Hook Shank
The Shank
is the leg of a hook which extends from the bend up to the eye. Hook
shanks are manufactured in many different shapes. The most commonly used
are:
Straight
Shank:
The hook shank is straight from
eye to bend.
Curved
Shank:
Shanks are often curved for
specific reasons, e.g. to accommodate a special fly imitation. Various fly
hooks require the shank to be shaped so as to imitate the body of a
special insect.
Sliced
Shank:
In order to anchor baits, such as
worms and soft baits, a barb or barbs are cut into the shank.
Specialized shank types:
- Jig
- Keel
- Imitation
- Bent back
Mustad Hook Shank Icons
. . . hook shank lengths vary from "short" to
"6X Long"
