Hooks should be sharp and correctly shaped, as the points are crucial for catching fish. If hooks are in poor condition, it becomes immediately noticeable. If they begin to straighten, the points will fail to penetrate once there is tension on the snood.

For successful baiting, hooks must have the right shape to strike the bait correctly. Offset hooks require the correct offset to ensure they strike the bait at the right spot; otherwise, the bait will fall off. This issue also arises if straight hooks are improperly offset. (??)

Additionally, monitor the snoods to ensure they are not wound more than once around the line or caught in a half hitch. Also, check the loops connecting the hooks to the snoods. If using twisted snoods, they should be pulled up around themselves and not slip down around the shank. (??)

To maintain hooks properly, you need a hook corrector. This small tool allows you to bend the hook back to its correct form. A good hook corrector enables you to adjust the bend, point, and degree of offset in a single operation. When reshaping a hook, also check for bent shanks, which can result from hooks getting caught in the winch. A quality hook corrector can rectify this issue as well. (Relevant lenger?).