Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/606672
WORM HOOKS Worm hooks are used to fi sh soft-plastic baits. Worm hooks feature a slight bend just below the hook eye and a wide gap; these features help hold the bait secure and help set the hook. The unique shape of worm hooks allow the soft-plastic bait to be rigged so that the hook will be less likely to snag in aquatic vegetation. A well outfi tted tackle box will include a variety of the following hook types: BAIT HOLDERS Baitholders are one of the most popular styles hooks. The additional barbs on the shank hold bait like night crawlers and leeches more effectively. ABERDEENS Aberdeens are a light wire, long shank hook, perfect for bluegill and crappie. The long shank allows for easy removal of the hook from panfi sh that tend to swallow bait, and are good hooks for teaching kids to fi sh. We use a No. 6 Aberdeen hook with our Youth Fishing Program equipment. WEEDLESS HOOKS Weedless hooks feature plastic or wire guards that stand out in front of the hook point. They help prevent the hook from snagging. The name is misleading as they are not foolproof against getting hung up in aquatic vegetation, but are better than a bare hook for fi shing in areas with woody snags. CIRCLE HOOKS Circle hooks have a pronounced circular bend, short shank and an inward bending point. The shape of the hook discourages it from becoming hooked in a fi sh's gut when the bait is swallowed. When an angler detects a bite, a slow steady pull of the line is all that's needed to rotate the hook into the fi sh's mouth to prevent gut-hooking. TREBLE Treble hooks are a single eye with three hooks fused together. Treble hooks are often used on lures and are also good for holding prepared baits. SPLIT SHOT Split shot are small, round sinkers with an opening in the center and usually with wings on the back. They can be crimped on your line with pliers and removed from your line using pliers to pinch the wings together. BELL SINKERS Bell sinkers are molded around a shaft with an eye, and fi shing line can be threaded through or tied directly to the eye. These sinkers cast well in the wind and are good for shore fi shing. The rounded shape of the sinkers also reduces the chance of snagging. Often the weight of the hook and bait alone is not heavy enough to cast the line or hold the bait underwater. Sinkers are pieces of metal that provide extra weight. It is good to have a variety of sinker types and sizes in your tackle box. WEIGHTS 9 CHAPTER 2 ● EQUIPMENT