Understanding Hooks: Sizes, Types and Best Use Cases

Complete Guide to Fishing Hook Types and Sizes

Fishing hooks are arguably the most essential component in any angler’s tackle collection. Whether you are a beginner learning how to fish in Kenya’s lakes, rivers, or along the coast, or a seasoned angler targeting specific species, understanding hook types, sizes, and their best use cases is critical for successful fishing. Choosing the wrong hook can result in missed bites, lost fish, or damaged bait.

This guide provides a comprehensive look at fishing hooks in Kenya, their uses, costs, durability, and practical applications in freshwater, marine, and aquaculture environments. You will also learn how to select the right hook for different species, baits, and fishing techniques, ensuring you get the best value from your tackle.

Whether you fish in Lake Victoria, Naivasha, Tana River, or along the Indian Ocean near Mombasa and Kilifi, this guide will help you make informed decisions and build a well-rounded hook collection.

Fishing Hooks in Kenya

Fishing hooks in Kenya come in a variety of sizes and types to suit different species, water conditions, and angling methods. They are commonly used in freshwater lakes and rivers as well as light saltwater fishing along the Kenyan coast.

Common hook types include:

J-hooks: Classic design used for most freshwater fish.
Circle hooks: Ideal for catch-and-release fishing because they hook fish in the mouth.
Treble hooks: Often used with lures and hard baits for multiple points of contact.
Octopus hooks: Great for live or cut bait, especially for tilapia and catfish.
Baitholder hooks: Designed to hold soft baits securely.

Hooks also vary in material and coating, including stainless steel, black nickel, bronze, or chemically treated options to resist rust and corrosion.

Browse available options:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-accessories

Uses of Fishing Hooks

Fishing hooks are versatile and are used across various applications in Kenya:

1. Freshwater Fishing

Hooks are essential for targeting:

Tilapia
Trout
Catfish
Small Nile perch

Hook selection depends on species size and bait type.

2. Saltwater Fishing

Along the coast, hooks are used for:

Reef fish
Kingfish
Barracuda
Snapper

Saltwater hooks often require corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand exposure to salt.

3. Fly-Fishing

Smaller hooks are used for fly patterns such as:

Wet flies
Dry flies
Terrestrials
Salmon flies

See fly hook options:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-flies/wet-flies-

4. Aquaculture Applications

Hooks are used for:

Sampling fish stock in ponds
Harvesting small quantities
Managing broodstock safely

Cost of Fishing Hooks in Kenya

The cost of fishing hooks in Kenya depends on hook type, size, and brand:

Small freshwater hooks: KES 50 – 150 each
Medium hooks for tilapia, trout, and catfish: KES 150 – 500
Premium or specialized hooks: KES 500 – 2,000+

Buying from reputable suppliers like Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd ensures quality hooks that are durable and rust-resistant.

Durability of Fishing Hooks

The durability of fishing hooks depends on:

1. Material

Stainless steel hooks resist rust.
Carbon steel hooks offer sharpness but may corrode if not maintained.

2. Coating

Black nickel and bronze coatings improve corrosion resistance.

3. Storage

Hooks stored in dry, ventilated tackle boxes last years.
Avoid mixing hooks with wet bait or unprotected lures to prevent corrosion.

Fishing with Fishing Hooks

Selecting the right hook ensures maximum fishing efficiency:

Match hook size to fish species
Use circle hooks for catch-and-release
Treble hooks are effective with lures
Live bait hooks should hold bait securely
Adjust hook style for freshwater or saltwater conditions

Proper hook selection improves hook-up rates, reduces lost fish, and protects your bait.

Aquaculture Applications of Fishing Hooks

In aquaculture settings across Kenya, hooks are used for:

Sampling fish for size and health monitoring
Harvesting small ponds or tanks
Sorting and moving broodstock
Predator management

Using hooks designed for aquaculture prevents injury to the fish and makes handling safer for workers.

Types of Fishing Hooks and Best Use Cases

1. J-Hooks

Standard hook for freshwater
Best for general fishing and live bait
Sizes range from 4 to 10 for tilapia, 1/0 to 4/0 for larger Nile perch

2. Circle Hooks

Excellent for catch-and-release
Reduces gut-hooking
Works well with live or cut bait

3. Treble Hooks

Three points for better hooking
Ideal for lures, spoons, and crankbaits
Not recommended for catch-and-release

4. Octopus Hooks

Short shank, wide gap
Holds live bait securely
Common for freshwater species

5. Baitholder Hooks

Extra barbs to hold soft baits
Good for tilapia and trout
Prevents bait slippage during casts

Hook Sizes Explained

Fishing hooks come in small numbers (1–14) and augmented sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0, etc.).

Small hooks (#12–#4): Ideal for trout, tilapia, and small freshwater species.
Medium hooks (#1–#1/0): Best for catfish, Nile perch juveniles, and medium freshwater fish.
Large hooks (#2/0–#6/0+): For saltwater species like kingfish, barracuda, and large Nile perch.

Tip: Use the smallest hook possible to suit your target species—larger hooks may reduce bites and affect catch rates.

Hook Materials and Coatings

Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant, durable, ideal for freshwater and saltwater.
High-Carbon Steel: Sharp and strong, but susceptible to rust without maintenance.
Bronze Coated Hooks: Provides aesthetic finish and moderate corrosion resistance.
Nickel or Black Nickel Coating: Ideal for saltwater environments; reduces visible corrosion.

How to Store Fishing Hooks

Proper storage prevents rust, tangling, and lost hooks:

Use a tackle box with small compartments
Keep hooks dry and ventilated
Use anti-rust inserts or silica gel
Separate different types and sizes
Store saltwater hooks with light oil coating
Regularly inspect hooks for corrosion and replace damaged ones

Tackle boxes and hook storage solutions:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-accessories
https://shop.mft.co.ke/tackle-boxes-and-bags

Where to Buy Quality Fishing Hooks in Kenya

Purchase durable and reliable hooks from Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd:

MFT provides hooks suitable for freshwater, saltwater, and aquaculture use, backed by expert guidance and countrywide delivery.

Why Choose Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd?

Wide selection of fishing hooks and accessories
Affordable and durable products
Expert advice for beginners and professionals
Countrywide delivery
Trusted supplier in Kenya for fishing and aquaculture equipment

Store & Delivery Info

Address: Darosa Plaza, Karen Rd
Call/WhatsApp: 0706 903465

Store Hours:
Mon–Fri: 08:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 14:00

Countrywide Deliveries Available
✔ Same-day delivery within Nairobi
✔ Next-day delivery to other parts of Kenya

We deliver to towns including (but not limited to): Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Malindi, Nyeri, Kakamega, Kitale, Meru, Thika, Machakos, Garissa, Voi, Kericho, Bungoma.