What part of a hook "hooks" the fish?

The sharp part.

James W is correct. It is the bend that allows the angler a means to "hook" fish. The point punctures the tissue and allows the bend to enter the flesh and thus hold the fish. The original purpose barbs was to keep bait secured to the hook.

The point penetrates and the barb merely assists in the fish not gettin' off the hook ;)... < ' ( (( > <

The hook will hold the fish. To be more exact, it's the bend of the hook that holds the fish. Barbs on the hooks will help the hook to hold fish even better. Barb is not the part that hooks fish. You can catch fish with barbless hooks. Barb is just an insurance. It's the point of the hook that hooks the fish.

"L" is correct, it's the barb. It's a one way deal. Once the fish "takes" the hook, it can't go in the opposite direction. that's why you have to make sure they don't just "swallow" it.... but take it "hook, line and sinker". Otherwise, they will take the bait and you'll be skinned!

The point hooks it and the barb keeps it on, an other good way to find out is to catch a fish.

point at the end

the barb.

the hook (the barb)