Hook Size Selector
Find the right hook size for your target species, technique, and lure size. Includes hook size chart and type comparison.
Hook Size Selector
Recommended Hook
EWG 3/0
Standard worms, creatures
Other Options:
Select Your Setup
Fishing Hook Size Chart
Hook sizes run inversely — larger numbers = smaller hooks. A #6 hook is smaller than a #1 hook. Sizes above #1 use "/0" (aught) — 1/0 is larger than #1.
| Size | Type | Best For | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| #18 - #12 | Dry Fly | Trout, panfish | Fly fishing |
| #10 - #6 | Aberdeen | Panfish, trout | Worms, crickets |
| #6 - #2 | Octopus, Circle | Bass, walleye | Live bait, finesse |
| #1 - 1/0 | EWG, Wide Gap | Bass | Small soft plastics |
| 2/0 - 3/0 | EWG, Straight Shank | Bass | Standard worms, creatures |
| 4/0 - 5/0 | EWG, Flipping | Bass (heavy cover) | Large creatures, flipping |
| 6/0 - 7/0 | EWG | Pike, musky, catfish | Magnum baits |
EWG vs Straight Shank Hook
| Feature | EWG | Straight Shank |
|---|---|---|
| Gap | Wide — fits bulky plastics | Narrow — cleaner profile |
| Best For | Creatures, craws, swimbaits | Worms, finesse, neko rig |
| Hookset | Standard — swing and set | Cleaner penetration |
| Weedless | Easy to rig weedless | Slightly harder to bury point |
| Versatility | Most versatile | Better for specific techniques |
Common Mistakes
❌ Hook Too Large for Bait
A 5/0 hook with a 4" worm looks unnatural — the hook dominates the bait. Match hook size to bait size: the hook should be proportional, not oversized.
❌ Hook Too Small for Fish
A #6 hook with a large bait might not get a good hookset on a big bass. For bass, #1-5/0 covers most situations. Don't go too small.
❌ Wrong Hook Type for Technique
EWG for bulky plastics, straight shank for worms, circle for live bait. Using the wrong type means poor hooksets or lost fish.
❌ Dull Hooks
Check hook sharpness by dragging the point across your fingernail. If it doesn't scratch, it's dull. Sharpen or replace dull hooks.
Pro Tips
💡 EWG is the Most Versatile
For bass fishing with soft plastics, a 3/0 EWG hook covers 80% of situations. It works with worms, creatures, craws, and swimbaits.
💡 Circle Hooks for Catch-and-Release
Circle hooks hook fish in the corner of the mouth — easy to release and less harm to the fish. Use for live bait and catch-and-release.
💡 Replace Treble Hooks Annually
Treble hooks on crankbaits and jerkbaits get dull and bent. Replace them every season for better hooksets.
Frequently Asked Questions
For bass with soft plastics: 2/0-3/0 EWG for 3-5 inch worms, 4/0-5/0 for larger creatures. For jigs: 1/0-3/0 jig head. For topwater: #4-#1 treble hooks. Match hook size to lure size — the hook should be proportional to the bait.
EWG (Extra Wide Gap) has a wider gap for bulky soft plastics — better for creatures, craws, and swimbaits. Straight shank has a narrower profile — better for worms, finesse, and when you need a cleaner hookset. Both work for Texas rig.
Small crankbaits: #6-#4. Medium crankbaits: #4-#2. Large jerkbaits: #2-#1. Match the treble to the lure — too large affects action, too small misses fish. Replace stock trebles with stronger ones if you're losing fish.
Circle hooks work well for live bait and catch-and-release — they hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making release easier. They're less effective with artificial lures because the hookset is different (don't jerk, just reel). Use circle hooks for catfish, walleye, and live bait bass fishing.
For ned rig, use a mushroom-style jig head in 1/16-1/5 oz with a #1-#2 hook. The hook is built into the jig head. For 4-inch stick baits, 1/16 oz is standard. For deeper water, use 1/5 oz.
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