Fishing hook sizes have gotten complicated with all the numbering systems and brand variations flying around. As someone who spent my first few years using whatever hooks were cheapest at the tackle shop, I learned everything there is to know about matching the right hook to the right situation. Today, I will share it all with you.
The Sizing System That Makes No Sense (Until It Does)
Hook sizing is backwards and confusing. Sizes 1 through 32 get smaller as the number goes up — a size 32 is tiny, a size 1 is much bigger. Then once you cross into “aught” sizes (written as 1/0, 2/0, etc.), bigger numbers mean bigger hooks. A 6/0 is massive. A 1/0 is relatively modest. Probably should have led with this section, honestly, because once you understand this numbering system, everything else falls into place.
Matching Hook Size to Your Target Species
Small panfish and trout? Sizes 6 through 12 work well. Bass fishing? Size 1 through 3/0 covers most situations. Catfish and bigger game? You are looking at 4/0 and up. The general rule is simple: the hook should match the size of the bait and the mouth of the fish you are targeting.
I used to use hooks that were way too big for panfish because I thought bigger hooks meant better hookups. Wrong. A size 2 hook in a bluegill’s mouth is like trying to eat a pizza with a snow shovel. Size 8 or 10 is much more effective.
Hook Style Matters Too
Beyond size, think about the type of hook. Circle hooks are great for catch and release because they almost always hook in the corner of the mouth. J-hooks are traditional and require a solid hookset from you. Treble hooks work on crankbaits and stink bait rigs. Worm hooks come in various offsets for Texas rigging soft plastics. That’s what makes hook selection endearing to us detail-oriented anglers — small changes in your terminal tackle can make a huge difference in your catch rate.
Wire Gauge and Strength
Thinner wire hooks penetrate easier but bend under heavy loads. Thicker wire hooks handle big fish but are harder to set. Light wire for finesse fishing and panfish. Heavy wire for flipping into heavy cover. Match the hook strength to the line weight and the rod you are using.
When in Doubt, Go Smaller
If you are not sure what size to use, err on the smaller side. A slightly small hook will still catch fish. A too-big hook will get fewer bites and more missed strikes. I keep a variety of sizes in my tackle box and adjust based on what the fish are telling me that day.
