Best Hooks For Trout Fishing 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

It’s no secret that trout fishing is one of the most popular forms of fishing around. In fact, it’s such a popular sport that there are dozens of different ways to fish for trout. Of all the methods and techniques available, however, one of the most important aspects of trout fishing is using the right hook. With so many different hooks on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which is the best hook for trout fishing.

Best Hook For Trout Fishing Review

The best hook for trout fishing can make all the difference when it comes to landing your catch. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated hooks for trout fishing, so you can make an informed decision on which one to use. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced angler, these hooks will help you bag more trout. Keep reading to learn more!

1# Gamakatsu Trout Worm Hook

Gamakatsu Trout Worm Hook

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Specification

Color: Bronze
Size: 10, 12, 14, 16
Quantity: 10

The Gamakatsu Trout Worm Hook is perfect for rigging soft finesse worms. Featuring a forged construction, this hook is strong enough to stand up to big fish. The fine wire and just the right shape and gap make this an ideal choice for your next fishing adventure.

Pros
  • Gamakatsu hooks are some of the sharpest hooks on the market

  • The Trout Worm Hook is designed to easily penetrate the flesh of a trout

  • Gamakatsu offers a lifetime warranty on all its hooks

  • The hook is available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs

Cons
  • The wire is thin and may easily bend or break

2# Mustad Trout Hook Kit

Mustad Trout Hook Kit

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Specification

Color: Bronze, Gold
Size: 10, 12, 14, 8

Looking for an edge on your next trout fishing trip? Make sure you’re prepared with the Mustad 35-Piece Trout Hook Kit. This comprehensive kit comes with 7 each of 5 different specialized hooks, perfect for rigging bait or plastic. With such a variety of options, you’ll be able to target trout like a pro. And at an unbeatable price, this kit is a steal! Don’t miss your chance to up your trout game – grab the Mustad 35-Piece Trout Hook Kit today.

Pros
  • The hooks are very sharp and have a fine point, which makes them great for catching trout

  • They come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs

  • The kit comes with a variety of hooks, so you have plenty to choose from

  • They’re also reasonably priced

Cons
  • The hooks are not very strong

3# Gamakatsu Trout Treble Hooks

Gamakatsu Trout Treble Hooks

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Specification

Size: 14, 18
Quantity: 4

Our Gamakatsu Trout Treble Hooks are the perfect choice for anglers targeting trout. These high-quality hooks are made from tempered high-carbon steel for superior strength and durability and feature Gamakatsu’s patented needle-honing process for incredibly sharp points. Whether you’re fishing for trout in a river or stream, or targeting them in a lake, these hooks will help you land more fish. So don’t wait – get your Gamakatsu Trout Treble Hooks today!

Pros
  • Durable

  • Sharp Hooks

  • Well-Crafted

Cons
  • Can be a bit too sharp

  • Not always the easiest hooks to bait

4# Trout Magnet Mini Magnet Jigheads

Trout Magnet Fishing Magnet Jigheads

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Specification

Color: Nickel, Gold
Size: 1/200 oz.
Quantity: 25

If you’re an angler who loves to fly fish for trout and panfish, then you need Trout Magnet Mini Magnet Jigheads in your arsenal. These downsized jigheads are perfect for those tough bites when conventional flies or jigs just won’t cut them. The shad dart head is precisely balanced and remains horizontal in the current, for a lifelike look that other jigs can’t match. Trout Magnet Mini Magnet Jigheads are easy to fish with or without a float and come in a 25-pack.

Pros
  • The Hook For Trout Fishing is durable and long-lasting.

  • The Hook For Trout Fishing is designed to remain sharp even after multiple uses.

  • The Hook For Trout Fishing is a great choice for both novice and experienced anglers.

  • The Hook For Trout fishing can be used with a variety of baits, making it versatile.

Cons
  • Difficult to set the hook

  • Not as durable as some of the other options on the market

5# Z-Man Trout Eye Jigheads TEJH316

Z-Man Trout Eye Jigheads TEJH316

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Specification

Size: 1/4 oz., 3/16 oz., 1/8 oz.
Quantity: 3

With its huge, natural-looking 3D eye, the Z-Man Trout Eye Jighead is irresistible to inshore predators. It’s hand-poured for precise balance and fitted with a super-sharp Mustad UltraPoint hook. The double barbs on the collar hold your plastic securely in place, so you can focus on reeling in that big one!

Pros
  • Durable

  • Sharp Hooks

  • Perfect Design for Trout Fishing

Cons
  • The hooks may bend or break with larger fish

6# Tiemco TMC 2457 Nymph Hook

Tiemco TMC 2457 Nymph Hook

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Specification

Color: Bronze
Size: 6, 8, 10, 18
Quantity: 25

The Tiemco TMC 2457 Nymph Hook is perfect for bringing your favourite nymphs, emergers, scuds, and shrimp to life. With its heavy wire and curved shank design, this hook offers a reliable performance that you can rely on season after season.

Pros
  • Curved Shank Design provides good hooking posture

  • Heavy Wire ensures good penetration

  • Sharp Hooks

  • Low Prices

Cons
  • It can be difficult to cast

7# Tiemco 403BLJ Barbless Fly Hook

Tiemco 403BLJ Barbless Fly Hook

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Specification

Color: Black
Size: 8, 16
Quantity: 25

Looking for a barbless hook that is easy to use and penetrates quickly? Check out the Tiemco 403BLJ. This hook is made with medium wire and has a super-fine point, making it perfect for nymphs, wet flies, bead-head patterns, and jigs. The 60° eye leg and wide gap make it easier to set the hook, and the black finish ensures that your fish will be properly secured. So make your next fishing trip a success with the Tiemco 403BLJ Fly Hook!

Pros
  • Super-fine point makes it perfect for nymphs, wet flies, bead-head patterns, and jigs

  • 60° eye leg and wide gap make it easier to set the hook

  • A black finish ensures that your fish will be properly secured

Cons
  • May not be the best hook for larger fish

8# Eagle Claw Trout Sliding Sinker Rig

Eagle Claw Trout Sliding Sinker Rig

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Specification

Color: Gold
Size: 12, 14, 16
Quantity: 25
Length: 36″

The Eagle Claw® Trout Sliding Sinker Rig is perfect for those bank-fishing adventures at your favourite trout lake. This trout rig comes with a gold treble hook at the end of a 36″ monofilament leader. The steel sliding egg sinker keeps your bait stationary while allowing your line to slide through so fish aren’t spooked when they pick up your bait. Ideal for bank-fishing setups, this gold-plated treble hook will make sure you’re fishing with the best of them. The 36″ monofilament leader gives you plenty of space to work with, and the steel sliding egg sinker ensures that your bait stays put no matter what!

Pros
  • The rig is well-made and tough

  • Hooks are sharp and hold bait securely

  • The sliding sinker makes it easy to adjust the depth

Cons
  • It can be a little difficult to use at first, but with a little practice, it becomes easier.

  • Some people have had trouble with the snaps detaching from the rig.

9# Hot Spot Apex Trout Killer Rig

Hot Spot Apex Trout Killer Rig

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Specification

Length: 1″, 1-1/2″
Lb. Test: 12

If you’re looking for a trolling lure that will drive big trout to strike, look no further than the Hot Spot Apex Trout Killer Rig. This banana-shaped lure delivers enticing, erratic action that is sure to attract fish, while the bladed siwash hook means more fish in the boat. This trout rig works best when trolled at a brisk 1.5 to 2 mph pace, and has been known to put the hurt on walleye as well. So if you’re serious about landing a trophy trout, make sure you have the Hot Spot Apex Trout Killer Rig in your tackle box.

Pros
  • Proven to attract big trout

  • Erratic action entices fish

  • Bladed Siwash hook increases catch rate

Cons
  • Can be trolled at a slow pace

  • Not ideal for smaller trout

10# Uncle Josh Snelled Spring Trout Hooks

Uncle Josh Snelled Trout Hooks

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Specification

Size: 8, 10, 12
Quantity: 5

Uncle Josh Snelled Spring Trout Hooks are the perfect tool for anglers looking to score big with moulded baits. The spring-loaded bait keeper holds your favourite moulded trout bait in place, giving you more time for that fish to find your offering. Once they’ve discovered your bait, the sharp, barbed hook pierces quickly for exceptional hook-up rates. Rig them easily with the included snelled hooks and get ready to reel in some serious trout!

Pros
  • The hooks are made of premium materials

  • They’re hand-tied with high-quality thread

  • They feature a long, weedless shank

  • They have realistic eyes for better bait presentations

Cons
  • The hooks are a bit pricey

  • They’re not always easy to find in stores

  • Some users have reported that the eyes fall off easily

11# Gamakatsu Snelled Single Trout Egg Hook

Gamakatsu Snelled Single Trout Egg Hook

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Specification

Size: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
Quantity: 10
Lb. Test: 2, 3, 4

Gamakatsu Snelled Single Trout Egg Hooks are perfect for targeting salmon in their natural habitats. The hooks come pre-snelled with premium monofilament, so you can rig up quickly and start fishing with confidence. The single hook design ensures a solid connection with your catch, making this an essential tool for serious anglers.

Pros
  • Durable

  • Sharp hook points

  • Variety of colours

Cons
  • Prone to rust

12# Uncle Josh Natura Tie ‘N Go Trout Rigs

Uncle Josh Tie 'N Go Trout Rigs

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Specification

Size: 1/4 oz., 3/8 oz., 1/8 oz.
Quantity: 2

Spend more time fishing and less time rigging with Uncle Josh’s Natura Tie ‘N Go Trout Rigs. These rigs include everything you need to get started – just tie them to your mainline, bait the hook, and cast away! They’re perfect for anglers who want a quick and easy way to go trout fishing.

Pros
  • The rigs are simple to use

  • They’re affordable

  • They’re available in a variety of colours and sizes

Cons
  • They may not be as effective in difficult fishing conditions

13# Wicked Lures Trout Killer Rig

Wicked Lures Trout Killer Rig

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Specification

Quantity: 1
Length: 2-1/4″

The Wicked Lures Trout Killer Rig is just the thing you need for a successful day of fishing. Its 6′, 10-lb. leader is perfect for trolling in your favourite lake or casting in your local stream, and the #3 brass blade provides ample flash. The #4 red octopus hook is ideal for trout, panfish, and kokanee, and the rig can be trolled or cast depending on your preference. So whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the Wicked Lures Trout Killer Rig is sure to help you reel in a big one.

Pros
  • The 6′ 10-lb. leader is perfect for trolling in your favourite lake or casting in your local stream

  • The #3 brass blade provides ample flash

  • The #4 red octopus hook is ideal for trout, panfish, and kokanee

  • The rig can be trolled or cast depending on your preference

Cons
  • The tackle box can be a little heavy

  • You need to change out the hooks more often

14# Kokabow KokaBug Trout Rig

Kokabow KokaBug Trout Rig

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Specification

Description: #4 Hook

The Kokabow KokaBug Trout Rig is an easy and fun way to catch kokanee and trout. The lazer-taped willow leaf blade is highly effective in attracting fish, while the quality crystals and glass beads add extra flash and vibration. The colourful “bug” body is painted to look lifelike, making it irresistible to fish. Tied on premium clear mono, this rig is equipped with 2 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks to ensure a good catch.

Pros
  • It is designed to make trout fishing easier and more fun.

  • This rig is made up of high-quality materials that are built to last.

  • It’s a versatile rig that can be used in a number of different fishing situations.

  • The Kokabow KokaBug Trout Rig is affordable and easy to use.

Cons
  • The rig is not as versatile as some other options on the market.

  • It is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market

15# Eagle Claw Lazer Ready Steel Trout Rig

Eagle Claw Lazer Ready Trout Rigs

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Specification

Size: 6
Length: 16″
Lb. Test: 45

Make the most of your time on the water with the Eagle Claw Lazer Ready Steel Trout Rig. This pre-tied rig is ready to fish right out of the package, so you can spend less time rigging and more time catching trout. The single-hook setup features a quality Eagle Claw #6 nickel treble hook, .025″ dia. crimped steel leader, and an inline casting sinker with swivel. The 16″ steel leader is perfect for targeting trout in a variety of fishing situations. Get the Lazer Ready Steel Trout Rig and start putting more fish on the table!

Pros
  • Pre-tied and ready to fish

  • Quality Eagle Claw #6 nickel treble hook

  • Inline casting sinker with swivel

  • 16″ steel leader

Cons
  • The single-hook setup can be less effective when fishing for trout in certain situations

  • The .025″ dia. crimped steel leader may not be as strong as other leaders on the market

FAQ

What is the best hook size for trout?
The best hook size for trout varies depending on the fishing conditions. In general, a hook size of 4-8 is recommended for trout fishing.
Can you use size 6 hooks for trout?
Yes, you can use size 6 hooks for trout. However, it is important to note that different hook sizes work best in different fishing conditions.
How do you bait a hook for trout?
There are a number of different ways to bait a hook for trout, but one of the most popular methods is using live bait. Some of the most popular live baits for trout include worms, minnows, and crickets. You can also use insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and ants.

Another popular method for baiting a hook for trout is using artificial lures. There are hundreds of different artificial lures on the market today, so you can find one that best matches the type of water you’re fishing in. Artificial lures can be especially effective when fishing in rivers and streams.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve looked at some of the best hooks for trout fishing. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced angler, these hooks will help you bag more trout. If you’re looking for a quality hook that will help you catch more fish, then be sure to check out one of the options listed in this article.

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

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).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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Konor Backmount
Konor Backmount
1 month ago

Great article! As a trout fisherman, I found the information on hook types and their uses very useful. For reliable hooks when trout fishing, I recommend purchasing from reputable brands such as Eagle Eye or Gamakatsu. I personally prefer size 8 hooks for catching stockers. While I haven’t tried all hook types, I’ve found that regular long shank hooks work well for me. However, I believe that octopus-style hooks could be even more effective.

Cressidus Waterwish
Cressidus Waterwish
1 month ago

I learned a lot from this article. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on hooks for trout fishing. I’m curious to know what size and type of hooks others are using for trout fishing. This season, I’ve had limited success and recently caught a 17-inch rainbow on a size 6 hook. Previously, I used small hooks marketed as “trout hooks,” which I believe were size 12. I’ve tried hooks ranging from size 4 to 12, with varying results. As a side note, I typically fish using nightcrawlers, mealworms, or trout bait.

Atalus Catbolt
Atalus Catbolt
1 month ago

I was searching for information on hooks for trout fishing and I found this article. It was very helpful and informative. I’d like to add two lures that have worked well for me in trout fishing.

I’ve had a lot of success using Panther Martin lures, especially in black and gold or black and silver. Another effective lure is small Rapalas, especially when fishing in fast-moving rivers. I fish in rivers located in southeastern Tennessee. These lures haven’t been mentioned yet, but they’ve proven to be deadly in my experience.

Uzmond Thunderbreak
Uzmond Thunderbreak
1 month ago

I appreciate the clear explanation of hook sizes and their best uses for trout fishing. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind on my next fishing trip.

I’ve found that the black and gold Panther Martin lure works well on overcast days and silver on clear days. I’ve tried the brown trout Rapala, but it doesn’t cast well and I haven’t had much success with it. I might try using a split shot, as it doesn’t seem to attract as much attention as spinners.

For less clear or fast-moving water, I’ve had great results using traditional bait like nightcrawlers or wax worms, with a small size of 12 or 14 hooks. I just keep reeling the bait past the trout. Trout tend to hang at the end of fast currents to feed, so this can be a good technique.

Ector Dreadbeech
Ector Dreadbeech
1 month ago

As a beginner fisherman, I found this article very easy to understand. Thank you for the helpful information on hooks for trout fishing.

There isn’t a universal hook size that works best for all types of fish and bait. It’s best to visit a local bait and tackle store and ask for help in selecting a few basic hooks that work well in your area. 

A #6 bait holder hook by Eagle Claw is a good general size to start with, but the size of the hook should be based on the size of the fish you’re targeting. If you’re missing bites, try using a smaller hook size.

When fishing for smaller panfish, use smaller hooks, and for bass, use larger hooks. Different types of hooks are also required for different types of bait.

Redrick Moonwane
Redrick Moonwane
1 month ago

I want to add to this from my personal experience. A few tips come to mind for catching fish with corn. Firstly, they might be attacking the swivel or weight, so using a smaller swivel or moving it up the line could help. Another option is to try a smaller hook to avoid the fish spitting it out after they feel it.

For corn bait, a size 8 egg hook is suitable. Place the corn on the bottom with the hook point sticking out. Finally, if none of this help, give the bait more time before setting the hook. Wait for 2 counts with the bobber completely underwater.

Redrick Moonwane
Redrick Moonwane
1 month ago

I look at the monitor and think without a banana for scale, it’s difficult to determine the size, but it seems that they are all too big. My go-to hooks are size 10 or 12 mosquito hooks, and I don’t use anything larger than a size 8. To find hooks that small, you may need to look in the fly fishing section. The smaller the hooks, the better your chances of success.

Rainier Grovery
Rainier Grovery
1 month ago

I prefer to use large light wire hooks with micro barbs. These hooks seem to be successful in attracting both wild and stocked trout. The barbs help to secure the hook while still allowing for easy release. I find that larger hooks are also easier to remove. I use a large hook regardless of what I’m using to attract the fish.

Small hooks don’t always provide a secure hook. Even larger fish like 8-10lb rainbows can repeatedly hit the bait without getting hooked. Smaller fish tend to inhale the bait quickly and may not get hooked, either due to a lack of experience or a hit-and-run behavior.

Liatris Maplethorne
Liatris Maplethorne
1 month ago

I’m interested in using circle hooks for trout fishing in small rivers and streams, but I’m unsure about the appropriate size. The hooks come in different sizes such as 1, 1/0, 2, 2/0, etc. Can you advise which size would be suitable for 10″ rainbows and browns?