Fishing Hook Finishes: An Overview of the Most Popular Coats and Platings
When choosing a hook for your fishing needs, you want to ensure that it's durable and protected from rust, corrosion, and dulling. The hook's finish can play an important role in this regard, as well as in the hook's presentation and ability to attract target species. Additionally, some hook finishes are more conservation-minded, allowing hooks to degrade and fish to heal after being hooked.
The most popular hook finishes include:
Let's take a closer look at each of these finishes:
Bronze
Bronze hooks offer the least amount of protection against corrosion, making them an affordable option for many anglers. In some cases, their lack of corrosion protection can be beneficial, especially when bait fishing for trout and allowing the hook to rust and decay more naturally.
Some hooks available in a Bronze finish: 024 Wide Gap Baitholder Hook, 147 Kahle Snell, 166 Pro-v Baitholder Hook
Nickel
Nickel hooks provide a step up in protection against rust and corrosion compared to bronze hooks. They are a good choice for anglers who want to extend the life of their hooks and prevent dulling.
Some hooks available in a Nickel finish: 142 Kahle Hook, L608 Spinnerbait Hook
Gold
Gold hooks are nickel-finished hooks with an additional layer of gold plating, offering increased corrosion resistance. This finish is a long-time favorite among crappie and trout anglers and is known for its attractive appearance.
Some hooks available in a Gold Finish: 202-214 Aberdeen Hook, 038 Salmon Egg Baitholder Hook, 203 Pro-V Aberdeen
Red
Red hooks are nickel-finished hooks with an added layer of red plating, offering a bit more protection against corrosion and the elements. Some anglers believe that the red finish mimics the appearance of blood on wounded prey, making the hooks more enticing to fish. Others think that red hooks are less visible to certain species in deeper water.
Some Red Hook options: L7259R Red Trailer Hook w/Tubing, 084-089 Plain Shank Hook
Platinum Black
Platinum Black hooks are a popular choice among bass and saltwater anglers because they don't reflect light in shallow water. They offer slightly less corrosion protection compared to SeaGuard hooks but are still an excellent option for anglers fishing in saltwater environments.
Some Platinum Black options: L11 Pro-V Octopus Hook, TK3 Offset Lancet Circle Hook, TK934 Round Bend Treble Hook
SeaGuard
SeaGuard hooks offer the best protection against highly corrosive saltwater. These hooks are ideal for saltwater anglers who want to extend the life of their hooks and be conservation-minded at the same time.
Some SeaGuard Hook options: L197 Circle Sea Hook, L198 Circle Sea Big Eye Trot Line Hook, 066 2x Long Shank Hook
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel hooks are made of stainless steel wire and offer extreme resistance to harsh saltwater environments. Although they are expensive, they are an excellent option for saltwater anglers. It's worth noting that unlike other hooks, stainless steel hooks won't quickly rust out of a fish's mouth if they break off.
Some Stainless Steel Hook options: 090SS Stainless Steel Plain Shank Hook, 254SS O'Shaughnessy Hook
Conclusion
When choosing a hook finish, it's important to consider factors such as corrosion resistance, presentation, conservation, and your target species. By understanding the benefits of each finish, you can make an informed decision and select the best hook for your fishing needs. If you have any questions post them in the comment section below we'd love to help!
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Learn more about fish hooks to maximize your time on the water! Click here to learn what makes a fish hook and how to take what you've learned to select the right hook for each angling adventure you take.