- State Info
- Register Your Boat
- Get Your Fishing License
- Places To Boat And Fish
- Blog
- RBFF
Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- How to Fish
- How to Catch Fish
- How to Tie Fishing Knots
- Fishing Gear and Tackle
- How to Fish with Lures
- How to Fish with Live Bait
- Fishing Safety
- Fishing Tips
- When to Fish
- Types of Fishing
- Fishing and Conservation
- Fishing Resources
- Saltwater Fishing
- When to Saltwater Fish
- Saltwater Bait and Lures
- Saltwater Fishing Tackle
- Types of Saltwater Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing Gear
- Saltwater Fish Species
- Freshwater Fishing
- Types of Freshwater Fishing
- When to Freshwater Fish
- Freshwater Bait and Lures
- Best Freshwater Fishing Gear
- Fly Fishing
- Fly Fishing Basics
- Fly Fishing Flies
- Fly Fishing Gear
- Fly Casting
- Ice Fishing
- Ice Fishing Basics
- Ice Fishing Gear
- Ice Fishing Techniques
- Boating
- Boating Basics
- How to Boat
- Boating and Water Safety
- Choose Your Boat
- Use Our Boat Explorer Tool
- Get on the Water
Home > How To Fish > Fishing Gear and Tackle >
How to Measure Hook Size
Whether you are learning how to fish or are a seasoned angler, knowing how to choose the best fishing hook is key.
How Fishing Hooks Are Sized
Knowing how to measure fishing hook size is essential. 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.
Increasing Rates, Preventing Damage
A fishing hook is one of the most important pieces of fishing gear. Understanding how to choose the best fishing hook can make or break your day on the water.
The key point to remember when choosing among fishing hook sizes is that the more natural the bait appears, the better the target it makes. Since a hook that is too large can look unnatural, be sure to choose the appropriate size to avoid scaring off wary fish. Most often, that means picking a slightly smaller hook, which will also keep the bait alive longer to enhance its appeal.
With the right size hook, you will also make sure it sets in the fish’s mouth once it bites, and make it easier to remove. If you’re catching and releasing, a simpler removal will reduce the likelihood of injury to the fish.
Matching Size to Species
To maximize your catch rates, it is important to match your fishing hook sizes to the type of species you are targeting since each fish has a different size mouth. For example, if you want to catch walleye, you may want to opt for a #2 hook that is most popular among anglers for this species.
Once you settle on a hook size, remember that if you are getting hits but no bites, you may want to consider switching to a smaller hook.
KEEP LEARNING
First Catch Center Trailer Gallery FCC Trailer Photo Gallery LEARN MORE How to Tie a Duncan Knot Learn to tie a Duncan knot by following these five simple steps. Watch our new video. LEARN MORE Welcome to Angler Academy! No one said you can’t bring fishing inside! There’s lots of fun activities we can do right from home LEARN MOREFIND PLACES TO BOAT AND FISH
VIEW MAP
KNOW YOUR FISH
Largemouth Bass
GO TO FISH IDENTIFIER