fishhooks

A fishhook is a sharp, usually barbed implement used to catch fish. It is attached to a fishing line and is designed to penetrate the mouth of a fish when it bites. Fishhooks come in a vast array of sizes and shapes, tailored for different species of fish and fishing techniques. The size of a hook is often measured by its gap, the distance from the shank to the point, with smaller numbers indicating larger hooks.

The basic components of a fishhook include the eye, which is where the line is attached; the shank, the long shaft of the hook; the bend, which connects the shank to the point; and the point, the sharpened end that pierces the fish. Many hooks also feature a barb, a small projection on the point that helps to keep the hook embedded in the fish's mouth, preventing it from easily escaping.

Materials used to make fishhooks have evolved over time, from bone and shell in ancient times to bronze, iron, and now commonly steel alloys. The design of fishhooks has also been refined, leading to specialized hooks for specific purposes such as trolling, fly fishing, and bait fishing. The correct selection and rigging of a fishhook are crucial for successful angling.