Fishing Hooks
Fishing hooks, jig heads and rigs for every species, from bait hooks and circle hooks to jig heads, flasher rigs and assist hooks. Our range is led by BKK and Black Magic, alongside Daiwa, Wise Angler, Ocean Angler and Shout.
Strong, sharp hooks are the cheapest way to land more fish. Pair bait hooks with sinkers and swivels, rig jig heads with soft baits, and tie everything on to a quality leader.
Restock at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about fishing hooks
Circle hooks or J hooks - which should I use?
Circle hooks have a point that curves back towards the shank, so they slide to the corner of the fish's mouth and hook it as the fish swims away, without you needing to strike. That means fewer gut-hooked fish, which is better for releasing undersize fish. J hooks need a firm strike to set and suit lures and active bait fishing. For bait fishing for snapper, circle hooks are a great choice.
What hook size should I use?
Hook sizes run from small numbers like 8 and 6 for small fish, up through 1 to 1/0, then larger sizes like 4/0 and 8/0 for bigger fish. For snapper bait fishing, 3/0 to 6/0 is common, while kahawai and trevally suit 1/0 to 3/0. Match the hook to the size of the bait and the fish's mouth, and remember that sizes vary slightly between brands and styles.
What is a recurve hook?
A recurve hook is a circle-style hook with an offset or recurved point that is designed to set in the corner of the mouth like a circle hook, while being slightly more forgiving if you do strike. Recurve hooks are very popular for snapper fishing in New Zealand, especially on flasher and ledger rigs, as they hook fish reliably and reduce gut-hooking.
What is a flasher rig?
A flasher rig is a pre-tied ledger rig with two or three hooks on short droppers, each decorated with flashy materials, beads or lumo tubing that attract fish. A sinker clips to the bottom. Flasher rigs are extremely popular for snapper, gurnard and tarakihi fishing from boats, baited with small strips of pilchard, squid or bonito. Keep a few spares, as they wear out with use.
How do I choose a jig head for soft baits?
Choose the jig head weight to suit your depth and current, around 1/8 to 1/4 ounce in shallow water and 1/2 to 1 ounce or more in deeper water or strong current. Match the hook size to the length of your soft bait so the hook comes out about a third of the way down the bait. Use strong, sharp jig heads, especially where snapper and kingfish can be big.
How do I keep my hooks sharp?
Check hook points regularly by dragging them lightly across your thumbnail; a sharp hook digs in rather than sliding. Hooks blunt quickly on rocks, reef and fish jaws, and rust also dulls them. Touch up larger hooks with a hook file, but replace small or chemically sharpened hooks when they lose their edge, as they are hard to resharpen. Sharp hooks dramatically improve your hook-up rate.