Walleye Hooks Guide: Best Hooks for Walleye Fishing

When it comes to catching walleye, having the right hook can make all the difference. We all know walleye can be tricky - they’re smart, cautious, and often bite lightly. That’s why choosing the best hooks is key to landing more fish and having a great day on the water. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about walleye hooks, from types to sizes, and how to pick the perfect one for your next trip.

Walleye Hooks Guide: What You Need to Know

Walleye fishing is a unique challenge. These fish have sharp eyesight and tend to nibble before fully biting. So, your hook needs to be sharp, strong, and sized just right. Too big, and you might scare them off. Too small, and you risk losing the fish.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes a good walleye hook:

• Sharpness: A sharp point ensures quick penetration.

• Strength: Walleye fight hard, so your hook must hold up.

• Size: Usually between #4 and #8, but it depends on your bait and fishing style.

• Shape: Different shapes work better for different rigs and baits.

  
  

Using the right hook can improve your hookup ratio and reduce lost fish. Plus, it helps keep your bait looking natural, which is a big deal with walleye.

Close-up view of a variety of fishing hooks arranged on a wooden surface

Types of Walleye Hooks You Should Try

There are several types of hooks that work well for walleye fishing. Let’s break down the most popular ones and when to use them.

1. Aberdeen Hooks

These are thin, long-shanked hooks. They’re great for live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers because they cause less damage to the bait, keeping it lively longer. The long shank also makes it easier to remove the hook from the fish.

• Best for: Live bait rigs

• Sizes: #4 to #8

• Pros: Keeps bait lively, easy to remove

  
  

2. Octopus Hooks

Octopus hooks have a short shank and a slightly curved shape. They’re versatile and work well with both live and artificial baits. The curve helps hold the bait better and improves hook-up rates.

• Best for: Jigging and live bait combos

• Sizes: #2 to #6

• Pros: Versatile, strong hook set

  
  

3. Circle Hooks

Circle hooks are designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, which is great for catch-and-release fishing. They’re less common for walleye but can be useful if you want to minimize injury.

• Best for: Catch-and-release fishing

• Sizes: #4 to #8

• Pros: Less damage to fish, good for conservation

  
  

4. Siwash Hooks

Siwash hooks are long-shanked and often used for replacing treble hooks on spoons or spinners. They’re strong and hold up well against toothy fish like walleye.

• Best for: Replacing treble hooks on lures

• Sizes: #4 to #8

• Pros: Durable, good for lures

  
  

What is the Best Hook for Walleye?

Picking the best hook depends on your fishing style and bait choice. But if I had to pick one, the Octopus hook often takes the crown for walleye fishing. Here’s why:

• It’s versatile enough for live bait and soft plastics.

• The curved shape helps keep bait on longer.

• It offers a strong hook set without being too big or intimidating.

  
  

For live bait rigs, I usually go with a size #4 or #6 Octopus hook. It’s just the right balance between strength and subtlety. If I’m fishing with minnows, I might switch to an Aberdeen hook to keep the bait lively.

If you’re jigging with soft plastics, a smaller Octopus or Siwash hook works great. Just make sure the hook is sharp and rust-resistant. Walleye often bite lightly, so a dull hook means missed fish.

Eye-level view of a fishing rod with a walleye hook rigged and ready

How to Choose the Right Size Hook for Walleye

Hook size can be confusing, but it’s super important. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Smaller hooks (#6 to #8): Best for small live bait like minnows or small nightcrawlers. Also good for finesse fishing.

• Medium hooks (#4 to #6): The most common size range for walleye. Works well with medium-sized bait and most rigs.

• Larger hooks (#2 to #4): Use these if you’re fishing with bigger bait or targeting larger walleye.

  
  

Remember, the hook size should match your bait size. Too big, and the bait looks unnatural. Too small, and the hook might not hold the fish well.

Also, consider the water clarity and walleye behavior. In clear water, smaller, more subtle hooks can help. In murky water or when fish are aggressive, a bigger hook might be better.

Tips for Using Walleye Fishing Hooks Effectively

Getting the right hook is just the start. How you use it matters too. Here are some quick tips to get the most out of your hooks:

• Keep hooks sharp: Carry a hook sharpener and touch up your hooks regularly.

• Match your rig: Use the right hook for your rig type - slip bobber, jig, or live bait.

• Use quality hooks: Cheap hooks can bend or break. Invest in good ones that last.

• Set the hook gently: Walleye bite lightly, so a quick, firm hook set is better than a hard yank.

• Check your knots: A strong knot keeps your hook and fish connected.

  
  

If you want to explore more options, check out this walleye fishing hooks selection for a variety of quality hooks that fit your needs.

Wrapping It Up: Hook Up More Walleye

Choosing the right hook can seriously up your walleye game. Whether you’re using live bait or soft plastics, the right hook size and style make a big difference. I’ve found that Octopus hooks are a solid all-around choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with Aberdeens or Siwash hooks depending on your setup.

Keep your hooks sharp, match them to your bait, and pay attention to how walleye are biting. With the right tackle and a bit of patience, you’ll be landing more walleye in no time.

Happy fishing!