Research into this aspect is still new.
However an Australian study (McGrath et al 2011) compared the hook ejection
rates of fish that swallowed stainless steel and nickel-plated and red-lacquer
carbon steel hooks in dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus)
Nickel-plated swallowed hooks corroded the fastest and were ejected quickly
Unfortunately, the nickel got into the fish’s blood and killed them .
Hooks that corrode quicker are
better for survival
Hooks with high nickel content
are not good for fish survival
Hook size
More fish swallow the hook when you use small hook
sizes (Alos et al 2008).
This will result in more fish dying.
Try to match your hook size to your target species
Minimum hook sizes:
R&S = 2/0
Estuaries = 1/0