Treble Hook Size Chart

The perfect treble hook size depends on certain choices you make while fishing, which include the species of fish, type of lure, and size of the bait. 

Quick Read

• Treble Hooks Overview: Treble hooks have three bends and points, increasing the likelihood of catching fish. They come in various sizes, suitable for different types of fishing.
• Sizing System: Hook sizes are indicated by numbers; smaller numbers mean larger hooks, and vice versa. Sizes range from 1 to 20 for freshwater and 1/0 to 5/0 for saltwater.
• Size Chart: A chart provides dimensions in inches and millimeters and suggests ideal fish types for each size, helping anglers choose the right hook for species like trout, bass, walleye, tarpon, and tuna.
• Selection Tips: Match the hook size with the lure or bait size and the targeted fish species to optimize fishing success and ensure ethical practices.

Table of Content

• Why is a treble hook size important?
• Treble hook size comparison in millimeters and inches
• Fishing hook sizes according to the type of fish
• Treble hook size vs level of the fisher
• How to Measure a Treble Hook
• Choosing the Right Treble Hook Size
• FAQ’s

Why is a treble hook size important?

A treble hook features three hooks, unlike a standard single hook, which increases your catching efficiency. Just because a treble hook has better chances of landing a fish doesn’t mean it will. The size of your treble hook is also a factor in the equation. In this post, we’ll show you the different sizes available in our treble hook size chart and tell you how to make the best choice.

The Sizing System Explained

Treble hooks follow a numeric sizing system. In this system, smaller numbers indicate larger hooks, and as the number increases, the hook size decreases. Standard freshwater sizes range from 1 to 20, while saltwater hooks are often larger, ranging from 1/0 to 5/0.

Impact of Size on Fishing

The size of the treble hook is crucial as it affects the type of fish that can be targeted and the effectiveness of the lure in attracting fish. Selecting the right size ensures the lure performs as intended, balancing action and hooking potential.

Let’s get started!

Treble hook size comparison in millimeters – Inches

Hook Size	Dimension (in)	Dimension (mm)	Perfect for Catching
20	0.20″	5 mm	Small trout, panfish
16	0.25″	6.4 mm	Crappie, small trout
12	0.35″	9 mm	Larger trout, small bass
8	0.45″	11.4 mm	Bass, medium trout, walleye
4	0.55″	14 mm	Bass, walleye, small pike
1	0.75″	19 mm	Northern pike, large walleye
1/0	0.85″	21.6 mm	Tarpon, barracuda, large bass
3/0	1.00″	25.4 mm	Large tuna, shark
5/0	1.25″	31.8 mm	Large saltwater species

Fishing hook sizes according to the type of fish

Fish species	Treble Hook Size
Musky mouths	From #8 to #2
Largemouth bass	From #1 to #2/0
Smallmouth bass	From #8 to #2
Trout – spinning	#12
Trout – power bait	From #16 to #12
Yellow perch	From #6 to #2
Catfish	From #8 to #1
Pike	From #8 to #2
Walleye	From #10 to #6
Perch	From #12 to #8
Crappie	From #14 to #12
Sauger	From #12 to #8
Chain pickerel	From #10 to #6
Carp	From #14 to #12

Treble hook size vs level of the fisher

The most commonly used treble hook sizes, tailored to the level of the fisher, from novice to expert. This can guide anglers in selecting the appropriate hook size based on their experience level and the typical fish they target.

Fisher Level	Common Hook Sizes	Typical Use	Target Fish
Novice	12, 14, 16	Easy to handle, good for smaller lures and baits	Panfish, small trout
Casual	8, 10, 12	Versatile for various medium-sized lures	Bass, medium trout, walleye
Seasoned	4, 6, 8	Larger lures for more aggressive fish	Larger bass, walleye, small pike
Expert	1, 2, 4	Heavy-duty fishing in diverse environments	Northern pike, large walleye
Pro	1/0, 2/0, 3/0	Specialist hooks for specific large and tough fish	Large saltwater species, large bass

Guide to Using the Table:

• Novice: Beginners should start with smaller hooks, as they are easier to handle and less likely to catch larger, more challenging fish.
• Casual: Casual fishers often seek a good balance between usability and the ability to catch a variety of fish sizes.
• Seasoned: More experienced anglers who understand lure and bait dynamics opt for hooks that can handle more aggressive fish.
• Expert and Pro: Expert and professional fishers use larger or specialized hooks for targeting specific large fish, often in challenging environments such as deep-sea or rapid streams.

This table serves as a quick reference for anglers to select hooks that match their skill level and fishing goals, ensuring a better fishing experience.

How to measure a treble hook

The size of fishing hooks is determined by measuring the wire’s length in millimeters. Additionally, the treble numbers are set in descending order meaning the larger the treble number, the smaller the hook will be. In other words, the smallest treble hook size is size 20, while the largest is size 1. 

If you need larger hooks beyond size 1, you’ll need to check out size 1/0, which is pronounced as “one-aught.” Going beyond this size won’t be necessary unless you are fishing for larger game like paddlefish, catfish or other huge-size species. Once you start using aught sizes, the larger the number, the larger the hook.

Choosing the Right Treble Hook Size

Freshwater vs. Saltwater

Selecting the correct treble hook size depends on whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater:

• Freshwater Fishing: Smaller hooks (sizes 12 to 20) are typically used for smaller species such as trout and panfish, while medium sizes (6 to 10) suit larger freshwater species like bass and walleye.
• Saltwater Fishing: Due to their size and environmental demands, larger hooks (1/0 to 5/0) are needed for larger saltwater species like tuna and mackerel.

Tips for Hook Selection

When selecting a treble hook:

• Consider the size of the lure or bait.
• Match the hook size to the target fish species to maximize effectiveness and ensure ethical fishing practices.