Jig hook sizing confuses new buyers more than any other piece of tackle. The number on the packet is not a measurement in millimetres - it is a size grade, and the same number means different things on different hook patterns. This guide explains how to read it and how to specify hooks for jig heads, assist hooks and dressed jig hooks.
What the number actually means
On most hook patterns the numbering runs in the opposite direction to what beginners expect: the bigger the number, the smaller the hook. A size 1 hook is larger than a size 8, and sizes continue past 1/0 into 2/0, 3/0 and beyond as they get larger still. So a typical progression from small to large looks like: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0.
Matching hook size to lure weight
- Light jigs (10-30 g): size 6 to size 2 hooks, or 1/0 to 2/0 for single-hook setups.
- Medium jigs (40-100 g): 2/0 to 3/0 single hooks; treble hooks usually size 6 to size 4.
- Heavy jigs (120-300 g): 3/0 to 5/0 single hooks, or heavy-gauge dressed assist hooks.
- Micro spoons and light rock fishing (2-10 g): size 8 to size 12 hooks, or small jig heads.
As a rule, the hook gap should be roughly one third of the lure body width, and the hook wire must be strong enough for the fish you expect - not the lure you are holding.
Hook types you will see in a wholesale catalogue
- Jig hooks: heavy wire, wide gap, used on metal jigs and soft plastics.
- Assist hooks (dressed jig hooks): short cord or Kevlar connection with feathers or glow strips, fitted to the top or bottom eye of a jig.
- EWG / offset hooks: wide-gap, offset bend, standard for Texas and Carolina rigs with soft plastics.
- Treble hooks: fitted to hard baits; check whether replacements are standard or upgraded.
- Single replacement hooks: increasingly popular where fisheries restrict trebles.
Sizes we stock for wholesale
Our hook and jig-hook ranges cover sizes 1 through 16 and 1/0 through 5/0, with plain, dressed (feathered) and blood-groove finishes, plus anti-rust coatings for saltwater. Ringed-eye and tube-eye patterns are available in black, gold and silver finishes.
Ordering advice for shops and distributors
- Stock hooks in matched pairs: for every size 1/0 order a smaller 1 and a larger 2/0.
- Keep dressed and plain variants of the same size - they sell to different anglers.
- Confirm the MOQ: at Luretrophy stock hooks start at 500 pcs per model and colour, and custom packaging starts at 1,000 pcs per design.
- Ask for salt-spray test data if you sell into saltwater markets.
How to specify hooks with your order
Send us the pattern, size, finish, coating and quantity per size, and we will confirm availability, lead time and price. Stock items ship in 7-15 working days; custom dressed or branded hooks usually take 30-45 working days. Browse fishing hook accessories or send a wholesale inquiry.