Halibut Terminal Tackle

A Staple Hook for a Reason

The Mustad 9174 has been a go-to live bait hook for decades — and for good reason. Sharp out of the box, strong enough to handle hard-running fish, and available in bulk 100-packs that keep your tackle bag stocked without breaking the bank. Whether you're soaking anchovies off the kelp or drifting sardines for yellowtail, this is the hook that gets the job done.

Matched to Your Bait

Size selection matters with live bait. Smaller sizes (1/0–3/0) are ideal for anchovies and small baitfish where a lighter, less visible hook keeps the bait swimming naturally. Step up to 4/0–6/0 for sardines and medium baitfish, and go 8/0 when you're fishing mackerel or large baits for big game. The bronze finish blends naturally in the water and breaks down cleanly if lost — a plus for catch-and-release and conservation-minded anglers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back to the 9174

• Chemically sharpened point for instant, reliable hooksets
• Bronze finish — natural-looking in the water, easy on bait
• Strong wire gauge handles hard-fighting saltwater species
• 100-pack value — stock up without overpaying
• Consistent quality across the full size range (1/0 through 8/0)
• Trusted Mustad construction with decades of proven performance

The Right Size for the Job

Choose this hook if you're fishing live or cut bait in saltwater and want a reliable, proven hook at a great per-hook price. The 100-pack format is ideal for high-volume fishing — party boats, long-range trips, or any session where you're going through hooks fast.

In the Water

• Live bait fishing — anchovies, sardines, mackerel, squid
• Drift fishing and slow-trolling live bait
• Bait-and-wait bottom fishing
• Cut bait rigs for bottom species

Best Conditions

• Inshore and nearshore saltwater fishing
• Offshore live bait fishing for pelagics
• Party boat and long-range fishing where hook consumption is high
• Pier and surf fishing with natural bait

Best For

• Yellowtail, tuna, calico bass, and rockfish on live anchovies or sardines
• Halibut and lingcod on cut or live bait
• Mackerel-baited rigs for large pelagics
• General saltwater live bait fishing across species

Key Features

• Model: Mustad 9174
• Finish: Bronze
• Pack size: 100 hooks
• Sizes available: 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 8/0
• Hook style: Live bait / O'Shaughnessy-style
• Point type: Chemically sharpened
• Application: Saltwater live and cut bait fishing

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Hook your anchovy through the nose or collar depending on current — nose-hooking keeps the bait swimming naturally in stronger current, collar-hooking works better in slack water.
• Store unused hooks in a dry container with a silica gel packet to prevent bronze oxidation between trips.
• When fishing sardines for yellowtail or tuna, match hook size to bait size — a hook that's too large will kill the bait's action and reduce strikes.

FAQ

What's the difference between the smaller and larger sizes?
Sizes 1/0–3/0 are best for smaller baitfish like anchovies where a lighter hook keeps the bait lively. Sizes 4/0–8/0 are better suited for sardines, mackerel, and larger baits targeting bigger fish.

Are these hooks good for catch-and-release?
Yes — the bronze finish is designed to corrode and dissolve if a hook is left in a fish, making it a more conservation-friendly option than stainless steel hooks.

Can I use these for freshwater fishing?
While designed for saltwater live bait fishing, the 9174 can be used in freshwater for larger species. The bronze finish may oxidize faster in freshwater over time.