Fishing Hooks Buyers Guide: Hook Types, Sizes and How to Choose

Fishing hooks are one of the smallest parts of your tackle, but they have a big say in how many fish you land. The right fish hooks match the bait you're using, the size of the fish's mouth and the way you're fishing.

This guide covers the main hook types, how fishing hook sizes work, and how to tie a fishing hook. Browse our full range of fishing hooks.

Common types of fishing hooks

• Octopus and suicide hooks: short-shank hooks with a turned-in point. One of the most popular all-round bait hooks in Australia, and the go-to for making up ganged or snelled rigs.
• Baitholder hooks: have small barbs on the shank to help keep soft baits such as worms, prawns and squid in place.
• Long shank hooks: a longer shank makes it easier to thread on long baits such as worms, and helps keep line away from small teeth. Popular for species including but not limited to whiting and bream.
• Circle hooks: the point curves back towards the shank, so the hook tends to set in the corner of the fish's mouth as it swims away. Rather than striking hard, wind steadily to set them. They're popular for bait fishing and for releasing fish.
• Treble hooks: three points on one hook, mostly used on hard body lures. See our treble hooks.
• Assist hooks and worm hooks: made for specific lure styles, such as jigs and soft plastics.

Fishing hook sizes explained

Hook sizes can be confusing because they run two ways:

• Numbered sizes (such as #12, #6 or #1) get bigger as the number gets smaller. So a #1 is bigger than a #6.
• "Aught" sizes (such as 1/0, 4/0 or 8/0) get bigger as the number gets bigger. So an 8/0 is bigger than a 1/0.

The scale runs from the smallest numbered hooks up to #1, then continues into 1/0, 2/0 and upwards.

Simple hook size chart

Use this as a rough guide only. Sizes vary between brands and hook patterns, so always compare hooks by eye where you can.

What size hook for bream? Bream have small mouths, so small to medium hooks are common. The right size depends on your bait: match the hook to the bait so the point isn't buried.

How to choose the right hook

1. Match the hook to the bait. The bait should sit neatly on the hook with the point exposed.
2. Match the hook to the fish's mouth. Smaller mouths need smaller hooks, even for decent-sized fish.
3. Consider how you're fishing. Circle hooks suit baits left to sit, while octopus and baitholder hooks suit more active fishing where you strike.
4. Keep hooks sharp. A sharp hook sets more easily. Replace or sharpen hooks that are blunt or rusty.

How to tie a fishing hook

The uni knot is simple, strong and works with most hooks and lines:

1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook and pull through a good length.
2. Lay the tag end alongside the main line to form a loop.
3. Wrap the tag end around both lines, through the loop, several times.
4. Moisten the knot and pull the tag end to snug up the wraps.
5. Slide the knot down to the eye by pulling the main line, then trim the tag.

The improved clinch knot is another popular way to tie a fishing hook on line. Whichever you use, always moisten and test your knot before fishing.

Fishing hook FAQs

What's the difference between octopus and suicide hooks?

In Australia the names are often used for the same short-shank, turned-in-point style of hook. Designs can differ slightly between brands.

Are circle hooks good for beginners?

They can be, because they tend to set themselves when the fish swims off. The key is to wind steadily rather than strike hard.

Do I need chemically sharpened hooks?

They're very sharp out of the packet and help with hook sets, but any hook works well if it's kept sharp.

Ready to choose? Browse our full range of fishing hooks.