Why Hook Gap Matters More Than Hook Size
Most anglers choose hooks based on size alone — 3/0, 6/0, 8/0 — but what really determines whether a fish gets hooked or not is the hook gap.
The gap is the distance between the hook point and the shank. That space is what needs to clear the bait and still catch fish flesh when the fish bites.
Here’s why gap beats size every time
1. Bait blocks hook-ups
A big bait on a narrow-gap hook fills the gap completely. When the fish bites, the hook point never finds flesh — it just presses into bait.
2. Wide gaps punch through
A wider gap gives the hook point room to rotate and grab, even when the bait is bulky or soft like shrimp and sardines.
3. Fish don’t bite “clean”
Most fish crush, nip or mouth bait first. A proper gap allows the hook to catch on those imperfect bites.
4. Same size, different result
Two hooks can both be “3/0” but behave completely differently underwater if one has a narrow gap and the other a wide gape.
5. Better hook placement
Wide-gap hooks tend to hook fish in the corner of their mouth — stronger holds and fewer pull-outs.
Takeaway
- Don’t just upsize your hook — match the hook gap to the bait thickness, not the bait length.
- Sometimes a smaller hook with a wider gap will out-fish a bigger hook every time