Hook Size for Bass Lures

Hook Size for bass lures is a uniform terminology that range from large 9/O to 5/O (“O” pronounced aught or ought)to small #4 to #8 (pronounced number 3) and the more common sizes in between. From large to small: 9/O, 8/O, 7/O, 6/O, 5/O, 4/O, 3/O, 2/O, 1/O, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #, 8. 

Why is Hook Size Important?

Hook Size is important as:

  • Small Hooks: Smaller the hook the better lure action, less power hook sets required due to the thinnest of the wire, less visibility to the bass, use of light line, reduced snagging and generally used for lighter presentations.
  • Large Hooks: Larger the hook the better holding power as there is a larger barb, stronger wire better for larger bass, stronger in thick cover, have a wider gap which can make for better hook sets and generally stronger hook.
  • Too Small: Too small hooks could reduce hook set depending on the location of the hook in the bass mouth (also larger bass have tougher mouths), more easily for the hook to be thrown and bent plus have a higher probability of being swallowed (gut hooked). 
  • Too Large: Too large hooks could result in missed hook sets as it was difficult for the bass to get the lure in its mouth or because it is more difficult to set a larger hook.  Plus it may look less natural due to size or less lure action and increased chances of snagging.
Hook Size Options
  • Smaller Hook Sizes:  #1, referred to number one size, where #2 is smaller, then #3 ……
  • Larger Hook Sizes: 1/O, pronounced one-aught, the next larger size is 2/O, then 3/O…
Hook Size Chart courtesy of The Tackle Room
Additional Considerations
  • Hook Measurement Points: Eye to bend based on hook anatomy.
  • Barbless Hooks: Not commonly used but there are barbless treble hooks.
  • Soft Bait Lures Hook Size: The size of the soft plastic used in soft baits will dictate the size of the hook.
  • Hook Type: Hook type will influence the size selection for example changing from a circle hook to octopus hook you might go a size larger as the eye is bent backwards.
  • Target Species: Some generalize and say largemouth bass have larger mouths and thus use larger hooks as compared to smallmouth. This may only partially true for some lure types species would not likely impact lure size for example drop shot.
  • Replacing Treble Hook Lures Hooks: Changing packaged lures hooks considerations include:
    • Larger: Often anglers replace the prepackaged treble hooks either to upgrade the quality so they don’t bend and to increase the size to increase catch rates or to add weight so the lure will go deeper. But, they also make sure the size (and weight) of the hooks do not impede the desired lure action.
    • Triple Hook to Single Hook: Some angler replace triple hooks with single larger hook for example on a flutter spoon typically with a siwash hook which is partially designed for this purpose.
  • Rod Power Motivated Hook Size Decisions: Depending on the power of the rod and other corresponding factors such a line type and strength may want to decrease the size of the hook with light gear or upsize the size of gear on heavy gear.
  • Smaller Hooks More Forgiving: Some would say smaller hooks are more forgiving as they are thinner and easier for hook sets.
  • Purchase Hooks from One Manufacturer: As the sizes vary by manufacturer if you always purchase from one manufacture it could result over time in better or more consistent size decisions. This will hold true for gap size as well.
    • Size Chart: Obtain and print a size chart from your manufacture of choice.
  • Lures with Multiple Triple Hooks: The hook size should insure the hooks do not get caught on each other.
It's About the ALLURE™

Treble Hook Lures
Treble hook lures have hooks of varying sizes from smaller treble hooks for example on a spybait to larger treble hooks for example on a glide bait.

Soft Bait Lures
Typically have a smaller single hook, but not always.

Skirted Lures
Generally have a larger single hook.

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