what size hook for salmon

What Size Hook For Salmon? A Complete Guide

When it comes to salmon fishing using the right size hook is crucial for success. Choosing a hook that is too small risks losing fish while an overly large hook can negatively impact the action of your bait or lure. So what is the ideal salmon hook size? The answer depends on several factors.

Hook Size Based on Salmon Species

Salmon species vary greatly in size, so hook size should be adjusted accordingly. Here are some general guidelines for popular salmon:

• Chinook (king) salmon – Size 1/0 to 5/0 hooks

• Coho (silver) salmon – Size 1 to 4 hooks

• Pink salmon – Size 2 to 6 hooks

• Sockeye (red) salmon – Size 4 to 8 hooks

• Chum salmon – Size 6 to 1 hooks

Of course, these are just starting points and other considerations like bait selection can alter the hook size. But matching the hook size to the typical size of the salmon species you’re targeting is an important first step.

Hook Size Based on Bait Selection

Hook size should complement the bait being used. Large baits like whole herring require bigger hooks to match their proportions. Using an undersized hook on a large bait presents a higher chance of missing the hook set. Here are some common baits and appropriate hook sizes:

• Whole herring – Size 2/0 to 6/0

• Cut plug herring – Size 1 to 4

• Salmon roe – Size 6 to 10

• Nightcrawlers – Size 6 to 8

• Prawns/shrimp – Size 2 to 6

• Salmon flesh – Size 1/0 to 6/0

In general, the hook gap should be equal to or slightly larger than the thickest part of the bait for solid hook penetration.

Hook Size for Lures

Many anglers use spoons, spinners, plugs and other lures to target salmon. Most quality lures come equipped with hooks from the manufacturer. However, some anglers prefer to upgrade the stock hooks to sharper, stronger hooks which can improve hook-up percentages.

When changing lure hooks, match the size and weight of the new hook to the original as closely as possible. You don’t want to negatively impact the lure’s intended action and depth by using too large a hook. Anglers also sometimes add a second trailer treble hook called a stinger hook for additional hooking power.

Some popular hook sizes for salmon lures:

• Small spoons and spinners – Size 6 to 10 treble hooks

• Large spoons – Size 2 to 6 treble hooks

• Plugs – Size 2 to 6 treble hooks

• Soft plastics – Size 1 to 2 octopus hooks

Hook Size for Rivers vs Ocean

When salmon enter rivers on their spawning migrations, they cease feeding and strike lures and baits out of instinct and aggression rather than hunger. As a result, salmon hooks can often be sized slightly larger in rivers than when fishing the ocean. The faster current and turbulent water of rivers can also make it more difficult for salmon to get a good grip on smaller hooks.

That said, it’s still best not to use hooks drastically larger than the bait size even when fishing rivers. And during periods when salmon are “coming in fresh” and still actively feeding in a river’s lower reaches, using hooks on the smaller end of the scale can be better to get a solid hook-set before they release the bait.

Other Hook Considerations

While matching the hook size to the bait and targeted species is most critical, there are a few other factors to consider:

• Barbless vs barbed – Barbless hooks are mandatory in many salmon fisheries today. Long shank barbless hooks hold up well.

• Treble vs single hooks – Trebles offer more hook points but single hooks often penetrate deeper.

• Hook sharpness – Carry a hook file and replace dull hooks often.

• Hook strength – Use quality hooks designed for salmon.

• Hook style – Octopus, circle, and offset are common for salmon.

By taking bait selection, salmon species, and fishing location into account, you can zero in on the most effective salmon hook sizes. Being armed with hooks specifically suited to the size of the mouth of the salmon you’re after will lead to more solid hook-ups and more fish successfully landed.