Fishing line terminal tackle

The hook length, the last link before the fish

The hook length is the section of line that connects the main line to the hook. It's the part that the fish sees and touches first: it needs to be discreet, flexible enough for the bait to move naturally, and strong enough to handle the fight. Generally, it's chosen to be a notch finer than the main line: in case of snagging on a branch or rock, it gives way, and you only lose the hook and bait. Its length varies depending on the type of fishing, from a few centimetres for a carp rig to over a metre for fishing for trout in clear water.

The rest of the rig

The rig also includes:

• Main line.
• Lines and braids.
• Hooks.
• Weights.
• Small gear.
• Tools.

All the rig information is gathered on the rig page.

Carp: coated braid, micro braid and zig line

Carp anglers mainly use coated braid, like the Fox Coretex: a semi-rigid coating surrounds a flexible braid. By stripping the coating a few centimetres near the hook, you create a rig that is both stiff, preventing tangles when casting, and flexible, allowing the boilie to move freely. The micro braid Korum Smokescreen, very fine, makes the rig nearly invisible on the bottom, and the Korum Smokeshield line offers a monofilament alternative. For the zig, which presents the bait mid-water in summer, the Avid Outline Zig, fine and floating, suspends the bait at fish height.

Predators, pole and sea: titanium and ready-made hook lengths

Facing the pike, whose teeth cut through nylon, we switch to metal. The Fox Rage Strike Point, made of titanium with seven strands, resists cuts and returns to shape after being twisted, whereas steel holds a crease. The Sufix Superior Leader, clear and thick, serves as a hook length resistant to abrasion against rocks and submerged obstacles. Ready-made hook lengths save time: the Matrix MXC barbless hooks, ready to attach for pole fishing, and the Zebco Combi and Multi Rig, which hold multiple hooks for sea fishing while surfcasting or from a boat.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What hook length to use for pike fishing with lures?

Use a hook length made of steel or titanium of thirty to fifty centimetres: pike teeth cut through thin nylon and fluorocarbon. Titanium, being softer and memory-free, allows the lure to swim more naturally.

Fluorocarbon or nylon for trout and bass?

Fluorocarbon, nearly invisible in water and more resistant to abrasion, reassures wary fish in clear water and on rocks. Nylon remains more flexible, cheaper, and better at absorbing the shocks from the fight.

How to make a hook length yourself?

Cut the desired length of line, attach the hook with a suitable knot, then form a loop or attach a swivel at the other end. Moisten each knot before tightening to avoid overheating the line and weakening it.

What length of hook length for surfcasting?

Surfcasting hook lengths often measure between one to two metres, with one or several hooks spaced along boom sections. The calmer the sea and clearer the water, the longer the hook length and finer the line.

Why choose a barbless hook length?

Without barbs, fish unhook more quickly and are less likely to get hurt, making it easier to release them back into the water. Many pole fishing ponds and no-kill venues require this in their regulations.