Of all of the equipment that you will be using during each and every fishing trip, your hook may be the most important for a lot of reasons. It does not matter what kind of bait you are using, or what an expert you are at casting the line out- if the hook fails then you will not bring home the fish, period.

Your hook should be tied well, sharp and of the appropriate size for the fish that you are trying to land. It should also be strong, and rust-free so that you do not end up pulling your hair out in frustration as yet another fish swims away, remnants of your hook still in his mouth.

For a hook to be effective it should be:

1. The right size. If a hook is too small, your fish will swallow the bait right off the hook and go on about his business without even slowing down. If the hook is too big, he will not be able to swallow it, and will again, eat your bait and then swim off without a problem.

2. The right type. Hooks come with a single sharp edge, double or treble hooks, barbed or not barbed. If you are going to be doing some catch and release fishing, then look for barb-less hooks to make removing the hook that much easier for you and safer for the fish. Remember, the more hooks and edges that you are fishing with, the more likely you will be to snag.

3. The right strength. Hooks come in different types of metals, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The more vicious a fight that the fish you are seeking will put up, the stronger your hook will need to be.

Always handle your hooks carefully, once you have hooked yourself a time or two you will understand how painful these things can be to pull out of a finger or other body part. Use care when casting your line, especially in a crowded boat or shoreline.

Do not just blindly swing your rod backwards, as you never know when one of your companions will have walked behind you. Do not leave your hook’s container open, get your hook and then securely close it back up. Investigate ways to keep your hooks tangle free and use care when reaching in to get a new one.