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Learn how to choose the right hook size for your target fish with a hook size chart that shows the actual size of the hook in millimeters and inches. Compare different hook size systems and understand why hook sizes matter in fishing.
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- Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing Hooks
- Species Fishing Hook Guide
- Fishing with Bait: Circle Hooks vs. Bait Hooks
- How to Properly Attach Bait to A Hook
- What About All The Hook Colors?
- What About Snelled Hooks
- To Barb Or Not to Barb
- Hook Costs
- Setting The Hook
- Diagnosing Hook-Related Causes For Losing Fish
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Hook Basics
There are 5 main parts to just about any fishing hook. As you can see in the diagram to the right, these parts are the eye, the shank, the bend, the point, and the barb. Allow me to explain each of these components further. 1. Eye The eye is where you attach your fishing line or leader to. It is the link between your line and the hook. Some hooks like the Siwash hook actually come with an open section of the eye which allows you attach the hook on a lure. 2. Shank The shank is the longest par...
Fishing Hook Sizes
Disclaimer: Fish hook sizes are a general description, not an exact universal standard. Fishing hook brands may different sized hooks at certain sizes than other brands. As an example, a size 6 hook by Eagle Claw may not be the exact same size as a size 6 Gamakatsu hook. Just like how one clothing line’s medium shirt may fit like a large in another clothing line. Fishing hook sizes may not be exact, but they are roughly equivalent.
Types of Fishing Hooks & Descriptions
1. Standard J-Hook 2. Bait-Holder Hook 3. Siwash Hook 4. Aberdeen Hook 5. Circle Hook 6. Octopus Hook 7. King Kahle Hook 8. Shiner Hook 9. Treble Hook 10. Worm Hook 11. Swim Hook 12. Jig Hook 13. Weedless Hook 1. Standard J-Hook This is the simplest hook design. Shaped like the letter “J”. This hook is useful on some lures but really earns its stripes with live or cut bait. Popular for panfish with worms or small minnows. 12. Jig Hook
I’m just going to generalize the heck out of this section since there are a lot of variables that could affect hook size and type for various species. I’m just going to tell you what you really need to know. Bass: size 5 through 4/0 Catfish: size 2 through 6/0 Bullheads: size 7 through 1 Carp: size 3 through 1 Walleye: size 3 through 2/0 Panfish: s...
There is a growing debate between the use of circle hooks vs. the use of standard bait hooks. Both hook types have their benefits as well as their share of drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look so you can decide which type of hook would be best for you. Circle hooks are growing in popularity among recreational and commercial fishermen for their effec...
When attaching bait to a hook, make sure the bait is as secure as possible. This will keep your bait from flying off the hook during the cast. It is important the point does not turn back into the bait as this will cover up the point and prevent good hook sets. Failing to account for this will result in fewer hookups and more gut-hooked fish. Also ...
You’ll see a whole range of colors fishing hooks come in. Blue, red, orange, black, silver, gold, and bronze. Red hooks are popular for trout. I’m sure each colored hook serves a purpose but I’m a firm believer in black and bronze hooks. I think they are the hardest for fish to detect. That’s all I have on the topic of color. Nothing too complicate...
Snelled fishing hooks are basically prepared hooks with monofilament line already attached. Improperly tied knots are a key reason for lost fish. Snelled hooks eliminate the knot-to-hook connection by wrapping a monofilament line through the eye of the hook and around the shank. The line ultimately culminates a few inches away with a tied loop wher...
Most fishing hooks come with barbs. Barbs are designed to increase the “stickiness” of the hook. This means after the point penetrates the flesh of the fish, the barb is designed to create a second point against which it is difficult to remove. The barb makes the hook sticky and helps to keep fighting fish attached to the hook. Barbs are not all wo...
The price of fishing hooks can determine the level of quality you are able to use. You get what you pay for. With fishing hooks, this age-old law is even truer. Good hooks have a sharp quality point. Quality hooks are strong but provide some flexibility allowing the hook to bend without molding or breaking. Some great premium brands of fishing hook...
The purpose of setting the hook is to drive your hook into the lip or jaw of a fish to secure it your bait long enough for you to catch the fish. Believe it or not, there is not one-size-fits-all approach to hook setting. Type of hook, species of fish, and angle of attack dictate the types of hook set needed. When fishing with a j-hook, a solid hoo...
Bites but no Hook-Sets
This means you are likely using baits and/or hooks that are too big for the mouths of the fish which are biting. Your bait is simply too large for the fish to grab enough for a solid hook set. Your bait of choice is clearly enticing bites but you now need to downsize everything. Progressively present smaller and smaller bait and hook sizes until those bites turn into solid hook sets. If you’re using a full nightcrawler and a size 1 hook, cut the worm in half and try a 2/0 hook.
Hook Pops Out as You’re Putting Max Strain on the Line While Fighting Fish
This one should seem clear. You put too much strain on the hook and it tore it out the fish’s mouth or lip. You over-fought the fish and were too aggressive. There are 3 primary causes for hooks to tear out. The first is that you were simply too eager and abrasive while fighting the fish. The second is that your drag was set too strong which didn’t provide enough give to keep the hook at a safer tension point. The third cause is your hook was too small (the gap of the hook was too small) for...
Fish are Spitting the Hook
If you feel the tension on the line and suddenly, the hook is free and the fish swims off, this is a case of the fish “spitting” or throwing your hook. Fish can’t spit your hook if it’s embedded in their lip. It’s either in or it’s not. A fish can realize there is a hook attached to the bait and force it out of their hook without being hooked. In this case, you have an issue with your hook sets. To improve your hook rate, use a sharper hook than you are currently using. You can also take a lo...
Learn everything you need to know about fishing hooks, from sizes and types to how to use them effectively. Find hook sizing charts for different species and lures, and get tips on how to set the hook, avoid snags, and more.
Mar 13, 2022 · Learn about the different types, sizes, and styles of fishing hooks, and how to choose the right one for your application. See a handy size chart and examples of common hooks for saltwater fishing.
Jun 13, 2024 · Follow our tutorial on the correct fishing hook sizes and styles to use to guarantee a fish never misses the point. Understanding the anatomy of a fishing hook can help you hook up....
Mar 14, 2024 · Learn how to choose the right hook size for your fishing needs based on the type of fish, bait, and technique. Find out how hook sizes are measured and see a hook size chart for common hook sizes.
May 31, 2024 · In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about fishing hook sizes, from choosing the right hook for your target species to unraveling the mysteries of circle hooks and treble hooks. Let’s dive in!
Mar 7, 2022 · But keep in mind that many manufacturers have a fishing hook size chart that gives you the exact measurements of different hook sizes. How do fishing hook sizes work? The Scales – Fishing Hook Size and Aught. Hooks come in two scales, size and aught, and they aren’t different scales, one flows into another.
