PRACTICAL GUIDE
What Hook Size Should I Use for Coarse Fishing?
A bait-led UK coarse-fishing hook-size guide with species and method context.
Match the hook to the bait first
A species name alone cannot give a perfect hook size. A single maggot for roach or dace needs a very different hook from a lump of bread for chub or a hair-rigged pellet for carp.
| Bait | Typical direction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maggot / caster | Finer end of the species range | Small bait with limited bulk. |
| Corn | Middle to larger end | Needs enough gape to keep the point exposed. |
| Worm | Increase with worm size | Bulky bait can mask a small hook. |
| Bread / meat | Often larger | Bulky baits, especially for chub and carp. |
| Pellet / wafter | Match hook to bait diameter and fish size | Often hair-rigged or banded. |
Sources
Guide reviewed 2026-09-22.