Hook size and type question

[USA-RET]

Been beach fishing for shark and have been using 7/0 mustad all purpose hooks in the past. Have caught nurse, Blacktip and bonnet-head, I'm curious, what the concensus is on the size and style of hooks best for shark fishing. Should I be using maybe 10/0-12/0 instead?

I usually fish dead bait, mullet, cat, Ladyfish, etc.

I hear a lot about the cicle hooks being great as they set themselves if you let the fish run for a while and then engage the reel.

I lost all my terminal tackle somewhere, hooks, leaders material, snaps, swivels, the whole ball of wax, gone. With that in mind I was heading to the local Bass Pro shop to start buying everything over again.

So before I spend my money on less worthy stuff, I thought I'd ask some of the "Vets" for recommendations on hook types and sizes (and anything else they care add).

I'm not targeting any particular species but would like to increase my odds of hooking anthing 5 feet or larger.

Thanks to those who answer. Cheers.

[Iron-Em]

You use cats for bait? j/k

For the smaller sharks I would say to use 7/0 or bigger J hook ....ive been using the big circle hooks with dead bait...basically with alot of baits I use a 20/0...i know alot of guys where i live do go with the huge J hooks....
My buddy got a Hammerhead Yesterday...il post it in the reports section.....it will be under maddawgandcrew T-Head!

[matt anderson]

Eegle Claw 8/0 lazer sharp wide gaped circle hooks

they are cheep but strong

[Iron-Em]

8/0 is kinda small......especially for the beach.. but I think its better to use atleast 18/0 because just in case you hook a biggun....

[USA-RET]

Maybe I'll pick up some 10/0-12/0 Gamakatsu and give them a try. I have never seen anything bigger than a 14/0 around Bonita and they wanted $5 a piece for them.

BTW, should I be spreading the circle out a bit to make the hook more open? Some of those circle hooks look like a big split ring (for a closed as they are).

Cheers

[Blacktip Hunter]

I've tried Mustad, Eagle Claw, Gamakatsu, and Owner hooks on BT's and other sharks on the surf and I discorvered that the best all around hook is the Owner Super Mutu. Buy some packs of 11/0's and 12/0's.

[davewolfs]

Originally Posted by Iron-Em

8/0 is kinda small......especially for the beach.. but I think its better to use atleast 18/0 because just in case you hook a biggun....

8 is small??? I find that 8/0 super mutu's are fine.

[Blacktip Hunter]

Originally Posted by davewolfs

8 is small??? I find that 8/0 super mutu's are fine.

I use 8/0 Super Mutu's for Bluefish and Jacks. They are too small for sharks. 10/0 Super Mutu's are the minimum.

[USA-RET]

I picked up some 11/0 Owners. Nice hooks and very sharp too.

One last question. I have been fishing off the bottom when I beach fish, (wire leader and slip sinker). Would I be better off using a float to keep the bait off the bottom to eliminate some of the nurse shark bites?

Thanks Guys......cheers!

[Blacktip Hunter]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

I picked up some 11/0 Owners. Nice hooks and very sharp too.

One last question. I have been fishing off the bottom when I beach fish, (wire leader and slip sinker). Would I be better off using a float to keep the bait off the bottom to eliminate some of the nurse shark bites?

Thanks Guys......cheers!

Wire and sinker is the best way. Keep your baits on the bottom.