
Mustad 9174NP O'Shaughnessy Hook - Black Nickel
The Mustad 9174NP is a classic O'Shaughnessy hook built for bottom fishing with dead bait. The opti-angle needle point penetrates quickly for fast hooksets. Forged construction and short shank provide additional strength beyond the 1X wire gauge. Mustad's black nickel finish is up to 4X more corrosion resistant than competitor finishes. Seven sizes from 1/0 to 7/0 cover a wide range of bottom fishing applications from inshore to nearshore. Five hooks per pack at $1.79 makes this one of the best values in a quality bottom fishing hook.
- Opti-angle needle point
- Forged, short shank, 1X strength
- Black nickel, 4X corrosion resistance
- 1/0-7/0 in 5 packs
- $1.79 per pack
The Everyday Bottom Fishing Hook
Bottom fishing eats hooks. Structure snags them, toothy fish dull them, and saltwater corrodes them. The Mustad 9174NP solves all three problems at $1.79 for a 5-pack. The black nickel finish is up to 4X more corrosion resistant than standard finishes, so the hooks last longer between trips.
The opti-angle needle point is the performance feature. It penetrates faster than standard points, which matters when bottom species inhale bait and you need to set quickly before they retreat to structure. Forged construction adds strength for pulling grouper and snapper away from rocks. Seven sizes from 1/0 to 7/0 cover everything from spot and croaker to large snapper and grouper.
The opti-angle needle point is the performance feature. It penetrates faster than standard points, which matters when bottom species inhale bait and you need to set quickly before they retreat to structure. Forged construction adds strength for pulling grouper and snapper away from rocks. Seven sizes from 1/0 to 7/0 cover everything from spot and croaker to large snapper and grouper.
Opti-Angle Needle Point
The opti-angle needle point is Mustad's sharpest point geometry for bait hooks. It penetrates tissue at the optimal angle on the hookset, catching faster than standard cone or rolled points. Critical for bottom species that inhale and reject bait quickly.
4X Corrosion Resistant Black Nickel
Mustad's black nickel finish lasts up to 4X longer than competitor finishes in saltwater. The hooks maintain their integrity through multiple trips without the rust spots that weaken standard finishes. Better long-term value than cheaper plated hooks.
Seven Sizes for Bottom Fishing
1/0 and 2/0 for small bottom species and cut bait strips. 3/0 and 4/0 for mid-range species on medium tackle. 5/0 through 7/0 for larger snapper, grouper, and other structure species. The forged short shank provides strength across the range.
More Hooks and Bottom Fishing Tackle
How to Rig Mustad 9174NP Hooks for Bottom Fishing
1. Select size based on bait and target species
2. Tie the hook to your leader with a snell or improved clinch knot
3. Thread cut bait, squid strips, or shrimp onto the hook
4. Leave the hook point exposed for proper penetration
5. Lower your bottom rig to the structure or reef
6. Set the hook firmly when you feel a bite
Specs & Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you buy
Full Specifications +
| Brand | Mustad |
| Model | 9174NP |
| Style | O'Shaughnessy |
| Point | Opti-Angle Needle |
| Construction | Forged, 1X Strength |
| Finish | Black Nickel |
| Sizes | 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0 |
| Quantity | 5 per pack |
| Price | $1.79 |
What is an O'Shaughnessy hook? +
A classic hook shape with a slightly bent shank and strong bend designed for bait fishing. The O'Shaughnessy has been a saltwater standard for over a century. The 9174NP adds modern features like the opti-angle point and black nickel finish. Our hook guide covers hook styles.
What species is this for? +
Snapper, grouper, sea bass, flounder, croaker, sheepshead, and other bottom species targeted with dead bait. The 1X strength handles standard bottom fishing applications on 10-40lb tackle. Our bottom fishing guide covers species-specific hook selection.
Is this a circle hook? +
No. The 9174NP is a J-style O'Shaughnessy hook. For fisheries requiring circle hooks, see the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle or Mustad Demon Circle. Our circle hook guide explains the difference.
What does NP mean? +
NP stands for Needle Point, referring to the opti-angle needle point geometry. This is Mustad's sharpest standard point for bait hooks. Our hook guide covers point types.
Is this forged? +
Yes. Forging compresses the steel grain structure, adding strength without increasing wire diameter. The forged 9174NP is stronger than a non-forged hook of the same gauge. Combined with the short shank, the 1X wire provides reliable strength for bottom fishing. Our hook guide covers construction methods.
How does the black nickel compare to duratin? +
Black nickel is up to 4X more corrosion resistant than standard finishes. Duratin is cheaper but corrodes faster. For bottom fishing where hooks contact structure and saltwater constantly, black nickel lasts longer between replacements. Our hook guide covers finish types.



