Reference
Fishing Hook Size Chart
Hook sizes look backwards at first. Here's how the numbering works and which sizes to use for the fish you're after.
How hook sizes work
- Regular sizes (#32 to #1): the bigger the number, the smaller the hook. A #10 is smaller than a #2.
- Aught sizes (1/0 to 19/0): after #1 the scale flips. Read "1/0" as "one-aught"; the bigger the number, the bigger the hook. A 5/0 is larger than a 1/0.
- The order goes: … #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 …
- Sizes vary by manufacturer. One brand's 2/0 can be noticeably different from another's, and hook styles (circle, J, wide-gap) also differ in shape.
Hook size chart
| Size | Group | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| #32–#18 | Small | Tiny fly-fishing patterns (midges), very small baits for wary trout. |
| #16–#12 | Small | Trout flies and nymphs, small panfish, ice-fishing jigs. |
| #10–#8 | Small | Bluegill, sunfish, perch, trout with worms or salmon eggs. |
| #6–#4 | Medium | Crappie, perch, trout, small catfish with live bait; minnows under a bobber. |
| #2–#1 | Medium | Walleye, small bass, channel catfish, inshore live shrimp. |
| 1/0–2/0 | Aught | Bass drop-shot and wacky rigs, walleye, redfish, speckled trout. |
| 3/0–4/0 | Aught | Bass soft plastics (Texas rig), catfish cut bait, snook, flounder. |
| 5/0–7/0 | Large | Big catfish, large swimbaits, striped bass, tarpon live bait, pike. |
| 8/0–10/0 | Large | Offshore and big-game fishing, sharks, large blue catfish, big tarpon. |
Recommended hook sizes by species
Panfish (bluegill, sunfish)
#10–#6
Small wire hooks with worms, crickets or small jigs.
Crappie
#6–#2
Light wire 'Aberdeen' hooks bend free from snags and hold minnows well.
Trout
#14–#6 (bait), #20–#10 (flies)
Smaller hooks for clear water and finicky fish.
Walleye
#4–1/0
Jig heads and live-bait rigs with minnows, leeches or crawlers.
Bass
1/0–5/0
Smaller for finesse rigs, larger wide-gap hooks for big soft plastics.
Catfish
#2–8/0
Circle hooks are popular; go bigger for blue and flathead cats.
Inshore saltwater
1/0–4/0
Redfish, trout and snook with live shrimp or baitfish.
Pike & musky
3/0–8/0
Strong hooks with a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader.
How to read this chart and how sizes were chosen
Short answer: hooks numbered with a plain number (#1–#32) get smaller as the number rises; "aught" sizes (1/0, 2/0 and up) get larger as the number rises. The species table gives a starting range, not a single correct size.
Method: the recommended ranges reflect common general angling practice for typical bait and fish size. Hook dimensions are not standardized between manufacturers, so the same number can vary by brand and hook style.
Limitations: some waters require specific hooks (for example circle hooks, barbless or single hooks). Check your state's official regulations for hook rules where you fish.
Practical tips
- Match the hook to the bait, not just the fish. The hook should fit the bait without hiding the point.
- If you're missing bites, try a size smaller. If fish swallow the hook deep, go a size bigger or switch to a circle hook.
- Keep hooks sharp — a dull hook loses more fish than the wrong size.
- Check local rules: some waters require barbless or circle hooks. See our license finder for official agency links.
- New to tackle? Read our fishing gear basics.
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