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Hook Size Selector

By Jian Yuan·How these numbers are built·Last reviewed: October 2026

Pick your species, bait and hook style — get the size range that actually lands fish.

Target species

Bait type

Hook style

Your hook recommendation

Size range

—

hook size

Best all-round

—

if you buy one

Recommended style

—

hook pattern

Wire

—

gauge

Full hook size chart

Size	Wire typ.	Best for

Why this size

How this calculator works

Choose your species, bait and hook style. You get a working size range, the single best all-round size, the right hook pattern, and wire strength — plus the full chart below.

Sources

Equipment ratings and capacities follow the published specifications for each rod, reel and line.
Unit conversions follow NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) SI conversion factors.
Hook sizes follow the numbered scale used by most US tackle brands; wide-gap and fine-wire patterns shift the effective size by roughly one step either way.

Full detail for every calculator is on the methodology page.

Why hook numbers run backwards

Hook sizing is the most confusing number system in tackle. The explanation of how hook sizes work clears up the backwards numbering, the hook size chart lays every size out side by side, and the species size chart shows the fish each size is aimed at.

Frequently asked questions

Do hook numbers get bigger or smaller?

Both, in two directions: from #1 down to #32 the numbers get bigger as hooks get smaller; from 1/0 up to 20/0 the numbers get bigger as hooks get bigger. #1 is smaller than 1/0.

What size hook for bass with soft plastics?

2/0 to 4/0 offset worm hooks cover most 4–6 inch worms and craws. A 4-inch plastic takes a 2/0, a 5-inch a 3/0, a 6-inch a 4/0.

Circle hook vs J hook — which for live bait?

Circle hooks hook fish in the corner of the mouth and almost never gut-hook — the better choice for live bait and catch-and-release. Just don't jerk; let the fish load the rod.

Hooks matched to your size

Three styles cover nearly everything. Buy in packs, not singles.

Offset EWG worm hooks, 2/0 – 4/0

The workhorse for soft plastics. 2/0 for finesse worms, 3/0 for standard stickbaits, 4/0 for big creature baits.

Check current price on Amazon →

Circle hooks, 1/0 – 4/0

The right hook for live bait and for any fish you plan to release. The hook rotates into the corner of the mouth on its own.

Check current price on Amazon →

Octopus hooks, size 1 – 2/0

Short shank, turned-in point, strong wire. Ideal for float fishing and for bait that must sit naturally.

Check current price on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, TackleCalc earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are set by Amazon and change without notice. Read our full affiliate disclosure.

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Reference charts: Fishing Hook Size Chart · Lure Size Chart