A large hook mounted on a pole and used for landing fish is called a gaff.

"hook" could be a noun or verb. If it is talking about the item, "fish hook" then yes, it's a noun. If it's telling what to do, "hook that fish on the stick" then it's a verb.

Catches fish.

Does not hurt me one bit. As a matter of fact, I feel prettyexcited when I do manage to hook a fish.

There are two main types of hook - the J hook and the circle hook. J hooks are used by directly driving the hook through the bait and into the fish with a strong upward tug. The hook can end up anywhere from the stomach of the fish to the jaw or be snagged on the exterior of the fish.

Circle hooks are swallowed by the fish and are set by winding the line tight. The shape of the hook causes the point to swing around the jaw. Typically, 95% of the hook sets are in the fish's jaw. This allows the fish to be released relatively unharmed. Circle hooks are used very successfully in deep water fishing.