Hi guys, when I fish live eels I always use Gamakatsu Live Bait hooks, size 6/0. I've heard some people use 7/0.

I'm curious which size you guys prefer.

Thanks

I use the 6/0 with smaller eels and 7/0 with bigger eels.
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Attention to detail! I like it!

7/0 Gami octopus.
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5/0 sometimes 6/0

M&D's carries VMC live bait hooks for $7ish (25pk).
Gamakatsu's were $20+ for a 25pk. the last time I bought them.

5/0

6/0

I use 8/0 for larger eels and 7/0 for smaller ones.

I don't use the Gami hooks though I use the Mustad Big Gun live bait hooks.

both... 6/0 and 7/0. I used to fish the 6/0 exclusively to help avoid snags, but lately I have been favoring the 7/0 hooks. I like the wider gap for larger fish. That being said, i dont use the live bait hooks, i use the octopus hook. I like the longer shank as opposed to the live bait, as well as the offset beak as opposed to the live bait hook which has no offset.

In the long run, if you are using 6/0 or 7/0 for live eels, you are in the right neighborhood. Feel confident with either

8/0.
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Sinners!

Sinners!
:rotf2:

7/0

5/0 for smaller size eels,6/0 for the majority and 7/0 for congers and yoyo.

5/0 or 6/0 whatever I have. For average sized eels makes little difference.
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Thanks for the replies guys. Was asking more out of curiously than anything. I may try 7/0 a bit more this spring to see if it makes a difference.
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5/0 HD
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HD?
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HD?
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Heavy Duty,they are a lot thicker.
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Heavy Duty,they are a lot thicker.
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And add a little extra weight to the front of the eel to help get it down a little more :)

6/0 or 7/0

And add a little extra weight to the front of the eel to help get it down a little more :)

How would you know that? You don't fish.
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I use 8/0 Gami mainly , but I did try the "demon hook" I think mustad makes them. Its heavier for sure and did help keep the eel down low on a longer drift. Made a difference IMO. It was a straight j circle with no off set , worked great in the canal but was too heavy in the surf.

7/0

7/0 hd

I've also tried the VMC tuna hooks, which were VERY GOOD if you stay on top of the points with a sharpener

the regular gami octos have a real thin shank, im my opinion.

Thanks guys. Do you snell your eel hooks to the leaders or use a clinch or palomar?

Snell to 40# Seaguar
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If its a bent hook I snell it, straight j hooks get palomar
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If its a bent hook I smell it, straight j hooks get palomar
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Andy, what does it smell like?
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6/0, 7/0 and 8/0....depending on the size of the eels

Andy, what does it smell like?
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Like auto correct is smarter than I am...
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eagle claw lazer sharp 7/0 circle sea By far best hook up % of any hook i have used with eels use 8/0 if using clams don't use with chunk

Feel the tap tip the rod flick the wrist Corner of the mouth game over
very rare to get a gut hook

if snelled with the pull of the line over the eye the just keep digging

no lie 99% hook up rate rarely a pulled or shaken hook I know a lot of guys don't like them but honestly your missing out they are a win win for us and the fish if your a release guy like me

I primarily use 5/0. I like a smaller hook for presentation, i think its a mental thing. Smaller hook equals a more natural presentation. It may also equals a few less fish but i don't miss many.

7/0 Gami Octopus Circle for me. Been using them so long I wouldn't know how to hook a fish on a J-hook anymore. The circles also slide thru the boulders much easier than J's.

7/0 and even 8/0 for those larger eels!

Looks like nobody uses the mustad tuna hooks. I like a 96150 ( I think that is the #) 8/0 mustad tuna hook. The Gami's have a very small barb which I do not like. The mustad are a bit stronger, but more importantly a bigger barb so the eel does not go off into the ocean when you need to lay into a cast.

Usually 6/0. NOT the HD; just seems like overkill, and because I'm cheap and they're expensive.

A really awesome eel hook is the VMC live bait hook in the tinned salt water coating. They cost a lot, but I bet you could get a full season out if 5 of them if you never had a break off... It's the hook I chose to make my rigged surfhog eels.
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I've been using the 18416 6/0 Live Bait hooks for many years. Very sharp and better barbs then the regular Gami's, which keeps the eels on the hook all night long. Worth every cent! Bigger hooks not not equal bigger fish,,just the opposite.

6/0 octpus for me

Is the 18416 a Gami?

Is the 18416 a Gami?

Yes it is. Amazon has them on sale right now for $7.32. Now that's a steal.

Anyone ever try the owner guerrillas?

Ahh Yes-- Just looked it up-- thanks. I have tried those hooks. Still prefer the mustad. The mustads barb are just a bit bigger.

Bill, can you bring a pack of those Mustad's to SurfDay in NJ. I can't seem to find them online. I have been tinkering with different eel fishing hooks and would like to give them a shot.

Hi Russ-- I had the numbers wrong-- they are 94150. Here is a pick.. Most of them these days come sharp, but unlike the Gami you need to check them and make sure they are sharp. Great hook!

excellent, thanks. I was searching for the number and coming up empty. As for sharpness, I keep a file in my rigging box. Sharp is not an issue.

Thanks again Bill.