b'FeatureJack mackerel are a popular and hardy live bait - this one was used to target John dory over a shallow inshore reef and hooked through the necks.HOOK SIZE for kingfish, especially when usinga live kahawai but when the live The first factor is hook strength andsmaller live baits like Jack mackerel.baits are hard to catch, every fish size when targeting pelagics. TheShort shank straight or non-circlemust be kept alive for as long hook must be strong enough andhooks are also an excellent choiceas possible and so short shank not bend out on a heavy fish, sofor live baits like mackerel, piper, andhooks are the best ones to use hooks usually used for bait fishingyellow eyed mullet. Straight shortto ensure the fishs longevity.for snapper and kahawai wont cut it.shank hooks like the Black Magic GZThere is also an understanding Kingfish will test your gear so choose4/0 are some of my favourite hooksthat short-shanked hooks can brands and styles fit for purpose. for piper as they are light and strong. have an advantage over longer The next factor is the hookLonger shanked hooks add weightshanked hooks as they provide style. Just like bait fishing, circleand increase the drag on the smallerless leverage for the fish to and non-circle hooks are the twolive baits which means they willwork the hook free. Even if the styles to consider. Overall, I leannot live as long when deployed.improvement is just a few percent, towards circle hooks for live baitingIts not such a big deal when usingevery advantage is welcomed.22FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE'