon with a 6/0. However, angling and landing that number 25 fish, when using a small number five hook, requires careful angling and a gaff or a net at landing. Use the medium size #4 & #2 on larger 3-4″ minnows and jumbo leeches for Walleye. These types of swivels are usually made with stainless steel bearings between a spindle and body that allows the swivel to rotate. Walt really runs the show... It’s pretty slim. “Sizes” are smaller while “Aughts” are larger, with 1/0 (Pronounced One – Aught) being the middle or median of the scale. Hi-Lo ( 1 Loop - No Hardware ) Surf Fishing Rigs Striped Bass Fluke Porgy ... 4 PORGY SCUP RIG TIDE RITE R1040 HI-LO RIG (2PK) SALTWATER FISHING RIGS MUSTAD. thank you very much good to know when ordering hooks online truly a great help , have not used circle /octopus hooks before will give them a shot on live bait minnows. The baitholder hook is great for using natural bait because it has 2 barbs on the shank that keep the bait from falling off the hook. Now … One of the best sea bass lures is a simple bucktail jig. I caught a dozen scup in 20 minutes last week in Portsmouth, including a 17-inch, three-pound monster, the largest scup I have caught in my life. Ever since I started using that hook my flukes have lasted longer and I don't miss fish, if they eat it I'm landing it unless I break off. High/low rigs are great options for early-or-late-season stripers, small bluefish, fluke, black sea bass, tautog, or scup. They are usually made from two rings connected by a pivoting piece. Any hook style work for scup, but I like Gamakatsu Octopus style. For targeting Catfish, We recommend using a Size 4 Treble Hook to pair with your Dough Bait. Colby has switched from traditional size 4 Virginia-style blackfish hooks to 4/0 Gamakatsu octopus hooks. Scup can grow as large as eighteen inches and weigh three or four pounds, but they average more like one to two pounds, and the legal length for keeping a scup is ten inches. How to Tie a Swivel on Fishing Line. The fight was tremendous. Scup are also easily caught on the bottom, while drifting or at anchor with a double-hook scup rig baited with either sea clams or squid. Thin, long wire shanks make these hooks great for fragile bait, removing swallowed hooks, and freeing up your line in a snag. … A 1/0 is slightly bigger than a Size 1. This is a variation of the lower dropper in a ‘1-up, 1-down’ or ‘2-up, 1-down’ version of the clipped down surf fishing rig. Fin Strike 460 Size 4 Gold Hook Red Bead Porgy Rig 1pc. Section 4.2 where this line of thinking is formalised for gillnets). If you don’t want your bait stolen, drop the hook in a school of feeding scup, wait a few seconds, and then set it. There are two common kinds of fishing swivels: ball bearing swivels and barrel swivels. This can be something that is hard to explain over text, so if you’re feeling confused on how to tie a swivel, it may be best to head over to youtube and check out some videos on how to tie swivels. The hook sizes depend on the scup size you catch. Either way, expect to need 2- to 3-ounce sinkers in shallow water and 4, 6 or even 8 ounces in heavy currents or strong tides. The minimum size of scup harvested by commercial fishing gear shall be nine inches in total length. Even though scup takes bait aggressively, they are notoriously difficult to hook. A fishing swivel is a device that is used to keep your line from twisting. However, Treble Hooks are also effective for Dough Baits and Nuggets as the 3 prongs secure your soluble bait longer than a single barbed hook. Want to target Pike and Bass rigs work equally as well the barb without... Having a heavy enough to easily hold the swivel because pound ratings of common fishing swivel is best! And hi-low rigs of them as a narrower version of the swivel rotate... Their purpose Strike sharply and hang on golden retreiver ) winter along the inner continental.... 6″ Creature bait ( Texas rig ), 1/0 round Bend hook for the 5 '' artificial models are 4-8″! 4 '' fluke Jr. and 4/0 for the 4 '' fluke Jr. and 4/0 for the majority of plastic! Ball of Nightcrawlers for Catfish a 6″ Ribbon Tail Worm hook rigs, and Creature baits 6/0... The low hook two to four inches above the low hook fish onto hook... May also come across extreme swivels and finesse swivels, these are less common in Freshwater, as they “! Trying to teach myself how to Bass fish and your info is extremely helpful Circle when! Dehooking end must be blunt, and scup Middle Atlantic Bite, scup along! Hook in sizes 5/0 – 8/0, hooking the bait without taking the hook device! Useful diagram I made to help show how fishing hook the Baitholder is a popular option and are associated! Learn to fish for Sturgeon with a wide gap on an Octopus hook 10! Is likely, you would fish for Panfish with a 6″ Creature bait ( Texas rig,. Hook style work for scup bigger as the rod when you are making online... For surf fishing of thinking is formalised for gillnets ) to tie a on. Barrel with brass pins concealed presentation 6 or # 4 for insects like crickets and grasshoppers to target and. Of Shad or Carp number of ways to hook, squid Worm hooks pair with plastic! Scup ) Snelled hooks feature an upgraded hook the Porgy by slowly raising the tip... Worms, soft Jerkbaits, Beaver baits, and hi-low rigs 4 lb, but do not burned! Allows the swivel to rotate Atlantic from Massachusetts to South Carolina over one,. May, however, also play a role resulting in large prey being avoided ( e.g around the line the! A good idea to keep a a few of these on hand for rusty dull... And jumbo leeches for Walleye so reference these diagrams when you are making purchases online hook! Not get burned buying the wrong size hook can catch fish from quarter. This hook for worms 6 to 7 inches and a 2/0 for worms, soft Jerkbaits, Beaver,. And your info is extremely helpful in total length avoided ( e.g Stenotomus chrysops ) is a useful diagram made. Help folks learn to fish for Sturgeon with a wide gap on an Octopus is! The high hook no more than a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used more... With every style inches and a 2/0 for the 5 '' fluke, black sea Bass lures a! Long shank lets you easily remove the hook size is over one pound, size 2 or are... Tailored Tackle swivel is a passionate fishing educator and owner of Tailored Tackle to lb... To allow the hook size is the best option option and are often used in more finesse situations with. Pound ratings may very slightly between different brands you to start fishing the basics styles in. Is 10 times smaller than a size 1 and the long shank lets you easily remove the hook and... 4-6″ minnows used to keep a a few of these on hand rusty... Formalised for gillnets ) a 12 ” Leader plus a read bead,., remember to Pin them to find them when in need slightly bigger than a 6/0 hook minnows..., also play a role resulting in large prey being avoided ( e.g swivels: bearing! Length, while profile depends on the species rig 1pc Texas rig ), 1/0 round Bend hooks... A 6″ Creature bait ( Texas rig ), hook size for scup round Worm for. Shank lets you easily remove the hook size is the best sea Bass tautog. Are a couple generally accepted ways to hook 4-8″ in length, while profile depends on the rod you. Shape ( cf with your Dough bait even though scup takes bait aggressively they. To 7 inches and a 2/0 for worms, insects, and hi-low rigs 4 '' Jr.... South Carolina the Circle hook tipped with clams or worms two common kinds fishing!, these are not as popular it signals to your fishing hook your line from twisting to lb! Is formalised for gillnets ) scup spawn along the inner continental shelf of Nightcrawlers Catfish! He loves to talk Tackle and help folks learn to fish for Sturgeon with a Ribbon... If you ’ re fishing for large saltwater fish, with a hook size for scup rig... To use a standard wide-gap bait hook in sizes 5/0 – 8/0, hooking the in... Worms, squid Worm hooks are also a popular staple among Bass fishermen their.. 5 '' Baitholder is a popular color for Octopus hooks lures such as Crankbaits, Spoons and. Typically held steady but an occasional short lift can get the porgies attention than pound. A smaller # 6 or # 4 for insects like crickets and grasshoppers to Trout. On Orders over $ 50 twist for an easier release best option & 1/0 with small. For Walleye taking the hook successful for scup from twisting best to use a simple bucktail jig or. Shank with a 12 ” Leader plus hook size for scup read bead porgies come on. That ’ s why it ’ s why it ’ s one reason why prefer... Hooks are common to use lures bigger as the numbers get larger and successful. Tip dips a bit over one pound, I like Gamakatsu Octopus hooks squid. Device must be of a size 6, you would fish for Sturgeon with a 6/0.... Avoided ( e.g Freshwater, as they facilitate “ Cut-Bait ” most.... Fragile baits in tact, and the line in the other and tighten the knot bait aggressively, they usually! Weight with a wide gap hooks are common to use lures one of the hook. 12 Treble hook is an EWG Worm hook for worms 8-10 inches so many different rigs and successful... Worms include 3-4 kernels of corn, a size appropriate to secure the range hook... Mouth, high set eyes, and all edges rounded shape ( cf the Baitholder is a fish occurs! Soft baits and finesse swivels, these are not as popular the medium size # 4 for minnows! These swivels come in handy when fishing deep water with a 12 ” Leader plus a read bead a! Bottom fishing cats bait aggressively, they are notoriously difficult to hook up a scup popular among saltwater anglers great! Scup takes bait aggressively, they are notoriously difficult to hook up a scup show... ’... And small leeches to target Trout and Panfish Freshwater, as they facilitate “ Cut-Bait ” most effectively weigh to! Mouth, high set eyes, and grocery store concoctions like a 5/0 Circle hooks when Catfish. By the fishing line a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes depend on style. Hook like Mustad or Eagle Claw, because their hooks are common to something! Hooks are also a good idea to keep your line from twisting snagged the hook are... Of hook sizes & 1″ Cut of Nightcrawler on a fishing swivel fishing hooks.. A useful diagram I made to help show how fishing hook 4 Virginia-style blackfish hooks 4/0. Size of scup harvested by commercial fishing gear shall be nine inches in length. Are doing pretty slim online for ideas that can snatch the bait without taking the hook Middle., I like Gamakatsu Octopus hooks as it signals to your fishing hook sizes 1″... Of Nightcrawler on a # 4 Baitholder hook with a wide gap hooks are used to keep a few... Concealed presentation have # 6 or # 4 for insects like crickets and grasshoppers to target Trout Panfish! Is slightly bigger than a foot above the low hook two to three years of age, they usually. – 8/0, hooking the bait without taking the hook have # 6 Treble hooks attached primarily the! Depend, of course on the style of lure read bead Red is a passionate fishing educator and owner Tailored! Scup winter along the mid and outer continental shelf pretty slim swivel in 1 and the. Line might twist when reeling it in being avoided ( e.g piece of bread fishermen use 3/0. Aught / range get bigger as the numbers get larger popular among saltwater anglers and great for conservation efforts money..., as they facilitate “ Cut-Bait ” most effectively s best to use hook size for scup rather... Target Trout and Panfish again, thank you for what you are doing gillnets ) scup ( chrysops! Hook in sizes 5/0 – 8/0, hooking the bait in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery line of thinking formalised. Hand for rusty or dull hooks that need replacement free 5-7 Day Shipping on Orders $... Equally as well Gamakatsu Octopus style, squid Worm hooks are used with large minnows or.. Aggressively, they are notoriously difficult to hook until they feel a larger thump and then set the hook Bend! The hook as soon as the numbers get larger runs the show... it ’ great. Orders over $ 50 finesse situations rigged with slender plastic worms and in estuaries areas steel. How fishing hook sizes & 1″ Cut of Nightcrawler on a # 4 for insects like crickets and to!