Fishing hooks: types, sizes and how to choose
— Buyer’s guide 2026
The hook is the simplest — and most decisive — part of your rig. Picking the right type, size and point changes your hookup rate. Here’s how to make sense of it.
How to choose a hook
- •Common types: round/octopus for natural bait, large gap / EWG worm for soft plastics, jig hook, treble for hard baits, versatile sproat.
- •Size system: the bigger the number, the smaller the hook (e.g. 10, 8, 6, 4); past 1 you switch to /0 sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0…) and the hook gets bigger.
- •Barbed vs barbless: barbless makes catch-and-release easier and reduces injury to the fish — often required where release is mandatory.
- •Material and point: high-carbon steel or stainless, chemically sharpened point for cleaner hooksets with less force.
- •Match the hook to bait and rig: size follows the target fish’s mouth and the bulk of the worm, baitfish or lure.
- •Shank and eye shape: long shank for worms, wide gap for Texas-rigged plastics, an eye suited to your knot or jig head.
Trusted hook brands
Gamakatsu
A benchmark for fine, strong points; a favorite for finesse fishing.
Mustad
Versatile classic, huge range and great value.
Owner
Very sharp Cutting Point hooks and premium quality.
Eagle Claw
Affordable and reliable, great for natural bait and beginners.
VMC
Very popular for trebles, jigs and ice fishing.
Which hook for your rig?
Worm / natural bait
View on Amazon ↗A medium octopus hook — holds the worm well and sets easily.
Soft plastic for bass
View on Amazon ↗EWG worm (wide gap) to rig the plastic Texas-style and stay weedless.
Walleye / harness
View on Amazon ↗Thin hooks for a worm harness, ideal for slow trolling.
Barbless (catch-and-release)
View on Amazon ↗Barbless hooks to unhook fast and release the fish healthy.