Hey guys,

I've read up on everything to prep for my 1st bay experience (between tapps bay and trinity bay off of my aunt's dock, and will be jetty fishing also-- HOPEFULLY we can use the uncle's boat but we'll see) - But I've not looked up what hooks are best for these type of fish- I have many lures/artificial baits/jigs ready but what do you guys use out there for live bait? I've heard some use Kale out there?

Thanks June 19th gets closer--

For soaking bait, I like circle hooks. Fish will get done on their own, and it is just about fighting them, vs having to set the hook.
When using artificials I like regular J hooks or trebles

If you are fishing under lights. Use very small hooks and/or lures. I use size 2 or 4 singles on live bait as it allows the bait to move and the fish can't see the hook allowing for a more natural presentation. Check in the shade under the dock when the sun is high for flounder. Cast to the edge of the light.

I rarely use conventional tackle, but the majority of the flies I use for specks and reds are tied on #4 and #6 hooks. I sometimes use #8s and sometimes #2s.
For live bait I'd probably use a #2 or 1/0 circle hook.

For me, the size of the bait I'm using and the size of fish I am catching usually controls the size of the hook. I only use circle hooks for bait fishing and carry a range from #4 up to #5/0. Usually in the back bays there are more smaller fish so I run between a #1 to 2/0. I also use cut mullet or dead shrimp mostly. Fishbites in various flavors work also.

As an example, I start out with half of a medium shrimp, and a 1/0 hook. If there are no takers, I will downsize, if the fish I am catching are larger or are getting hooked deeper then I will upsize both the bait and hook.

How has the bay been fishing? I have been going to Roseland Park and the Bayou must be pretty fresh with all the rivers draining, about all I have been catching are one and two croakers deeper once in a while. This is a tough time to be trying to figure out a fishing spot, I'll tell ya.

no way....we head down there the same day. staying in a beach house in a friday-friday stay. message me on here and lets share reports. have fun and be safe and catch them all.

I've only used trebles in the bay if fishing with bait. #6 3X for everything you can catch in the bay from Specs, Flounder, Redfish to Smacks and Pompanos.

I've been using 3/0-5/0 Kahle hooks for the last 30 years. I've thought about trying some circle hook action but I have a lot of confidence in my current rigs.

Rarely have a swallowed hook except doggone hardheads.

if you are a novice use treble hooks with shrimp or cut bait ,you wont miss many fish,single hook or light jig with plastics-and get to fishing!

What Fritz said.

I also like red hooks