Fishing Hooks: Sizes, Types, Anatomy (2024)

FAQs

What are the different sizes of fishing hooks? ›

Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest (size 19/0). For hook sizes from 32 to 1, the larger the number, the smaller the hook. For fish hook sizes from 1/0 (called a one aught) to 19/0, the larger the number the larger the hook.

As the aught (or “ought”) gets larger hook size also gets larger. For example, a #4 fish hook is larger than a #6 fish hook, even though 6 is greater than 4. Conversely, a 1/0 (or “one aught”) hook is smaller than a 3/0 hook. “Aught” fish hooks are always larger than # designated hooks.

The choice of hook size depends on the size of the fish you're targeting and its mouth size. For example, even if a five-pound carp and a five-pound bass are similar in weight, you'll need a smaller hook to catch the carp due to its smaller mouth.

As a general rule, match the hook size to the size of bait you're using, and match that bait size to the species and size of the fish you're targeting.

Octopus Hook for Live Minnows & Leeches

Use a smaller #6 or #4 for 1-2″ minnows and small leeches to target Perch and Crappie. Use the medium size #4 & #2 on larger 3-4″ minnows and jumbo leeches for Walleye. Lastly, the 1/0 is great with larger 4-6″ minnows used to target Pike and Bass.

What size hook is bigger an 8 or a 10? That number 8 is bigger, but don't get too confused, an 8/0 is even bigger than both of them.

Understand Hook Sizes

For hooks ranging between 1/0 to 19/0, the larger the number, the larger the hook.

The sizes of hooks range from #1 to #34. Within that range, the larger the number, the smaller the hook gets. On the other side of the hook scale, are the “aught” hooks (1/0, 2/0, etc.). As these numbers get bigger, the hook size increases.

An H-8 5mm crochet hook is the most common size recommended for use with worsted weight yarn. Fingering weight yarn is smaller than worsted weight yarn, so once you get comfortable with your crochet skills, you might want to try this yarn. Try a D-3 3.25mm crochet hook for fingering weight yarn.

What size hook for bluegill? ›

Bluegills have small mouths, so a small hook is essential--sizes 6 or 8 work best. Hooks with long shanks are easier to remove from the small mouth, especially if the bait is swallowed.

✌️ Rules of Hooks

Hooks are JavaScript functions, but they impose two additional rules: Only call Hooks at the top level. Don't call Hooks inside loops, conditions, or nested functions. Only call Hooks from React function components.

Hooks for general coarse fishing are usually smaller, going from size 12 down to size 20, for targeting general coarse and silver fish and to suit different bait sizes. Hooks are available either eyed, which can be tied on with a standard knot, or spade end which has to be whipped on.

Circle hooks are a fantastic choice for novice anglers. Simply begin reeling in your line, and the fish will hook itself in the corner of its mouth. This makes for an easy removal process and a more enjoyable fishing experience overall.

We know that the sizes of fish hooks can be confusing. That's why we're breaking it down for you in this guide. The hook size is based on the gap between the shank and shaft (the gape) and the shaft length, given as a number. Generally, the bigger the number, the smaller the hook.

For instance a 4/0, ("four bar oh" or "four oh"), hook is one size up from a 3/0, which is one size up from a 2/0, etc. Hook sizes not followed by a zero, decrease in size as the number increases. For example a size 3 hook is smaller than a size 2 hook, which is smaller than a size 1 hook.

Determining fishing hook sizes is a bit of a formula, with the measurement based on the distance between the shank and shaft of the hook and the length of the shaft. The bigger the number (#), the smaller the size until #1. At that point, the sizing system changes, increasing from 1/0 to 2/0 and so on.