Whats your hook preference for live lining Pogies\bunker? I used vmc's 3/0's and 4/0's last year just wondering if theres something better or what everyone else is using out there. Seem to fly through hooks once the yellow eyed devils are around..

http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/showthread.php?t=42902

Some thoughts in here, Vic.

Mustad Big Gun Bait Hooks

Ultra Point.

5/0 vmc trebles for me.

very cool. Good stuff NF

4/0, 5/0 treble hook 4X

5/0 vmc trebles.

Eagle Claw L2004EL non offset circle hook size 8/0. Hook the bunker through the lips rather than the back.

Ewwww... :) Politically- incorrect to say I know-- but I HATE Circle Hooks for fishing large live baits! (Clams/ worms/ chunks OK... not that I ever fish with clams or worms personally)


As I'm mostly C & R myself (just my choice)... I'd never use a treble for fishing any baitfish/ bait!

I would do so only if I was after Meat alone... & even then I'd quick- set on takes looking to avoid deep hooked smaller Bass... :humpty:


I do plenty of livelining Pogies in Spring usually when boat- fishing, & have my whole life... & all I ever use is the Mustad 92553BL in 8/0 on 50 lb. mono. leader! ;)

Hook the Pogy in the upper (outer-) mouth- roof, & then out above the lip/ nostril... that keeps that hook right where it should be! Anyone who knows WHEN to strike fishing this tactic... will not miss many more fish with a single J- hook, vs. a treble, trust me! :smokin:

I like small trebles for livelining, 1/0 or 2/0 vmc at most, in the nose of pogy or mac. I have never had a problem hooking fish and they dont shy away if pressured.

i use a 7/0 circle live bait hook (short shank)gamagastu, and eagleclaw live bait 7/0 bronze been my favorite through the lips with lead or near dorsel fin for easy swimming. both work well for me in different situations.