I like a 2 when using live bait, but that is also because I like to use shiners if I can. When using artificial, I like the 4 mainly because I feel like the more hook there is, the more hook there is to get caught on brush. As long as you keep the tension on the fish have a forgiving pole, very few will get off of even size 6 and 8 hooks. Ice guys will testify to that.