Beginners Guide to Microfishing: Tanago Hook Shapes
If you’ve ever searched for Tanago hooks and wondered why they have weird names like half-moon and streamline you’re not alone as these shapes are microfishing’s way of fine-tuning bait presentation to hook-set. Each curve, angle, and shank length has a purpose: some keep delicate bait sitting just right, others sneak into the smallest fish mouths without harm, and a few give you extra muscle when a surprisingly feisty minnow grabs hold. Getting to know these designs isn’t about memorizing jargon; it’s about matching the right little hook to the right little fish, making every catch feel like you’re solving a fun, miniature puzzle on the water.
But, in case you’re looking for a TL;DR of the situation and don’t want to get buried in the (literally) tiny details, get Half Moon or New Half Moon hooks and you’ll be grand.
A Visual Guide to Tanago Hooks | |
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Half Moon  半月 |
The Half Moon hook is versatile and serves as an excellent entry-level choice for general microfishing. Its balanced curvature helps with secure hooking and smooth bait presentation. Popular among beginners, it’s effective for catching a variety of small species.
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New Half Moon  新半月 |
This refined version of the Half Moon hook features an improved angle that enhances hook-setting performance. It maintains versatility and is suitable for general microfishing tasks. It’s particularly popular among anglers seeking a slightly more advanced alternative to the traditional Half Moon shape.
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Streamline  流線 |
The Streamline hook is designed specifically for precision and minimalistic bait presentations. Its extremely thin and sharp profile makes it nearly invisible to wary microfish. This shape is popular among microfishing enthusiasts targeting especially small or skittish fish.
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Three Waist  三腰 |
The Three Waist hook is specialized for float-fishing setups, holding the bait low and secure on the hook. Its distinctive shape keeps the bait perfectly positioned for delicate presentations. While highly effective for float tactics, it’s less commonly used as an all-around hook.
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Harrima  ハリマ |
Harrima hooks have a traditional shape optimized for secure and confident hooking across various conditions. Their slightly larger hook point ensures strong penetration and reliable hooksets. Anglers often choose this style when targeting slightly larger microfish or when extra hook strength is required.
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Very Small  極小 |
The Ultimate hook is crafted specifically for targeting the tiniest microfish, boasting an extremely short hook point ideal for fish smaller than 2.5 inches. Its compact design ensures minimal damage to delicate fish mouths. This shape is used primarily by microfishing experts aiming for the smallest catches.
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