Selecting the right size and type of fishing hook is key to improving your catch rate and landing that trophy catch. Below we’ll explore everything you need to know about fish hook sizes and types to ensure a productive fishing experience.

Fish hook sizes explained

Fishing hooks range in size from #32 (smallest) to 20/0 (largest). In between, the scale goes from #32 to #1 and then from 1/0 to 20/0. As the hook # gets larger, the hook size gets smaller. 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 illustration below clearly shows the relationship between hook sizes and designations.

However, it’s important to know that different types of fish hooks (e.g. Circle, Bait Holder, Octopus, etc.) may be different sizes even when they have the same designation. For example, a #6 Circle hook will not be the exact same size as a #6 Aberdeen hook. And a 0/1 Aberdeen hook will not be the exact same size as a 0/1 Octopus hook.

What size and type of hook to use?

There is continual debate around which hook type and size is best for each fish species. The truth is that there isn’t necessarily one best hook type or size for every fish. Some fish do require specific hooks, but there are various factors that will influence hook choice and performance that you need to consider. These include include:

• Target Species
• Size of Target Fish
• Size of Bait
• Fishing Method

If you’re surf fishing for Pompano a size 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook is ideal. If you’re ice fishing for Yellow Perch a small #8 to #4 Baitholder is my hook of choice. However, let’s say you’re fishing off the Alaska coast for 300 lb monster Halibut. Then a large 20/0 circle hook is what you want. Unless, of course, you’re targeting smaller halibut in the 20-30 lbs range. In which case a 12/0 circle hook will do the trick.

The following are generally recommended hook sizes for small, medium and large fish.

• Small Fish: Sizes #32 to #8 are ideal for sunfish, crappie, perch, bluegill and small trout.
• Medium Fish: For medium-size fish such as bass, walleye and larger trout a hook size of #12 to #1 is recommended.
• Large Fish: A 1/0 aught all the way up to a 8/0 will work for large fish including Northern Pike and adult catfish.

Fishing hook size and type chart

The following chart provides recommended hook types and size ranges for specific gamefish species. Hook sizes are listed from smallest to largest. If you have any specific experience fishing any of the gamefish below, please drop me a line. I’d love to learn about what setup and presentation worked or didn’t work for you.