What size hook?

[Lunker]

If I was fishing the miss or minn rivers for cats, what size hook should I use. I know it varies between flats and channels, but waht size hook could be used for either?

[korn_fish]

Start out with a 2/0 hook. I use that for cut bait most of the time in spring. Just like other fish, I downsize in spring offering smaller portions of cutbait.

The size hook has to do with the size of the bait, not necessarily the size of the fish.

For live bait, 5-6 inches, a 4/0 or 5/0 hook should do. This size in a kahle hook (mustad) is what I use for cutbait during the summer months and for any medium sized bait (5-6 inches). I also like the gamakatsu worm hooks in the 5/0. Darn those things are sharp.

Large bait like a sucker weighing in at pound + will get a 7/0 to a 10/0 hook.

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catchabiggun
http://www.angelfire.com/mn/flatheadpride/index.html

[Dennis Steele]

The most important thing to consider when selecting a hook is the bait size like korn suggested.You do not want to fill the "throat" (point to bend)of the hook with bait.When baiting your hook only fill half of the bend of the hook with bait.
I prefer using little larger hook. The smallest hook I use is usually a 3/0 on jigs for cats and a plain hook is usually a 4/0 or better in a kahle or wide gap circle.

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Minnesota River Guided Fishing
"fishhead"
[email protected]
www.mnriverguidedfishing.com

[This message has been edited by Dennis Steele (edited 03-29-2003).]