A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing Hook Sizes

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Plus, which hook to use based on the fish you’re after

Co-authored by Michael Reynolds and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: June 4, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Understanding Fishing Hook Sizes
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• Choosing a Hook
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• Types of Hooks
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• Parts of a Fishing Hook
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• Video

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Fishing hook sizes can seem really complicated at first—why is a size 8/0 so much bigger than an 8? Which is bigger, a 4 or a 6? Luckily, we’re here to help take all the mystery out of shopping for fishing hooks. In this article, we’ll explain the different fishing hook sizes, plus walk you through how to choose a hook size, and even go over a few different types of hooks. But as for finding where the fish are biting? Well, that’s up to you.

Fishing Hook Size Chart

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Fishing hook sizes are divided into singles and aughts. Single sizes range from 32 to 1, and the hooks get larger as the number gets smaller. Aughts range from 1/0 to 19/0, and they get bigger as the number gets bigger. Choosing the right size hook can make it easier to catch the fish you’re targeting.

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Section 1 of 4:

Understanding Fishing Hook Sizes

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1. Fishing hook sizes range from 32 to 19/0. The sizes are categorized as singles (#) and aughts (/). Singles run from sizes 32 to 1, and the smaller the number, the larger the hook. Aughts run from 1/0 (one-aught) to 19/0 (19-oh or 19-aught), and the larger the number, the larger the hook. So a 1/0 is smaller than a 1, and an 8/0 is bigger than an 8.

   • Singles (smallest to largest): 32, 30, 28, 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 2, 1
   • Aughts (smallest to largest): 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, 9/0, 10/0, 11/0, 12/0, 13/0, 14/0, 15/0, 16/0, 17/0, 18/0, 19/0
   • Double and treble hooks use the same sizes as regular hooks: 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0
   • The most common hook sizes range from 8 to 8/0. Check out the chart below to see what each size is best for.

   Hook Sizes—and When to Use Them
   Hook Size	Type of Fishing	Typical Species
   #8	Medium-sized fish and smaller bait	Bass, perch, large trout
   #6	Medium-sized fish and smaller bait	Panfish, crappie, bass, perch, large trout
   #5	Larger freshwater fish, bottom rigs	Bass, perch, croaker, large trout
   #2	Larger freshwater fish, live shrimp	Bass, perch, large trout, small flounder
   #1	Larger freshwater fish, live bait, Carolina rigs	Bass, catfish, flounder, pompano
   1/0	Larger live bait, light saltwater tackle, cut bait	Walleye, catfish, pike, snook, redfish, sea trout
   2/0	Larger live bait, light saltwater tackle, bottom fishing	Walleye, catfish, pike, snook, redfish, sea trout
   3/0	Larger live bait, light saltwater tackle, chunk bait	Walleye, catfish, pike, snook, redfish, sea trout, cobia, grouper
   4/0	Larger freshwater fish, medium-sized saltwater fish , live bait, trolling	Muskie, flathead catfish, striped bass, snapper, tarpon, grouper, king mackerel
   5/0	Larger freshwater fish, medium-sized saltwater fish, bottom fishing	Muskie, flathead catfish, striped bass, snapper, tarpon, amberjack, grouper, king mackerel
   6/0	Larger freshwater fish, medium-sized saltwater fish, heavy bottom fishing, live bait	Muskie, flathead catfish, striped bass, snapper, tarpon, amberjack, grouper, cobia
   7/0	Trolling, heavier cover, large saltwater fish, live bait offshore fishing	Muskie, flathead catfish, goliath grouper, swordfish, tuna, sharks
   8/0	Trolling, heavier cover, large saltwater fish, trolling	Muskie, flathead catfish, goliath grouper, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, sharks
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Section 2 of 4:

Choosing the Right Size Fishing Hook

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1. 
   Choose your hook size based on your bait and target fish. In general, try to match the size of the hook to the mouth of the fish you want to catch. But if you’re trying to decide between two sizes, size down—a slightly smaller hook will still usually snag bigger fish if they come along, but if your hook is too big, you might miss out on some nice fish, even if they aren’t record-breakers. Also, keep in mind that fishing hook sizes are not universally standardized, so they can vary between manufacturers.

   • If a hook is too small, it might travel deep into the fish before it gets lodged. This isn’t desirable, especially for catch-and-release fishing.
   • Bring a variety of sizes with you. If you’re new to fishing, bring an assortment of small hooks, like sizes 6, 8, and 10. Then, adapt the size hook to the size fish you see when you’re on the water.
   • Look up the regulations in your area. In some cases, you may be prohibited from using hooks above or below a certain size. If you’re not sure what size hook to use, talk to someone at a local fishing outfitter.
   • The width of the hook matters, too. Thinner hooks are usually best for smaller fish and with baits like worms and shrimp, but you’ll want a thicker hook for a big, strong fish.
   • Use larger hooks for saltwater fishing. Saltwater fish tend to be larger and stronger, so you usually need larger, wider hooks to catch them.
   • Consider the type of hook, too. Certain hooks work better based on the fish species you’re after and the type of fishing you’re doing. We’ll go over different types of hooks in the next section.

Section 3 of 4:

Common Types of Fishing Hooks

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1. 
   The two most common fishing hooks are J-hooks and circle hooks. Either of these work great for beginners. But there is an almost endless variety of hook designs that you can move into as you get more experienced:

   • J-hook: This J-shaped hook is probably what you picture when you think of a fishing hook. They’re good for beginners or bait fishing.
   • Circle hook: Circle hooks are designed to snag the fish in the corner of the mouth for easy removal, so they’re ideal for catch-and-release fishing. And because they set themselves, they’re a good option for beginners.
   • Aberdeen hook: A light wire hook; good for live bait.
   • Siwash hook: Long shank and open eye.
   • Worm hook/offset worm hook: Good for soft artificial bait.
   • Octopus hook: Professional fishing instructor Michael Reynolds says these usually set in the corner of the fish’s mouth. They’re often used for live bait catch-and-release fishing.
   • Carp hook: Intended for carp fishing.
   • Fly hook: Hooks used for fly fishing. There are a huge variety of fly hook varieties, including Sproat, Sneck, Limerick, Kendal, Bend Back, Kink-shank, and Captain Hamilton.
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Section 4 of 4:

Parts of a Fishing Hook

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1. 
   The size of the hook matters a lot when you’re fishing, but there are a lot of different hook designs that can make a difference, too. In general, a basic hook with a U-shaped bend, round eye, and straight point will work for most types of fishing—but if you’re trying to catch a specific fish, ask someone at your local tackle shop whether they recommend a different hook style. Some of the components of a fishing hook include:

   • Shank & Bend: The shank is the straight part of the hook, and the bend is the bent part. Basic U-shaped hooks are the most common, but there are different shapes, including straight, curved, kinked, or offset.
   • Eye: The eye of the hook is the loop on top of the shank. That’s where you put the fishing line or lure. There are a few different eye designs:
     • Ring (circle-shaped), tapered (smaller at one end), looped (used for fly fishing), needle (long and thin), and spade (a flattened area instead of an eye).
   • Point: Pretty self-explanatory—this is the pointy end of the hook that goes into the fish. They’re categorized by the direction of the point and its overall design.
     • Direction: Straight (lined up with shank), kirbed (angled left), reversed (angled right)
     • Designs: Needle (straight and sharp), spear (tapered), hollow (concave with a hollow area), knife-edge (has a flat cutting surface), rolled-in (curved inward toward the shank)
   • Barb: The barb is a pointy section that comes off the back of the point. It helps keep the fish on the hook.
     • Barbless hooks don’t have a barb. They’re best for catch-and-release fishing.
   • Gap: The distance between the point and the shank.

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