Given the range of baits that barbel can be caught on there is no one perfect barbel hook. It's also a truism to say that a hook that one angler finds ideal another angler will tell you lets him down. No matter what the bait being used, a hook for barbel fishing must be strong enough not to open out when applying pressure to a fish using your preferred rod and line.

On the other hand using hooks that will open out should they snag up on something immovable can be a good idea. 30lb Power Pro managed to open out the C-4 shown below where mono of 15lb might have failed.

For fishing particle baits, maggots or casters hooks in sizes as small as a 16 may be required. Forged hooks like the Kamasan Animal or Drennan Super Specialist are favourites of many barbel anglers. These hooks can also be used in the larger sizes with other baits.

When it comes to hair rigged baits the carp world provides many options, but short shanked hooks with downturned eyes and curved points are popular with barbel anglers. Curved points seem to be less prone to turning over on hard river beds and snags. ESP Raptors and Owner C-4s are two such hooks. Some people have found downturned eyes make for unreliable knotless knots when used with nylon hooklinks, and choose an up-eyed hook such as the Owner SSW 5115.

Such has become the popularity of barbel fishing in recent years that some manufacturers are offering specialist barbel hooks - Kamasan Barbel Maxx, and Drennan Super Specialist Barbel for example.

Korum have even introduced a hook with a welded eye specifically for tying knotless knots. The choice of hooks available today is almost too great!