Why Do Fishing Hook Sizes Go Backwards?
Because it's really two scales, not one. The numbered scale (#32 down to #1) gets smaller as the number rises. Right after #1, the aught scale (1/0 up to 20/0+) takes over and gets larger as the number rises. #1 and 1/0 are next-door neighbors in real size — the numbering direction just flips exactly at that boundary. Full table: The Fishing Gear Numbers.
The one thing to know: Hook sizes run backwards on purpose: the numbered scale (#32 to #1) gets SMALLER as the number goes up, then the scale flips at the 1/0 'aught' boundary and gets LARGER as the number goes up (1/0 to 20/0+) — #1 and 1/0 are next to each other, not far apart.
The memory trick
Think of the whole range as one continuous line: #32 ... #6 ... #1, 1/0, 2/0 ... 20/0+. Small
hooks count down toward #1, then the count restarts at 1/0 and climbs upward for bigger hooks. Once you
see it as one line instead of two competing directions, it stops feeling backwards.
This page is general reference information, not a hook-strength or catch guarantee for any specific hook or species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because it's two scales joined together. The numbered scale (#32 to #1) gets smaller as the number increases; the aught scale (1/0 to 20/0+) that picks up right after it gets larger as the number increases. Reading across the whole range, the direction flips exactly once.
On the numbered scale, a #1 hook is bigger than a #4 hook — smaller numbers mean bigger hooks on this scale.
On the aught scale, a 4/0 hook is bigger than a 1/0 hook — larger numbers mean bigger hooks on this scale, the opposite direction from the numbered scale.
Bigger, but only slightly — 1/0 is the very next size up from #1. They sit next to each other in the continuous size progression even though they use different numbering conventions.
The numbered scale is common for panfish, trout, and other small freshwater baits; the aught scale is common for bass, catfish, and most saltwater species that need larger hooks.