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Learn More »The Professional's Choice for Live Bait Hooks
When you're fishing with live bait, your hook is the single most critical link between you and a trophy fish. The Gamakatsu Live Bait Hooks are the trusted choice for serious anglers targeting tough opponents like tuna, kingfish, and barramundi. This 25-piece value pack delivers the legendary sharpness and strength you need to turn a bite into a landed fish.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"For live baiting, there's no room for compromise. We've seen countless big kingfish lost off the rocks around the Illawarra due to hook failure. That's why we confidently recommend Gamakatsu. Their chemically sharpened points are incredibly sharp, and the high-carbon steel construction has the strength to handle brutal fights. This 25-pack is a smart buy for any serious angler, providing a great supply of hooks you can trust for when that fish of a lifetime comes along."
- The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
Why Choose Gamakatsu Live Bait Hooks?
Hook Size & Target Species Guide
| Hook Size | Primary Target Species | Common Live Baits |
|---|---|---|
| 4/0 - 5/0 | Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Tailor, smaller Snapper & Mulloway. | Small poddy mullet, prawns, smaller baitfish. |
| 6/0 - 7/0 | Large Snapper, Kingfish, mid-size Tuna, large Mulloway. | Yakkas, slimy mackerel, larger mullet. |
| 8/0 - 10/0 | Large Kingfish, large Tuna, Amberjack, and other powerful pelagics. | Large slimy mackerel, bonito, pike, squid. |
Pro-Tips: Rigging Your Live Bait
- Through the Shoulders: For most baitfish like yakkas and slimy mackerel, the best method is to pin the hook through the "shoulders," just above the lateral line and below the dorsal fin. This allows the bait to swim naturally and stay alive longer.
- Nose Rigging: An excellent option for slower trolling or drifting. Carefully pass the hook point through the nostrils or the fleshy part of the top lip. This gives the bait a very natural presentation and is less damaging.
- Match the Hook to the Bait: The golden rule of live baiting is to use a hook that is big enough to be strong, but small enough to be inconspicuous and not hinder the bait's natural swimming action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a chemically sharpened hook better?
The chemical sharpening process creates a perfectly conical, needle-sharp point that is far sharper and more consistent than a mechanically ground hook. This results in faster, easier penetration and requires less force to set the hook, leading to more successful hook-ups.
Why a short shank hook for live baiting?
A short shank is less obtrusive and allows the live bait to swim with a more natural, unimpeded action. It also provides a more direct pull to the hook point, which improves the hook-up rate, especially on tough-mouthed fish.
Can I use these hooks for anything other than live baiting?
Absolutely. Their strength and sharpness make them an excellent choice for fishing with large cut baits (cubing) for species like snapper and for targeting powerful bottom dwellers like groper.
Don't risk the fish of a lifetime on a second-rate hook. Stock up on Gamakatsu Live Bait Hooks and tie on a hook you can trust.
