Using large hooks with large baits is an effective way to avoid catching undersized fish.
Use circle hooks instead of J hooks wherever possible as circle hooks predominantly
hook fish in the lip instead of the gut. We recommend non-offset circle hooks,
especially for gamefish as this is supported by international research and the
International Game Fish Association (IGFA).
Matching the size of the hook to the species is helpful.
If targeting snapper for example, 7/0 or larger J hooks are recommended.
Circle hooks don’t have a standard sizing between manufacturers, however, choosing a similar sized hook is a good place to start (7/0 or larger).
A corresponding large sized bait will help target the larger sized fish and avoid catching undersized fish.
If you are bait fishing with large hooks and losing lots of bait to the small ones, there are other options open to you.
It can be frustrating to be getting bites and not catching fish, however, changing to smaller hooks to catch the bait thieves is not the answer.
Some patience can pay off with larger hooks as losing bait and feeding the fish can draw the larger fish to your area where they eventually get caught.
Another option is to simply move to a different location and see if you can find the sort of habitat holding larger fish.
