Tackle and Tips — Hooks

Broken barbs on single hooks can hold fish as well or better if the hook has a relatively short shank in relation to the length of the point, the barb should be well forward of the bend.  Some fish shake of so rarely that broken barb hooks should be considered: Steelhead, Trout, Redfish, Carp, Bluegill, Pike, Striped Bass.  For hook design, the break even point falls about at the proportions found in a standard shank length wet or dry fly hook.  Longer shank hooks will lever out of the fish's mouth more easily.  Shorter shank hooks can set better and hold more...