Hook Size and style Question

[Beehaw]

What size and style hook is recommended for each of the below rigs?

* Drifting a pinfish or LY behind the boat, while fishing the flats.

* Bottom fishing for sheepshead under bridges.

* Freelining for tarpon in the bays.

Thanks for any input!

[Salty Gator]

I use owner circle hooks. 1-0 or 2-0 drifting the flats. #6 for sheepies and 6-0 to 9-0 for tarpon. Good luck.

[Jumptrout51]

Size matters.
The bigger the better.
Unless you know how to finesse a bream hook.

[fishinfool]

The very few times I use live bait it is as follows:
#1 3/0-4/0 circle hook
#2 #1 or #2 silver J hook
#3 6/0-9/0 circle hook
Just remember not to set the hook with a circle. Let the fish swim away until the line gets tight, then start reeling in. Or in the case of a Tarpon, hold on till the drag stops screaming.
FF

[onefishtwofish]

And bow to the King.

Amen to circle hooks. I was skeptical of not setting the hook, but it is nice to catch 30 reds and not have a single one hooked anywhere other than the corner of the lip.

I would not use a circle on a sheepie, but it has been years since I targeted them and I had never seen a circle hook back then. Do they work for you folks fishing for inmates?

[Salty Gator]

A very small and sharp circle hook works well for sheepies. J hooks work well also, but I prefer circle hooks. I'm probably the only one that likes them more. Ive heard great arguments for both larger and smaller circle hooks, but tend to stay smaller myself. I'm sure you will figure out what works best with the bait you are using and the fish you are targeting. Get after em