Trout is a famous freshwater finicky biter that is super fun to catch. Rainbow trout is a beautiful fish that you must use proper fishing equipment to catch. Using the correct hook size is essential so they won’t hurt and you can hold them properly in your hand.
Using the hooks for trout fishing depends on the lure and area you are fishing. Using the wrong hook will damage the fish.
A size 6-8 hook is often recommended when fishing for rainbow trout. However, this advice may not always be the best option. There are times when a smaller or larger hook can yield better results. To determine which size hook is right for you, consider the fish’s overall size, how deep the water is, and the type of bait being used.
What Is The Best Hook Size for Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout has a small mouth, so select a hook that matches your bait. A small hook means using small bait, so first of all, choose appropriate bait for them. Some bait comes with build-in hooks, and some require an extra hook.
The hooks should be slim and completely hiding inside the bait as rainbow trout are sensitive, and visible hooks warn them not to take the bait.
#10 and #12 size barbless hook is perfect for rainbow trout. #12 hook is more minor than the #10 size. if you use Powerbait, the #12 size is ideal as it will conceal into the bait. #12 single hooks also work with other types of bait. Smaller hooks are effective in clear water as it is less noticeable.
If you want to catch giant brook trout, use a slightly larger hook for bigger bait. Suppose you are using small bait like salmon eggs, use #14 hooks.
When using jigs, choose 1/16 size jigs for the rainbow trout. For treble hook, #10 to #14 size is appropriate. Most rainbow trout can find in ponds and lakes, and they are almost similar in size, like 10 to 25 inches. So, the #12 size hook is enough for them with various bait.
Trout Hook Size Chart
Most of the bait for trout requires #12 size hooks yet 8 and 10 size hooks are also important. Powerbait, worms, corns, salmon eggs, etc., Using a single hook and a treble hook is not an applicable option. You can only use the treble hook in Powerbait. The best hook size for trout fishing for night and days are,
| Trout bait | Recommended single hook size |
| Salmon egg | 10 to 12 |
| corn | 10 to 12 |
| power bait | 8 to 12 |
| Plastic bead | 10 to 12 |
| worms | 8 to 14 |
| Spawn sac | 6 to 8 |
Best Hook Sizes for Different Fishing Tactics
Trout has a great vision and live in clear water, so you need to choose the right hook for them. If you do not know the area’s fish size, choose a smaller size hook compared to a single or double hook.
A single barbed hook can use to catch and release the rainbow or brown trout. Use a tackle box to store the hooks.
Best Size Hook for Fly Fishing Trout
One key component for fly fishing trout is using the proper hook. Different size hooks are better for other flies. Use lighter hooks for dry flies.
As dry flies are thinner, choose the hook size between #14 and #20. Choose #6 to #10 size hook for larger wet flies. For mid-size flies, choose #12 to 16 hook. Larger sizes hooks are not good for fishing for trout. Use high-quality hooks and proper sizes of hooks.
Hook Size Spinning Trout
Choose #10 for the single hook, ten inline spinnings, and #12 for the treble hook.
Best Hook Size Jigging
1/16 oz jigs are suitable for trout fishing. deeper water requires 1/8 oz jigs. #4 size hook is enough for aby jigs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size
When it comes to choosing the right size hook for rainbow trout, there is no one definitive answer. Instead, you’ll want to experiment with different sizes to see what works best for your particular fishing situation.
For example, if you’re targeting smaller rainbows near brushy cover, a smaller hook may be more effective than a larger one. Conversely, a larger hook may be preferable if you’re targeting larger rainbows in open water. The key is to experiment and find what size hook consistently catches the most fish in your area.
- First, take into account the type of fishing you plan on doing. If you intend on playing it safe by using a crankbait or worm, then go with a smaller hook. Conversely, if you’re looking for an aggressive fight with bigger lures, go with a larger hook.
- Use a chart to determine your fish’s weight and size. Check the dimensions of different hooks to see which one will fit your trout spinning rod comfortably.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout fishing?
There is a lot of debate on what the best bait for rainbow trout fishing is. Some believe that live baits are the best, while others feel that artificial lures are better. It all comes down to personal preference and what you think will work best for catching these fish.
Some good options for live bait include worms, small frogs or crayfish, and even small pieces of chicken or turkey. Artificial lures can be made from simple jigs to crazy-looking spinners and deep diving spoons. The key thing to remember is to find something that looks like something the trout would eat and that you can put in some subtle movements, so it seems alive.
I also recommend you do some research on the different types of lures available and figure out what is best for you.
Best Hook Size for Trout with Worm
Size 8 to 14 is the best hook for using a worm in trout fishing. A baitholder hook with two barbs on the shank is suitable for worms. It is helpful for live bait so it can move while staying on the hooks.
Trout Hooks for Powerbait
Powerbait is adequate to catch stocked trout. Most stocked trout are small in size, and you can use both single and treble hooks for Powerbait.
#8 to #12 size hook is best for the single hook. For treble hook, the range is #12 to #16. Use a smaller treble hook as trout’s mouth is small so that they can devour the bait.
Is a Size 2 Hook too Big for Trout?
Using the correct hook size improves bait presentation. Some larger hook size is 1/0,2/0,3/0, and 8/0. When using a bigger hook, a smallmouth trout won’t bait it because the hook is too big for them.
Also, a more significant hook can only be used for bigger bait. A size two hook is too big for the trout and will give a poor presentation in the water.
Different Types of Hooks for Trout Fishing
Single hooks are best for trout fishing. Some experienced anglers use special hooks for a specific type of bait. Some hooks are treble hooks, octopus hooks, circle hooks, etc. Double hooks can also use, but it is not that common.
Treble hooks can keep the Powerbait long time in the water. Also, you won’t lose the bait during the fight. Octopus and circle hooks are suitable for the short shank. And single hook can use for another type of bait.
The best octopus hooks size for trout is 8 to 12, and 10 to 12 is suitable for circle hooks. For treble hook, 10 to 14 size is better for trout fishing. Sometimes size 16 is essential when fishing trout in the creeks and streams. Barbless hooks can also use in trout fishing.
Best Hook Size in Clear Water
The hook size depends on water clarity. Like 6 or 8-size hooks, bigger hooks are suitable for dirty water as trout won’t see the visible hook. The smaller hook is best for clear water as trout can see it, so the hook must be concealed in the bait.
A 10 to 14-size hook is better. Suppose the current is slow, use 10 to 12 sizes. Use bigger sizes in faster current as they will be less likely to see the hook. A 6-size hook is suitable for faster water.
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