Surf fishing is a favourite pastime of many fishermen. While there are many ways to go about it, using the right hooks is essential for success. In this post, we’ll share our top picks for the best hooks for surf fishing.
Best Hooks For Surf Fishing Review
We’ll take a look at some of the best hooks for surf fishing. We’ll also discuss how to choose the right hook for your needs. So, whether you’re a novice fisherman or an experienced angler, read on for some helpful tips!
1# Mustad UltraPoint Model 39951NP-BN Demon Circle In-line Hook
When you’re looking for an outstanding general-purpose live-bait hook, the Mustad UltraPoint Model 39951NP-BN Demon Circle In-line Hook is tough to beat. It features an extra-wide bend, chemically sharpened Opti-Angle Needle Point, and Nor-tempered fine-wire construction, making it up to 30% stronger than competing hooks. The in-line point with the ringed eye is tournament approved and perfect for your next fishing excursion.
2# Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp L197 Circle Sea Offset Circle Hook
Eagle Claw’s Lazer Sharp L197 Circle Sea Offset Circle Hook is perfect for live bait rigs and trotlines! This light wire needlepoint hook has a large ringed eye for easy bait attachment, and its offset design provides greater holding power. The durable Sea Guard finish helps reduce fish mortality, while the light wire construction makes it easy to set the hook.
3# Eagle Claw 254 O’Shaughnessy Hooks
Looking for a hook that can handle anything you throw its way? Look no further than the Eagle Claw 254 O’Shaughnessy Hook. This tough little hook is perfect for trotlines or as a spinnerbait trailer hook, and it’s made right here in the USA. The sharp points and consistent construction make this hook a must-have in any tackle box. So don’t wait – grab a few Eagle Claw 254 O’Shaughnessy Hooks today and see what all the fuss is about!
4# Gamakatsu Round Bend Worm Hooks
Look at the Gamakatsu Round Bend Worm Hooks. The sliced shank design holds plastics securely in place, while the tempered bronze construction provides strength and durability. Plus, the low-profile design ensures a wide bite. Whether you’re fishing for bass, walleye or catfish, these hooks are sure to help you land the big one.
5# Gamakatsu Circle Octopus Hooks
Gamakatsu Circle Octopus Hooks are forged from high carbon steel and tempered for superior strength, durability, and quality. These hooks are super-sharp with a conically honed needlepoint, making them great for live bait fishing in both fresh- and saltwater.
6# Offshore Angler Light Wire Circle Hooks
When you need a hook that can handle any fish, you need an Offshore Angler™ Light Wire Circle Hook. These hooks are precision-crafted with light wire and needle-sharp points to puncture any lip. So when the bite is on, you can be sure your hook will hold fast.
7# VMC Tournament Circle B-Lok Hook
With the VMC Tournament Circle B-Lok Hook, you can keep your bait in the perfect spot for hookups! This strong and durable hook is made of forged Vanadium steel and has a needlepoint point for easy penetration. The extra-wide gap ensures a solid hookset, while the inline design keeps the bait from moving up or down the shank.
8# Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks are the perfect choice for anglers who demand the best in terms of strength and versatility. These hooks are constructed from high-quality materials for outstanding durability and feature an offset bend and extremely sharp point for quick jaw penetration. Whether you’re targeting inshore or offshore species, Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks are up to the task. Choose from a variety of sizes to match your preferred technique and fishing conditions.
9# Mustad Worm Hook
The Mustad Worm Hook is the perfect choice for anglers who want a reliable and effective hook for their fishing needs. This hook features 2 slices in the shank, which ensures that your worms stay firmly in place. The ringed eye also helps to keep your line securely in place, so you can focus on landing your next big catch. With its sharp point and durable construction, the Mustad Worm Hook is sure to help you reel in plenty of fish.
10# Tru-Turn Freshwater Hooks 722BL
Looking for a top-quality catfish hook that can withstand the elements? Look no further than the Tru-Turn Freshwater Hook. This hook is forged from super-strong steel and features a medium-large eye. It’s also been finished with PermaSteel, an earth-friendly finish that is extremely resistant to corrosion. So whether you’re fishing in fresh or saltwater, you can be confident that your Tru-Turn Freshwater Hook will perform beautifully.
11# Eagle Claw 084/089 Plain Shank Hooks
The Eagle Claw 084/089 Plain Shank Hook has a perfect combination of strength, design, and performance, this hook is ideal for a variety of live bait applications. Featuring an ultrasharp point and consistent construction, the Eagle Claw 084/089 Plain Shank Hook will help you land that big catch!
12# Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Down Eye Baitholder Hooks L181
The Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Down Eye Baitholder Hooks are the perfect choice for a wide variety of plastic worm applications. With their ultra-sharp points and consistent construction, these hooks offer the perfect combination of strength, design, and performance. Additionally, the offset design and forged construction make them ideal for a variety of worm techniques. Lastly, the bronze finish gives them a professional look that is sure to please.
13# Offshore Angler Octopus Beak Hooks
Looking for an edge in your next offshore fishing expedition? Then you need to try out Offshore Angler’s™ Octopus Beak Hooks. These precision-crafted hooks are needle-sharp, making them perfect for live bait. And with their black nickel finish, they’ll be sure to blend in with the surrounding environment. Best of all, these hooks come in a 25 pack, so you’re never caught short when it comes time to reel in that big one!
FAQ
Conclusion
Surf fishing can be a great way to spend a day by the water, and it’s especially fun when you have the right gear. In this article, we’ve shared our picks for the best hooks for surf fishing. We’ve also included some tips on how to use them so that you can start catching fish right away. Thanks for reading, and good luck in the surf!

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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Great article! If you’re looking for the perfect hooks for surf fishing, this is the place to start. I’m sure any angler would appreciate these tips and tricks for getting the best out of their fishing trip.
For this kind of fishing would be good hooks a regular straight shank Mustad 34007 is a great option, however, you will need to set the hook each time. For an easier experience, circle or octopus hooks are a better choice. The Owner MTU circle comes in sizes 1, 1/0, 2/0, and 3/0 and can be used for larger fish. For smaller catches, try using the Mustad 92553 in sizes 4 and 2.
If you’re getting bites but not landing them when surf fishing, try downsizing your hooks. Small plate-sized fish require sizes 4 to 1/0, while large plate size requires sizes 1/0 to 4/0. While it is possible to catch big fish on small hooks, it can be more difficult to catch small fish on larger hooks.
When fishing for striped bass, use a 5/0 inline circle hook with eels and an 8/0 for chunks of bunker or any other chunk bait. For worms, a 3/0 will work but ensure it is heavy-duty. Match the hook size to the bait size–for porgy, fluke, sea bass, tog, etc., there is no need to go over a 3/0.
Options include hooks, bait holders, and octopus hooks. To determine the necessary weight, 1.5 to 3 oz should be sufficient in most situations. If fishing in heavy surf with a rod that can handle it, you can use weights between 4-8 oz; however, this requires using a strong rod.
To increase your chances of catching a fluke, equip your rig with a high/low set-up. Keep the hooks 12-18″ apart with a loop at the bottom for a bank sinker and use 4/0 or 5/0 baitholder hooks for each dropper loop and bait it with 4″ or 5″ gulp swimming mullet in white. Retrieve it slowly as you drag along the bottom. For striper fishing, use one 5/0 or 6/0 circle hook baited with fresh clam or bunker chunks.
When surf fishing, circle hooks are the way to go as they will self-set if a fish grabs the bait and runs off. To stay up-to-date on what kind of bait is used in the area, check out your local tackle shops. Pyramid sinkers are good for holding in place but can be tricky when something steals your bait or you make a bad cast.
If you’re fishing in North Carolina, it’s likely the rig you described is too large. Instead, opt for a 1-2oz rig with hooks as small as #2-#4 (not 2/0-4/0). Cast into the suds between the low and high tide lines and look for fish in shallow water, up to two feet deep.