Reference
Fishing Guides and Charts
The reference material behind the tools: how hook sizes, reel classes, line and rod specifications actually work, with the charts to go with them.
Size charts
Each one opens with a direct answer, then the chart, then what the chart cannot tell you.
Fishing Hook Size Chart
Selected common sizes from #28 to 12/0 with typical uses, and why the same number differs between brands.
Read the guideFishing Reel Size Chart
Spinning, baitcasting, conventional and fly reel classes with typical line capacity and what each size is for.
Read the guideFishing Line Size Chart
Pound test against typical diameter for mono, fluorocarbon and braid, and how to compare them fairly.
Read the guideFishing Rod Size Guide
What length, power and action each control, and how to read the specs printed on a blank.
Read the guideSplit Shot and Sinker Size Chart
UK split shot sizes in grams, the separate US size names, and published weights for common sinker shapes.
Read the guideHook size guides
What size hook to use for a specific fish or situation, broken down by bait and by rig.
Hook size for bass
Soft plastics, live bait, jigs and hard baits, with a hook size and style for each.
Read the guideHook size for trout
Worms, salmon eggs, dough bait, spinners and flies, plus a reminder that some trout waters require single hooks or artificial lures.
Read the guideHook size for crappie
Minnows and jigs on light-wire hooks, and why a light hookset matters more than a bigger hook.
Read the guideHook size for surf fishing
Circle hooks for redfish and striped bass on sand fleas, shrimp, crab, cut bait and eels.
Read the guideFishing kayak guides
Fishing kayaks compared on their manufacturers' published specifications, not hands-on reviews, plus a finder that matches one to your water, load and vehicle.
Fishing Kayaks Compared
Fifteen kayaks compared on their manufacturers' published specifications, by use case, with the trade-offs spelled out.
Read the guideFishing Kayaks for Beginners
Stability, weight, transport and the first-purchase mistakes that cost the most.
Read the guidePedal Fishing Kayaks
When a pedal drive earns its cost and weight, fins versus propellers, and where a paddle is still the better tool.
Read the guideBudget Fishing Kayaks
What changes at each price level, the costs beyond the hull, and when waiting is the safer choice.
Read the guideFishing Kayaks for Lakes vs Rivers
Tracking against maneuverability, wind against current, and whether one hull can do both.
Read the guideSpecies guides
10 species guides covering where each fish holds, how it feeds, what it takes, and complete setups by technique.
Prefer a tool?
The hook, reel, line and rod charts each have a matching tool that turns the chart into a specific answer for what you are fishing.
- Fishing Setup BuilderBuild a complete setup — rod, reel, line, leader and hook — from your target species and technique.
- Hook Size FinderFind the right hook size for your species, bait and technique.
- Reel Size FinderChoose a reel size that matches your rod, line and fishing style.
- Line SelectorChoose line type, strength and leader.
- Fishing Knot FinderChoose a practical knot for a hook, lure, swivel, leader, or line-to-line connection.
- Fishing Kayak FinderMatch a fishing kayak to your water, total load, vehicle and budget, with the trade-offs explained.
- Rod SelectorUnderstand rod length, power and action, and get all three for your setup.