Fishing Hook Sizes and Hook Styles Explained: How to Choose the Right Hook

One of the most common questions we hear in-store is, “What hook size should I use?” The answer is not always straightforward. Hook sizing can seem confusing at first, and choosing the right hook involves more than simply picking a number.

 

 

In this guide, we explain how fishing hook sizes work, the most common hook styles and how to choose the best hook for your bait, target species and fishing technique.

Understanding Fishing Hook Sizes

Fishing hooks use two different sizing systems: standard numbered sizes and aught sizes.

Standard Hook Sizes (#)

Standard sizes are generally used for smaller hooks. The important thing to remember is:

The higher the number, the smaller the hook.

#12 → #10 → #8 → #6 → #4 → #2 → #1

For example, a #10 hook is smaller than a #4 hook, while a #2 hook is larger than a #6 hook.

Aught Hook Sizes (/0)

After reaching #1, the sizing system changes to aught sizes, pronounced “ought”.

With aught sizes, the higher the number, the larger the hook.

1/0 → 2/0 → 3/0 → 4/0 → 5/0 → 6/0 → 8/0 → 10/0

For example, a 5/0 hook is larger than a 2/0 hook, and a 10/0 hook is much larger than a 4/0 hook.

Where the Two Systems Meet

The transition between the two sizing systems is the part that catches out many anglers.

#6 → #4 → #2 → #1 → 1/0 → 2/0 → 3/0 → 4/0

The easiest thing to remember is that #1 is smaller than 1/0. Once the sizing reaches 1/0, the hooks become larger as the aught number increases.

Why Hook Sizes Are Not Always the Same

Unlike fishing line breaking strain or lure weight, hook sizes are not based on one universal measurement standard. Manufacturers size their hooks according to the hook’s overall shape and proportions. Because of this, a 2/0 hook from one brand may be slightly different from a 2/0 made by another brand. A 2/0 circle hook may also look very different from a 2/0 long shank, octopus or live-bait hook.

 

 

Important hook dimensions include:

• Gape: The distance between the hook point and shank.
• Shank length: The distance from the eye to the bend.
• Wire gauge: The thickness of the hook wire.
• Bend: The shape and depth of the curved section.
• Throat: The distance from the point down to the deepest part of the bend.

Hook size should therefore be treated as a guide. When comparing different brands or hook styles, look at the actual hook and consider whether its dimensions suit your bait and target species.

Understanding Hook Anatomy

Knowing the main parts of a hook makes it easier to understand why different hook styles perform differently.

• Eye: The section where the fishing line or leader is attached.
• Shank: The straight section running from the eye towards the bend.
• Bend: The curved section that forms the main shape of the hook.
• Gape: The opening between the hook point and shank.
• Point: The sharpened section that penetrates the fish.
• Barb: The backward-facing projection that helps prevent the hook from pulling free.

Common Fishing Hook Styles

Octopus Hook

Octopus hooks have a short shank, rounded bend and relatively wide gape. They are a versatile option for presenting live bait, cut bait and a wide range of natural baits.

Best for: General estuary fishing, live bait, cut bait, prawns and strips of bait.

Circle Hook

Circle hooks have an inward-turned point and are designed to roll into the corner of a fish’s jaw as the line comes tight. They can reduce deep hooking, making them a useful option for bait fishing and catch-and-release fishing.

Best for: Live bait, cut bait, larger baits and catch-and-release fishing.

Fishing tip: Avoid a hard, traditional strike. Allow the line to tighten and steadily wind into the weight of the fish.

Long Shank Hook

Long shank hooks have an extended shank that provides plenty of room for presenting worms, prawns and other long or narrow baits. The longer shank also makes the hook easier to hold and remove from fish with small mouths. One of our favourite hooks is the Mustad Bloodworm hook - it's slightly thicker than others so if you do hook a slightly larger fish it will be able to handle it. 

Best for: Whiting, garfish, leatherjackets using worms, prawns and squid tentacles

 

Baitholder Hook

Baitholder hooks feature small barbs along the shank that help prevent soft or delicate baits from sliding down the hook. Our favourite is the Decoy Long Baitholder - having a slightly longer shank makes it better for longer baits. 

Best for: Worms, prawns, pilchard pieces and other soft baits.

Suicide or Beak Hook

Suicide hooks, also known as beak hooks, are popular all-round bait-fishing hooks. They usually have a strong curved bend, short-to-medium shank and an offset or angled point, depending on the model.

Best for: Bream, snapper, mulloway and general estuary or offshore bait fishing.

Wide Gape and EWG Hook

Extra wide gape hooks provide additional clearance between the point and shank. This allows bulky soft plastics to move out of the way when a fish bites, helping expose the hook point.

Best for: Weedless soft plastics, paddle tails, jerk shads and creature baits.

Live-Bait Hook

Live-bait hooks are generally compact, strong and made from heavier wire. Their design allows a live bait to move naturally while providing enough strength to handle powerful fish.

Best for: Kingfish, mulloway, tuna and other predatory species.

Assist Hook

Assist hooks are attached to cord rather than directly to a standard hook eye or split ring. They are commonly fitted to metal jigs and can provide excellent hook-up rates while reducing the leverage a fish can place on the hook.

Best for: Slow-pitch jigging, speed jigging, micro jigging and metal jigs.

How to Choose the Right Fishing Hook

1. Match the Hook to the Bait

The hook should be large enough to hold the bait securely without overpowering it. A hook that is too large can restrict the movement of a live bait or make a small bait look unnatural.

Make sure the hook point and gape remain clear. If the bait covers the point or fills the entire gape, it may prevent the hook from penetrating properly.

2. Match the Hook to the Target Species

Consider the size and shape of the fish’s mouth. Small-mouthed species generally require smaller hooks, while fish with large mouths can comfortably take larger hooks and baits.

The hook must also be strong enough to handle the target species and the amount of drag pressure being used.

3. Choose the Right Hook Style

Hook pattern can be just as important as hook size. A long shank may be ideal for presenting a worm to a whiting, while a circle hook may be better for presenting a large live bait to a mulloway.

Think about how the bait will be rigged, how the fish is expected to bite and whether the hook needs to suit a particular fishing technique.

4. Select the Right Wire Gauge

Fine-wire hooks penetrate easily and allow smaller baits to move naturally. However, they may bend or straighten under heavy drag.

Heavy-gauge hooks provide additional strength for large fish, heavy tackle and demanding fishing environments. The trade-off is that they require more pressure to penetrate and may restrict the movement of smaller live baits.

As a general rule, choose the lightest hook that still provides enough strength for the fish, tackle and fishing environment.

5. Keep the Hook Point Exposed

Regardless of the hook size or style, the point needs to be clear enough to penetrate the fish. Avoid burying the hook point deeply inside the bait unless you are deliberately rigging a soft plastic weedless.

Final Thoughts

Understanding fishing hooks does not need to be complicated. Start by matching the hook to the size of your bait, then consider your target species, fishing technique and the strength required.

Remember that hook sizes can vary between brands and patterns. The number printed on the packet is a useful starting point, but the hook’s actual gape, shank length and wire gauge are often more important.

At Fishing Station, our team can help you choose the right hook for your bait, target species and local fishing conditions. Whether you are chasing whiting on the flats, bream in the estuary, kingfish on live bait or snapper offshore, choosing the right hook can make a major difference to your presentation and hook-up rate.