The fishing hook is one of the most important pieces of equipment used in fishing. Unlike regular hooks, they’re designed with barbs to hold the bait in place so a fish can latch onto it. They come in different sizes and types, so the best one for you depends on the type of fishing you plan to do.
Shop this article: Beoccudo Freshwater Saltwater Large Size Fishing Hooks Set, Fishing Treble Hooks Kit and Eagle Claw 139H-6 Baitholder Snelled Fish Hook
Most fishing hooks are constructed from a single piece of material, such as high-carbon steel or stainless steel. They usually share the same basic form factor:
Just as there is more than one type of fishing rod, there are also several types of hooks. The most popular ones include:
One of the most important aspects of a fishing hook is its size. If it’s too small, the fish could accidentally swallow it. But if it's too big, the fish may end up getting the bait but escaping the hook. Because of this, it helps to know what type of fish you want to catch so you can determine the appropriate size.
Since there are different types of hooks and brands, there is no one standard size. However, fishing hooks are usually measured by a number. Here are the two most commonly used sizing conventions:
One other thing to consider is the thickness of the hook. Thinner hooks are usually lighter and harder to see behind the bait, but they can break apart from the fishing line more easily. Thicker hooks are heavier and latch on to fish more easily, but some fish steer clear of them.
Beoccudo Freshwater Saltwater Large Size Fishing Hooks Set
This set of fishing hooks can catch nearly any fish, from bass to walleye. It comes with 220 total pieces and includes sizes 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22. The hooks have a large close-eye hole, making it easy to fit the line through. They also have a sharp tip that latches onto fish.
Sold by Amazon
This treble hook kit comes with 110 pieces and has sizes ranging from 4 to 14. The hooks consist of high-carbon steel and have a durable black nickel coating. They are extremely sharp and work well on larger fish as well as live and dead bait.
Sold by Amazon
Eagle Claw 139H-6 Baitholder Snelled Fish Hook
This pack of size 6 baitholder hooks can hold live bait without damaging it. They have sharp points with barbs, making them more effective for those who want to keep their catch.
Sold by Amazon
Gamakatsu Round Bend Offset Worm Hook
Available in black or bronze and sizes 1/0 to 5/0, these hooks are ultra-sharp and have a round head that enables them to latch onto a fish’s mouth. They are very durable and work well for catching stronger fish, such as bass.
Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods
Fishing Circle Hooks Saltwater Hook
This pack of 80 stainless steel octopus hooks is durable and resistant to corrosion, making them an excellent choice for longer fishing trips. With sizes ranging from 1/0 to 9/0, they can be used on bigger fish. They are also designed to work with live bait.
Sold by Amazon
Mustad 3263 Classic Aberdeen Hook
This pack of 100 classic Aberdeen hooks is lightweight but surprisingly durable. The hooks are sharp and feature a barb and long shank for catching medium-sized fish.
Sold by Amazon
Available in either a pack of five or 20, these treble fish hooks come in assorted sizes ranging from 4 to 16. They are strong, especially along the shank, and have a lot of catching area, making them ideal for those who want to keep the fish they hook.
Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.