Catfish may be easy to catch, but so many anglers have enjoyed the pleasure of hauling up an unexpectedly large specimen from the deep so it’s no wonder that hunting for catfish never goes out of style.
Catfish are a great one for beginners because they’re so easy to catch, but it does require real strength to pull a monster catfish from the water and its great training.
Seasoned anglers love to go after catfish too, and it’s a great family fishing trip if you have young children looking to join you on the water. Choosing the right hook though is very important to make sure that you find success as you battle it out, particularly with the big boys. Finding the right size, sharpness and durability can be hard, especially if you’re a beginner.
There are so many products and different options available that finding something to suit you can seem impossible, but luckily we’ve put together a few of our favorites to show you the sort of thing that might suit you and your needs, plus we’ll take you through some of the things to watch out for before buying your hooks so that you have everything you need to find hook most suited for wherever you’re looking to hunt catfish!
Top 5 picks for the best hooks for catfish
OUR TOP PICK
Gamakatsu 25 Pack Octopus Hooks For Catfish
EDITORS CHOICE
JSHANMEI 150pcs/box Circle 2X Strong Hooks For Catfish
BEST VALUE
Croch 150 Pack Octopus Circle Hooks For Catfish
OUR TOP PICK
Gamakatsu 25 Pack Octopus Hooks For Catfish
A very popular option among anglers, this product from Gamakatsu is durable, reliable, and packed full of features to help you get the most out of your catfishing experience. Gamakatsu has a great reputation for quality fishing products and this option is not different.
This is a great value option as it comes in a range of different sizes and colors so you can match the hook with your line, and the pack comes with 25 pcs so it doesn’t matter if you lose a hook or two during the line of duty. This is a barbed hook with an offset point and it’s strong and durable enough to deal with even the very large catfish.
The hook is made from forged steel so it’s unlikely to get damaged during a fight with a catfish and they’re durable enough to last a while even including losing a few as naturally occurs during fights with fish. They produce a strong hookset and are very sharp straight out of the packet and importantly they stay sharp.
There’s nothing worse than losing a great catch because of a dull hook that won’t set well, and this is a good option for those who’d like to avoid this happening very often.
This is a great little all-rounder that stays sharp and reliable even during the toughest fights and the roughest catfish. It’s a great value multipack that comes in such a large range of sizes and colors that you’re certain to find something that’ll suit your needs.
The 7 color options mean that it’s easy to match your line to your hook and optimize visibility while on the hunt. Beginners and more seasoned anglers alike will appreciate this option's durability and reliability while out on the water.
Pros
- Great range of sizes and colors available
- Great for all skill levels
- Strong and durable
- Good even for the large fish
- Great value
Cons
- Make sure you check the sizing you need against the brand's chart
- advanced tempering system
- hooks are super strong but not brittle
- perfectly conical point that is unequaled in sharpness
- 100 per pack
EDITORS CHOICE
JSHANMEI 150pcs/box Circle 2X Strong Hooks For Catfish
With over 150 hooks in a range of sizes included in this option, you’re bound to find something that will suit you. This is a great option for those looking for something that can be used in both fresh and seawater and this is a very strong little number thanks to the high carbon steel construction.
High carbon steel is also anti-corrosive and a pretty durable material overall, so these hooks are ready to go into battle and help you bag that catfish straight out of the box. These octopus circle hooks have been excellently designed with a barbed hook that helps keep the catfish locked in while you bring it to shore.
The octopus circle is always a popular shape thanks to its effectiveness at hooking good-sized fish, and their offset point is a feature valued by anglers, and this product has been designed to be highly effective at holding onto fish once you have them on the hook.
They also include a carry box to help keep your hooks in order and keep them safe while you’re in transit. This is a great option for beginners who are still working out what size hook they like to use and they’re at a very accessible price point so even if some of the included hooks that you like do get lost or broken they’re easy to replace.
These are very sharp hooks that beginners will appreciate because of their effectiveness and affordable price, seasoned anglers might like some of these hooks but they come into their own for the range of different sizes they offer which gives novices a chance to try out different techniques and work out what they particularly like.
Their sharp, effective, and durable hooks that come with so many included pieces that they’re great value even for the 1 or 2 that you like.
Pros
- Wide range of different sizes
- Sharp and effective
- Popular octopus circle shape with sharp barbed hooks
- Includes carry case
- High carbon construction makes this a strong and durable option suitable for saltwater
Cons
- Carry case could have a tougher casing
- Circle Hooks - Extremely sharp, offset ponit, special barb hooks is designed to ensure that the hook point rolls in the corner of the fish's mouth and lowers fish mortality.
- Saltwater Hooks - Strong high carbon steel hooks without bending easily and avoid escaping. Great performance in increasing catching rate with nice strength, endurance and corrosion resistance.
- Good Craftsmanship - The circle hooks eye is clearly bent into a round circle, the barb is masterfully designed, the shaft gently curves into the correct bends and shapes to make hooking fish easily.
- Catch & Release - Sharpened hook and special barbed design offer high penetration of small and big fishes. Hooks designed to not deep hook fish but hook in the mouth for fewer injured fish and less morality rate.
- Must Have for Fresh & Saltwater Fishing - JSHAHMEI circle hooks assortment is perfect for saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing. 25pcs each for size #1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 5/0, 150pcs total with a reusable plastic box.
BEST VALUE
Croch 150 Pack Octopus Circle Hooks For Catfish
Another excellent multipack which gives you the same range of sizes as the previous option but with an extra #1 sized hook.
This option also has high carbon steel construction and the hooks are strong and durable enough to deal with even the largest catfish, they’re also exceptionally easy to set when you find a great sized cat and the hooks are designed so that the catfish struggle to spit them very easily so you have more of a chance of hauling them in quickly and simply.
They’re a good option if you’re looking for something that provides excellent quality for a great price. Beginners who don’t want to invest too much in their gear right now but don’t want to be constantly replacing equipment, or weekend anglers looking for a reliable and effective hook for fun fishing trips might enjoy this option more than someone looking to compete in tournaments, but these are effective hooks with a lot to like in their construction and their design.
These hooks are very sharp, and once they’ve hooked onto the fish they’re not going away. They include a carry box to help transport them safely from place to place, and this is a great option if you’d like to stay away from the bigger brands and their prices but don’t want to skimp on quality.
These hooks aren’t going to break very easily, so there’s no risk of being in the process of hauling in the perfect catch only for it to get away at the last minute. The swept-back eye on these hooks is a nice touch as it increases the chance of the hook catching on the lip or the mouth of the fish, so you’re more likely to get a good haul again and again.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Lots of included pieces for varied options
- Quality but also affordable price
- Innovative design for an easier hook set
- Includes carry box
Cons
- You’ll need to sort the hooks out yourself as they don’t come in order
- Package Included: 150pcs/lot, 25pcs each for size #1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0 In A Reusable Plastic Box
- Sharp, Clean, Uniform, Strong, and Durable.
- Perfect shape designed. Grabbing onto whatever is in it's way and never snagging on rocks.
- Easier to get out and don't harm the fish as much. The offset point and swept back eye help set the hook in the fishes lip rather than the inside of their mouth or gut.
- They are packaged in a transparent plastic box for keeping the different sizes separated and easy to access.
RUNNER UP
Gamakatsu Circle Offset Point Octopus Hooks For Catfish
Another trusted and popular option from Gamakatsu, this circle hook with an offset point is a durable and well-constructed option from a brand that’s driven to providing the latest high-quality equipment for anglers without harming the environment, so if you’re trying to be a little more eco-conscious in your fishing than Gamakatsu might be just what you’ve been looking for.
This option is made from forged steel to give the hook durability and the strength to help you land the larger sized fish. The hook has been engineered to land in the corner of the fish’s mouth to give you a great chance of success and to make hauling in the fish easier.
The hook has a black finish which is also anti-corrosive so you can use this hook for sea and freshwater fishing, and it’s a highly effective option in both. The barbed point is very sharp, and it offers an excellent hook set that you will want to use over and over.
The best option for purchasing this hook is the 25 pcs pack as this option means that you can stand to lose a few whilst out on the water with no difficulty, and it's well-priced enough that if you need a replacement it’s not an issue. The hooks come in a range of different size options so you’re sure to find something that’ll suit your needs and they’re so effective you won’t want to use any others every again.
Both beginners and more experience catfish fishermen will like these hooks, and they’re so strong that you’ll be surprised by what you’re pulling out of the water.
Pros
- Very sharp, well-designed hooks
- Suitable for salt and freshwater
- Very strong and durable
- Attractive black, anti-corrosive finish
- Well-priced
Cons
- Eyelets are a little small
- Crafted from the highest quality material ensuring quality and durability
- Size 1, Circle, Offset Point, NS Black, Per 25
- Made in the U.S.A.
RUNNER UP
Mustad UltraPoint Demon Perfect In-Line Circle Hooks For Catfish
Finally, we have an in-line circle hook that might seem light but is more than enough strength to help land some real monsters thanks to the top of the line tech Mustadt have used in their construction. It’s so lightweight that you don’t even have to set the hook to catch fish, if you let the fish just take it you’ll find that the vicious hook is so sharp that it latches onto fish’s mouths very easily and then won’t give them up.
This is a great quality option that will have you pulling in catches you’ve only dreamed of plus you’ll be more relaxed on the water knowing that you’ve found a reliable hook that means you can just focus on having fun. If you’ve been looking for great quality, dependable hook than this might be just what you’ve been searching for.
The hook is very versatile can be used successfully for pretty much any fish, so it might be a good option for beginners looking for some quality kit that they can use while they try out a range of fishing styles, techniques, and prey. Experienced anglers will love this hook’s construction and effectiveness, and it’s a pretty decent inclusion in anyone’s tackle box.
It’s a good choice for those who are looking for something they can bring out on the days the fish aren’t biting, and if you’ve been suffering from cheeky catfish stealing bait from right off the hook this might be just the thing to get your own back.
There’s a wide range of sizes available for this option, and as they come in a 25 pack, you’ll be able t lose a few without worry about the expense. They’re suitable for salt and freshwater fishing, the eye is large enough to easily allow the line to pass through and set up is a breeze with this option so you can spend more time out on the water. These hooks are durable and strong and a good choice to have at the end of the line when you’re going after a big prize.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Well-designed and sharp
- Easy to pass the line through
- Lighter than most other hooks
- Versatile and effective
Cons
- Be careful when you open them as they’re not the most securely packaged
- In-line patterns have been awarded an endorsement by the billfish foundation for design specifications that above all others meet the highest standards for catch and release
- Offset patterns feature no-nonsense tempering for the strongest, Best performing live bait circle hook range in the market
- Ultra point technology means sharp, durable hook points that resist rolling and stay sharper longer
- Comes in a pack of 25, size: 6/0
- Demon perfect in line circle hook
Best hooks for Catfish Buying Guide
Now you’ve seen what some of the best options currently available look like hopefully you now feel ready to pick your hooks and get out on the water after those catfish. If you’d still like a bit more info before you make your choice though, you’ve come to the right place as we’re now going to take you through some of the most important factors to consider before making your pick.
The most important thing is to find the hook that suits you and your needs, which means you should keep things like the place you’re fishing, and how much back up you’ll need to form your hook in case the fish are feeling frisky. Picking the right hook can take time, but it’s better to pick right so that you have the best chance of success while you’re out on the water.
Size
Like with most pieces of fishing equipment, the size of your hook matters if you’re going to have a hope of catching anything. Before picking your hook size you need to think about what sort of size fish you’re catching.
You need a big hook for a big fish, but you need the smallest sized hook possible for the size of the fish you’re going after. A hook that’s too big won’t properly get inside the fish’s mouth quickly enough, and it’ll be hard to present your bait properly too. So, you want your hook to be as small as possible for the maximum chance of victory.
If you’re not certain about the size you need than getting a multipack of different hook sizes might be a good idea. Remember, no rule says you can’t change your hook if you’re not getting the bites, and it’s much better to have options available to you than being stuck with 1 hook against a sea of fish that don’t fancy a nibble.
If you’re a beginner than a multi-pack is recommended so you can get a feel for different hooks without needing to limit yourself.
Sharpness
When you decide to go fishing the only thing that’s more important than a rod, is a sharp hook. A dull or blunt hook won’t be able to penetrate the fish’s mouth and it’ll get away, or it won’t be able to provide you with a great set and you’ll lose out on the fish.
A well-made hook will stay sharp for a long time, which is why making sure that your chosen hook will be razor-sharp straight out of the packet is important as it gives you some indication of how long it’ll stay sharp.
You can sharpen hooks, and if you have a favorite hook than this is worth doing to try and maintain your success rate, but there are plenty of affordable, sharp hooks available nowadays so they’re often easy to replace once you know the sort of thing you’re looking out for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hook do I need for catfish?
This depends on the size of the catfish you’re planning on catching, and the type of hook and style of fishing you’re using. For medium-sized catfish, a circle hook is a good choice and you’ll want something around 5/0 or 6/0 for a good chance of victory.
Asking other anglers what they’ve used n the area you’re fishing in is a good way to get an idea about what sort of thing might work in the place your fishing. The more you fish, the more you’ll get a feel for the sort of thing that works best.
Can I reuse hooks?
100% yes, as long as they remain in good working order. Damaged or dull hooks can be dangerous so replacing your hooks safely when they’re getting a bit tired is a must. A strong and reliable hook should last you a while though, and you can use them again and again so a good quality hook is a good investment.
