Hooks, sinkers and rigs online in India

For most freshwater hooks, a bigger number means a smaller hook (a size 12 is smaller than a size 4). After size 1 the scale switches to 1/0, 2/0 and up, where bigger numbers mean bigger hooks. J hooks are general purpose. Circle hooks usually hook the fish in the corner of the mouth and are kinder for catch and release. Treble hooks are mostly used on lures. Barbless hooks are easier to remove when releasing fish.

Use the lightest sinker that holds your bait where you want it. Split shot and small ball sinkers suit ponds and float rigs. Running ball or bean sinkers let a fish take bait without feeling weight. Pyramid and grip sinkers hold in sand and current from the beach.

Swivels stop line twist and join main line to leader; choose a rated strength above your line. Snaps let you change lures quickly. Floats show bites and hold bait at a set depth, which is the classic way to fish ponds for carp and tilapia.

Ready-tied rigs save time on the water. Sabiki rigs with many tiny hooks catch baitfish such as sardines and mackerel. Paternoster and surf rigs hold baits off the bottom. Check the hook size and line strength of a ready rig before you buy.

Carbon steel hooks are sharp but rust quickly in salt; stainless or coated hooks last longer. Buying hooks in packs of one size you use often is better value than large mixed kits. Store terminal tackle in a small compartment box with a silica gel pack.

For tilapia and small carp with paste or worms, small hooks around sizes 8 to 12 are common. For rohu and catla, slightly larger hooks with a matching bait size work better.

Yes. Circle hooks tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth rather than deep in the throat, which makes release easier and safer for the fish.

Pyramid or grip sinkers hold better in sand and surf. Use enough weight to stop your bait rolling, but stay within your rod's casting rating.

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