Hook sizes, true to scale
Hook sizing is famously confusing: the numbers get smaller as the hook gets bigger, until you hit 1, then the "aught" sizes (1/0, 2/0...) get bigger again. The fix is to see them at real size. Calibrate your screen to a bank card below, and every hook here will show at its true scale.
1. Calibrate: slide until the box below is exactly as wide as a bank or credit card (85.6 mm), then it is set.
2. Hooks at real size
Which size for which fish?
A rough guide - match the hook to the bait and the fish's mouth more than to a rule. When in doubt, go a touch smaller: a hidden hook gets more bites.
Hook assortments to buy
The lengths in the chart come from Mustad's own size charts, so Mustad's starter kits, each a box of assorted hooks for one kind of fishing, line up with the sizes above. Each is described from Mustad's product page, checked on 26 October 2026; we have not tested them, and there are no prices here: the Amazon link searches for the exact product, and we may earn a commission if you buy through it.
- Mustad Baitholder Kit: 35 baitholder hooks for natural bait: 92671 in 1/0, 92641 in 4 and 6, 92661 in 4 and 2. Maker's page · See on Amazon
- Mustad Panfish Kit: 50 hooks: 3136 in 6 and 8, 3161 in 4, 3261 in 6 and 8. Maker's page · See on Amazon
- Mustad Trout Kit: 35 small hooks in sizes 10, 12 and 14, among them 37160, 92641 and 3551. Maker's page · See on Amazon
- Mustad Wide Gap Hollow Point Hook Kit: 35 hooks: 37140 in 6, 4, 1/0 and 2/0, and 37160NP in 2. Maker's page · See on Amazon
- Mustad Catfish Kit: 35 hooks in 2/0 and 3/0, including the 39944 circle hook. Maker's page · See on Amazon
- Mustad Saltwater Circle Hook Kit: 35 circle hooks: 39944 in 2/0, 3/0 and 5/0, 39954NP in 4/0 and 39965 in 10/0. Maker's page · See on Amazon
Hook sizes have no length standard: the same number differs between patterns and makers. Each length here is one named Mustad hook from Mustad's own size charts: the R30AP dry fly hook for #18 to #14, the 92641 Beak Baitholder for #12 to 6/0 and the 92247 Baitholder Beak for 7/0 and 10/0. That is why the dry fly #14 is longer than the bait #12. Your own hook against the drawing beats any number. Tie it on with the right knot from the knot picker, and match your line with the line and leader card.
Hooks to keep on hand
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