Fishing success often comes down to a detail no bigger than your finger: the hook. While rods, reels, fishing line and lures get much of the attention, it’s the hook that ultimately connects anglers to fish. Understanding how hooks are built and sized is essential for anyone hoping to land more than a tale about the one that got away.

Every fishing hook, no matter how specialized, is made up of the same basic parts. At the top is the eye – that’s the loop where the line is tied. Extending from the eye is the shank, the straight portion that gives the hook length.

The shank curves into the bend, which helps hold the fish once it bites. From there, the hook tapers to the point, the sharpened tip that penetrates the fish’s mouth. Just behind the point sits the barb, a backward-facing projection designed to keep the fish from slipping away. Finally, there’s the gap, the space between the shank and the point. A wider gap is useful for larger baits and bigger-mouthed species.

Hook sizes

If the parts of a hook are straightforward, the sizing system is anything but. Hook sizes are divided into two categories: standard numbers and “aught” sizes.

In standard sizes, there’s a paradox, the larger the hook number, the smaller the hook. A #32 hook is extremely fine, often used in fly fishing for small trout patterns, while a #2 hook is considerably larger and better suited for bigger species.

Aught sizes, written as fractions such as 1/0, 2/0, or 10/0 reverse that trend: the larger the number, the bigger the hook. A 10/0 hook is enormous, meant for sharks and other large saltwater game fish. The crossover point between the two systems comes around size #1 and 1/0.

Anglers are advised to match their hook size both to the bait they’re using and the fish they’re targeting. Small hooks are better suited for panfish or trout, while larger models are built for bass, catfish, or marlin.

Go too small, and the hook may lodge too deeply, causing harm to the fish. Go too large, and the fish may not strike at all.

Hooks may not get the attention of flashy lures or high-tech rods, but they remain the quiet workhorses of the sport. For anglers new and experienced alike, a little knowledge about their parts and sizes can go a long way toward turning bites into successful catches.he lens of an underwater camera, technology is reshaping the way anglers fish.

About Hooked

“Hooked” is a comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.

Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.

About The Fishing Foundation

“Hooked” is produced by longtime Cleveland anglers Dennis Knowles and Gail Grizzell, founders of The Fishing Foundation (TFF), a non-profit organization in Northeast Ohio that takes teens fishing. Through events, mentorship programs and hands-on training, TFF provides unique opportunities for individuals from underserved communities to connect with nature and each other.

Beyond instruction, the foundation provides participants with rods, reels, bait, tackle and even a souvenir T-shirt. At each event, attendees enjoy lunch and refreshments while building skills and confidence. And as a lasting memento, each child gets to keep their rod and reel. TFF’s flagship project, “Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers,” is a guidebook that equips beginner anglers with the knowledge they need to succeed at fishing.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, The Fishing Foundation, and the adventures of “Hooked,” can help. Spend time in Cleveland’s beautiful parks, lakes and rivers and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.

The great outdoors is waiting for you — make 2025 the year you get “hooked” on fishing!

The Fishing Foundation