Fishing Gear Size – The Complete Guide
The fishing gear size for fishermen is dependent on a few factors such as water depth, fish size, and the maximum weight capacity of the fish. The wide range of bodies of water either deep water or shallow water controls the option for fishermen when choosing the perfect fishing gear.
Our complete guide for fishing gear size has the size charts for different fishing gears such as nets ( gillnets, driftnets, trawls, dredges, and more), sinkers (snapper sinker, ball skinker, bomb sinker, bean sinker, and star sinker), fishing rod, reel (fly reel, inline reel, arbor reel, and baitcasting reel), and hooks and lines. This guide will help novice and advanced anglers to have an all-around versatile option and proper decision-making while fishing.
Discover Fishing Gear Size in Different Categories.
In this section, we shall describe the different fishing gear sizes in different categories giving an option for fishermen. We have also created a well-researched size chart for each fishing gear. The fishing gears include fishing nets, sinkers, fishing rods, fishing reels, and hook and line. For example, the technique used to capture larger fish or a school of fish in deep water will require heavier sinkers and large nets.
Fish Nets Size Chart Guide.
Gear Types | Mesh Size in CM | Mesh Size in Inches | Major Species Caught | CC per day in kgs | CC per day in pounds |
Gill and Drift Nets | 3 to 5 cm | 1.1811 to 1.9685 inches | Pama croaker, Labeo Bata, Dusky-hairfin Anchovy, Oblique-jaw Thryssa | 12 kg | 26.4555 pounds |
6 cm | 2.3622 inches | Rohtee Coteo, Rohu, Padba Catfish, Longjaw Thryssa, Pama Croaker, Bagrid Catfish, Shark Catfish, Tank Goby, Hilsa Shad. | 20 kg | 44.0925 pounds | |
10 cm | 3.93701 inches | Hairfin Anchovies, Long-finned Croaker, Hilsa Herring. | 20 kg | 44.0925 pounds | |
7.5 cm | 2.95276 inches | Ray-finned fishes, Hilsa Herring. | 13 kg | 28.6601 pounds | |
6 cm | 2.3622 inches | Ray-finned fishes, Hilsa Herring. | 15 kg | 33.0693 pounds | |
Seine Nets | 0.5 to 1 cm | 0.19685 to o.393701 inches | Silver Needle Fish, Puntius species, Giant Fresh Water Prawn, BeardedWorm Goby, Indian River Shad, Banded Gourami, Silond Catfish, Tank Goby, Giant Perch, Indian Knife Fish. | 12 kg | 26.4555 pounds |
Fixed Pulse Net | 0.5 to 1 cm | 0.19685 to 0.393701 inches | Indian River Shad, Large Razorbelly Minnow, Giant Freshwater Prawn, Pseudopocryptes elongatus, Asian Sea Bass, Climb Perch, Labeo Bata, Pama Croaker. | 5 kg | 11.0231 pounds |
0.5 to 1 cm | 0.19685 to 0.393701 inches | Gangetic Leaffish, Long Whiskers Catfish, Giant Freshwater Prawn | 10 kg | 22.0462 pounds | |
0.5 to 1 cm | 0.19685 to 0.393701 inches | Giant Freshwater Pawn, Small Cyprinids, Striped Dwarf Catfish, Long-whiskered Catfish, Climbing Perch. | 1 kg | 2.20462 pounds | |
Cast Nets | 2.5 cm | 0.984252 inches | Indian Knifefish, Giant Mud Crab, Giant River Prawn. | 2 kg | 4.40925 pounds |
Lift Nets or Dip Nets | 0.5 to 1 cm | 0.19685 to 0.393701 inches | Tire-track Spiny Eel, Puntius species, Tank Goby, Giant Freshwater Prawn. | 2 kg | 4.40925 pounds |
Drag and Push Nets | 0.5 cm | 0.19685 inches | Pseudocryptes elongatus, Indian River Shad, Puntius species, Worm Goby, Freshwater Prawn. | 3 kg | 6.61387 pounds |
0.5 to 1 cm | 0.19685 to 0.393701 inches | Elongate Glassy Perchlet, Banded Gourami, Giant Freshwater Prawn. | 1 kg | 2.20462 pounds | |
Mouth Opening 20 cm | 7.87402 inches | Swamp Eel, Pangas Catfish. | 3 kg | 6.61387 pounds |
Sinkers Types and Size Charts.
In this section, we shall have a look at the different sinker types and their respective size charts.
Ball Sinkers Size Charts.
Ball sinkers have different sizes (weight and length). The smaller the diameter in (Inches and CM) the smaller the weight in (grams and ounces). For example, a ball sinker with 5.2 cm or 2.04724 inches diameter has a weight of 800 grams or 28.22 ounces. Ball sinkers are used with dead and live baits.
Diameter in (CM) | Diameter in (inches) | Weight in (grams) | Weight in (ounces) |
5.2 cm | 2.04724 inches | 800 grams | 28.22 ounces |
4.1 cm | 1.61417 inches | 430 grams | 15.17 ounces |
3.7 cm | 1.45669 inches | 300 grams | 10.58 ounces |
3.5 cm | 1.37795 inches | 250 grams | 8.82 ounces |
3.2 cm | 1.25984 inches | 190 grams | 6.70 ounces |
2.9 cm | 1.14173 inches | 145 grams | 5.11 ounces |
2.75 cm | 1.082677 inches | 118 grams | 4.16 ounces |
2.57 cm | 1.011811 inches | 100 grams | 3.53 ounces |
2.5 cm | 0.984252 inches | 89 grams | 3.14 ounces |
2.15 cm | 0.8464567 inches | 59 grams | 2.08 ounces |
1.95 cm | 0.7677165 inches | 44 grams | 1.55 ounces |
1.8 cm | 0.708661 inches | 38 grams | 1.3 ounces |
1.6 cm | 0.629921 inches | 20 grams | 71 ounces |
1.4 cm | 0.551181 inches | 16 grams | 53 ounces |
1.25 cm | 0.492126 inches | 12 grams | 42 ounces |
1.1 cm | 0.433071 inches | 8 grams | 28 ounces |
1.0 cm | 0.393701 inches | 6 grams | 21 ounces |
Snapper Sinkers Size Chart.
There are two types of snapper sinkers, one with four sides and the other one with six sides. The six-sided snapper sinker is also called a bank sinker. The four-sided sinker is thinner and longer than a bank sinker while the bank sinker is broader and shorter than the four-sided sinker. Snapper sinkers have additional weight and are used for fishing at the bottom where you can catch the biggest fish and nice fish with minimum snagging risk.
Weight in (grams) | Weight in (pounds) |
453 grams | 0.998694 pounds |
400 grams | 0.881849 pounds |
340 grams | 0.771618 pounds |
283 grams | 0.623908 pounds |
226 grams | 0.498245 pounds |
170 grams | 0.374786 pounds |
141 grams | 0.310852 pounds |
113 grams | 0.249122 pounds |
85 grams | 0.187393 pounds |
Bomb Sinker Size Chart.
Bomb sinkers are used in shallower water. Changing the bomb sinker is terribly easy. The bomb sinkers are used for Flathead and Whiting fish species through drift fishing. Please find the weight in grams and pounds for bomb sinkers in the table below.
Weight in (grams) | Weight in (pounds) |
140 grams | 0.308647 pounds |
112 grams | 0.246918 pounds |
84 grams | 0.185188 pounds |
56 grams | 0.123459 pounds |
43 grams | 0.0947988 pounds |
28 grams | 0.0617294 pounds |
21 grams | 0.0462971 pounds |
18 grams | 0.0396832 pounds |
14 grams | 0.0308647 pounds |
12 grams | 0.0264555 pounds |
8 grams | 0.017637 pounds |
4 grams | 0.00881849 pounds |
Star Sinker Size Chart and Guide
Star sinkers are perfect-fit for beach fishing. There are different star sinkers based on the measurement of their weight in grams and pounds. Please find the star sinker size chart below!
Weight in (Grams) | Weight in (Pounds) |
196 grams | 0.432106 pounds |
170 grams | 0.374786 pounds |
140 grams | 0.308647 pounds |
112 grams | 0.246918 pounds |
85 grams | 0.187393 pounds |
57 grams | 0.125663 pounds |
42 grams | 0.0925942 pounds |
28 grams | 0.0617294 pounds |
Bean Sinker Size Chart
They are similar to ball sinkers. The shape of the bean sinker helps it hold better to the bottom because of the shape. They are used in areas with strong currents and tides such as estuaries.
Weight in Grams | Weight in Pounds |
250 grams | 0.551156 pounds |
230 grams | 0.507063 pounds |
84 grams | 0.185188 pounds |
60 grams | 0.132277 pounds |
40 grams | 0.0881849 pounds |
34 grams | 0.0749572 pounds |
27 grams | 0.0595248 pounds |
20 grams | 0.0440925 pounds |
15 grams | 0.0330693 pounds |
10 grams | 0.0220462 pounds |
Fish Rod Sizing Chart
There are slow-action rods and medium-action rods available in the market. The fish rods length vary and hence can be used in different feet of water. For example, 20 to 48 feet (609.6 to 1463.04 cm) ice fishing rod is used for cold water fishing or ice fishing, 5’5” to 9 feet (152.4 to 274.32 cm) baitcasting rod is used for warmer water or tropical waters, and more. Please review our fishing rod sizing chart which shows the different types of fishing rods and their application in fishing.
Type of Fishing Rod | Range of Lengths in (Feet and CM) | Popular Range of Lengths in (Feet and CM) | Application in Fishing |
Ice Fishing Rod | 20 to 48 feet 609.6 to 1463.04 cm | 28 to 36 feet 853 to 1097.28 cm | Ice fishing |
Trolling Rod | 8 to 14 feet 243.84 to 426.72 cm | 9 to 11 feet 274.32 to335.28 cm | Trolling |
Boat Rod | 5 to 7 feet 152.4 to 213.36 cm | 6 to 6’6” inches 182.88 cm | Boat Fishing |
Surf Casting | 9 to 14 feet 274.32 to 426.72 cm | 10 to 12 feet 304.8 to 365.76 cm | Surf fishing |
Fly Fishing Rod | 6 to 10 feet 182.88 to 304.8 cm | 7 to 9 feet 213.36 to 274.32 cm | Fly fishing |
Baitcasting Rod | 5’5” to 9 feet 152.4 to 274.32 cm | 6’5” to 8 inches 182.88 to 243.84 cm | Casting lures/rigs |
Spinning Rod | 4’5” to 9’5” inches 121.92 to 274.32 cm | 6 to 7’5” inches 182.88 to 213.36 cm | Surf fishing, live lining, bobber fishing, bottom fishing, casting lures. |
Fish Reel Sizing Chart
Each reel has a different size and there is a number associated with it. For example, the variety of size differs by brand, some brands use 2 digits while others use 4 digits to depict the reel size such as
Brand A is 2000 and Brand B is 20 – The size of the reel is equivalent. Please see the table below!
Want to learn more on fishing reel sizes? we have a post on that topic
Reel Sizes | Recommended Line Weight (Mono) in (Kgs and Pounds) | Recommended Line Weight(Braid) in (Kgs and Pounds) |
Largest Size Reels | ||
30000 | 27 kgs 59.5248 pounds | 30 kgs 66.1387 pounds |
20000 | 22.5 kgs 49.60401 pounds | 27 kgs 59.5248 pounds |
14000 | 18 kgs 39.6832 pounds | 13.5 to 36 kgs 29.76241 to 79.3664 pounds |
10000 | 9 to 13 kgs 19.8416 to 28.6601 pounds | 11.5 to 32 kgs 25.35316 to 70.5479 pounds |
Large Size Reels | ||
9000 | 9 to 11.5 kgs 19.8416 to 25.35316 pounds | 9 to 27 kgs 19.8416 to 59.5248 pounds |
8000 | 7 to 11.5 kgs 15.4324 to 25.35316 pounds | 9 to 22.5 kgs 19.8416 to 49.60401 pounds |
7000 | 6.5 to 9 kgs 14.33 to 19.8416 pounds | 7 to 18 kgs 15.4324 to 39.6832 pounds |
Medium Size Reels | ||
6000 | 5.5 to 8 kgs 12.1254 to17.637 pounds | 5.5 to 13.5 kgs 12.1254 to 29.76241 pounds |
5000 | 4.5 to 7 kgs 9.9208 to 15 4324 pounds | 4.5 to 11 kgs 9.9208 to 29.76241 pounds |
4000 | 4 to 6 kgs 8.81849 to 13.2277 pounds | 3.5 to 9 kgs 7.71618 to 19.8416 pounds |
Small Size Reels | ||
3500 | 2.5 to 5 kgs 5.51156 to 11.0231 pounds | 2.5 to 7 kgs 5.51156 to 15.4324 pounds |
3000 | 2.5 to 5 kgs 5.51156 to11.0231 pounds | 2.5 to 7 kgs 5.51156 to 15.4324 pounds |
2500 | 2 to 4 kgs 4.40925 to 8.81849 pounds | 2 to 6 kgs 4.40925 to 13.2277 pounds |
2000 | 2 to 3 kgs 4.40925 to 6.613 pounds | 2 to 5 kgs 4.40925 to 11.0231 pounds |
1000 | 1 to 2 kgs 2.20462 to 4.40925 pounds | 2 to 4 kgs 4.40925 to 8.81849 pounds |
Fishing Line (Braided) Diameter vs Load Capacity Chart
Braided fish lines have become extremely popular in the last few years. They are made of weaving or braiding fiber of Micro-Dyneema or Spectra. They are therefore greatly resistant to abrasion. It is so tough that a fish can’t break it using its teeth. However, fishermen will most likely use the braids in clear water as they are visible.
Below is a fishing line diameter in millimeters and Inches and Load capacity in Kgs and Lbs.
Diameter in (MM and Inches) | Bearable load Capacity in (Kgs) | Load Capacity in (lbs) |
0.10 mm 0.00393701 inches | 2.7 kgs | 6 lbs |
0.12 mm 0.004724409 inches | 3.6 kgs | 8 lbs |
0.14 mm 0.005511811 inches | 4.5 kgs | 10 lbs |
0.18 mm 0.007086614 inches | 6.8 kgs | 15 lbs |
0.20 mm 0.00787402 inches | 9 kgs | 20 lbs |
0.26 mm 0.01023622 inches | 13.6 kgs | 30 lbs |
0.32 mm 0.01259843 inches | 18.2 kgs | 40 lbs |
0.36 mm 0.01417323 inches | 22.6 kgs | 50 lbs |
0.40 mm 0.015748 inches | 27 kgs | 60 lbs |
0.44 mm 0.01732283 inches | 32 kgs | 70 lbs |
0.48 mm 0.01889764 inches | 36 kgs | 80 lbs |
0.50 mm 0.019685 inches | 40 kgs | 90 lbs |
0.55 mm 0.02165354 inches | 45 kgs | 100 lbs |
Fishing Hooks Size Chart
There are different fishing hook sizes and size 32 is the smallest while 19/0 is the largest size. The number of fishing hooks available for fishing is almost equivalent to the different types of fish they can catch. The different parts of fishing hooks include eye, shank, bend, throat, point, gape, and barb. Discover a full fishing hook size chart here
Below is the fishing hook’s size chart with diameter in millimeters and Inches, length in inches and centimeters, and width in inches and centimeters.
Size | Diameter (in MM and Inches) | Length in (Inches and CM) | Width in (Inches and CM) |
1/0 | 1.9 mm 0.0748031 inches | 0.9 inches 2.286 cm | 0.5 inches 1.27 cm |
2/0 | 2.0 mm 0.0787402 inches | 0.93 inches 2.3622 cm | 0.63 inches 1.6002 cm |
3/0 | 2.1 mm 0.0826772 inches | 1.02 inches 2.5908 cm | 0.71 inches 1.8034 cm |
4/0 | 2.2 mm 0.0866142 inches | 1.10 inches 2.794 cm | 0.75 inches 1.905 cm |
5/0 | 2.4 mm 0.0944882 inches | 1.18 inches 2.9972 cm | 0.83 inches 2.1082 cm |
6/0 | 2.5 mm 0.0984252 inches | 1.22 inches 3.0988 cm | 0.87 inches 2.2098 cm |
7/0 | 2.6 mm 0.102362 inches | 1.42 inches 3.6068 cm | 0.91 inches 2.3144 cm |
8/0 | 2.7 mm 0.106299 inches | 1.57 inches 3.9878 cm | 0.98 inches 2.4892 cm |
9/0 | 2.8 mm0.110236 inches | 1.69 inches 4.2926 cm | 1.02 inches 2.5908 cm |
10/0 | 3.0 mm 0.11811 inches | 1.89 inches 4.8006 cm | 1.1 inches 2.794 cm |
Fishing Lures Size Chart
We have created fishing lures size chart without any kind of guesswork. Lure manufacturers produce different types of lures with a wide range of sizes, weights, and colors. The kind of fishing lure you select depends on the body of water you are fishing on.
Find the fishing lures size chart below with hook size, fishing lure sizes in inches and centimeters, and weight in ounces and kgs.
Hook Size | Fish Lure Size in (Inches and CM) | Weight in (OZ and kgs) |
3/0 | 5 inches 12.7 cm | ⅜ oz 0.010631071 kgs |
4/0 | 5 inches 12.7 cm | ½ oz 0.0141748 kgs |
4/0 | 5 inches 12.7 cm | ¾ oz 0.02126214 kgs |
4/0 | 5 inches and 6 inches 12.7 cm and 15.24 cm | 1 oz 0.0283495 kgs |
6/0 | 5 inches and 6 inches 12.7 cm and 15.24 cm | 11/2 oz 0.0425243 kgs |
8/0 | 6 inches 15.24 cm | 2 oz 0.056699 kgs |
8/0 | 6 inches 15.24 cm | 3 oz 0.0850486 kgs |
10/0 | 8 inches 20.32 cm | 4 oz 0.113398 kgs |
10/0 | 8 inches 20.32 cm | 6 oz 0.170097 kgs |
Fishing Tackle Box Size Chart.
The tackle box is an essential fishing gear for any fisherman. It is an all-in-one box that allows anglers to put in small tackles and lure instead of using bags or plastic boxes. It is waterproof and floats even when dropped in water. However, it doesn’t come with a chest strap.
Below is a fishing tackle box size chart with size in centimeters and inches and weight in grams and ounces.
Size in cm and inches | Weight in (Grams and Ounces) | |
Size A | 3.0 by 7.5 by10.0 cm 1.1 by 3.4 by 4.0 inches | 76 grams 2.68 oz |
Size B | 4.0 by10.0 by 12.5 cm 1.5 by 4.0 by 4.8 inches | 126 grams 4.44 oz |
Size C | 4.5 by 10.0 by 15.0 cm 1.8 by 4.0 by 5.9 inches | 171 grams 6.03 ounces |
Size D | 4.0 by 12.0 by 18.5 cm 1.5 by 4.6 by 7.3 inches | 239 grams 8.43 oz |
Fishing Line Cutter (Crimping Pliers) Size Chart.
The fish line cutter comes in different sizes and weights. A line cutter is a must-have tool in your tackle box. The best line cutter should be corrosion resistant especially if you are fishing in saltwater.
Below is a fishing line cutter size chart with sleeve inner diameter in centimeters and inches and weight in pounds and kgs.
Sleeve Inner Diameter in (CM and Inches) | Weight in (Lbs and Kgs) |
1.0 cm 0.394 inches | 80 to 100 lbs 36.2874 to 45.3592 kgs |
1.3 cm 0.511811 inches | 125 to 130 lbs 56.699 to 58.967 kgs |
1.6 cm 0.629921 inches | 150 to 200 lbs 68.0389 to 90.7185 kgs |
1.9 cm 0.748031 inches | 250 to 300 lbs 113.398 to 136.078 kgs |
2.2 cm 0.866142 inches | 400 lbs 181.437 kgs |
Fishing Swivel Size Chart
This fishing gear is used to ensure that your line never twists. They are made from two rings which are then connected to a pivoting piece and ensure the fishing line doesn’t get knots. There are different types of swivels such as ball bearing swivels and barrel swivels
Below is the fishing swivel size chart.
Size | No: 0 | No: 1 | No: 2 | No: 3 | No: 4 | No: 5 | No: 6 | No: 7 | No: 8 |
Length (inches) | 0.9 inches | 1.0 inches | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.5 inches | 1.8 inches | 2.1 inches | 2.4 inches | 2.7 inches |
Length(mm) | 23 mm | 26 mm | 30 mm | 32 mm | 38 mm | 45 mm | 54 mm | 61 mm | 69 mm |
Strength (lbs) | 26 lbs | 40 lbs | 55 lbs | 66 lbs | 77 lbs | 88 lbs | 110 lbs | 154 lbs | 220 lbs |
Strength (kgs) | 12 kgs | 18 kgs | 25 kgs | 30 kgs | 35 kgs | 40 kgs | 50 kgs | 70 kgs | 100 kgs |
Fishing Bobbers Size vs Buoyancy Chart
The fishing bobber’s size chart below has the bobbers size and the buoyancy in grams and pounds.
Bobber Number Buoyancy in Grams and Pounds
G1 | 0.4 grams 0.000881849 pounds |
G2 | 0.31 grams 0.000683433 pounds |
G3 | 0.25 grams 0.0005511557 pounds |
G4 | 0.2 grams 0.000440925 pounds |
G5 | 0.16 grams 0.0003527396 pounds |
G6 | 0.12 grams 0.0002645547 pounds |
G7 | 0.09 grams 0.000198416 |
G8 | 0.07 grams 0.0001543236 pounds |
1B | 0.55 grams 0.001212542 pounds |
2B | 0.75 grams 0.001653467 pounds |
3B | 0.95 grams 0.002094391 pounds |
4B | 1.20 grams 0.00264555 pounds |
5B | 1.85 grams 0.004078552 pounds |
6B | 1.65 grams 0.003637627 pounds |
0.6 | 1.87 grams 0.004122644 pounds |
0.8 | 3.0 grams 0.00661387 pounds |
1 | 3.75 grams 0.008267335 pounds |
1.2 | 4.50 grams 0.0099208 pounds |
1.5 | 5.62 grams 0.01238998 pounds |
2 | 7.50 grams 0.0165347 pounds |
Fishing Tips for Beginners Expounded
Any newbie angler needs to understand fishing tips to improve their catch. Beginner anglers go through a difficult time getting their first catch, below are helpful fishing tips for beginners and can also be used by intermediate anglers as well.
1. Fishing Lure Size, Shape, and Array of Colors.
As a matter of fact, the underwater structure influence the lure size, shape, and color. The color of the water should match the lure colors. Choosing different colors is a bad option for the start of your fishing career. For example, green water needs Chartreuse or Lime, stained water needs Root Bear, and clear water needs Pearl or White. It is also important to ensure that you choose the correct lure sizes and shapes.
2. Getting the Perfect Fishing Gear.
When a fisherman goes to deeper water levels they need perfect fishing gear. The fishing gear should match the type of fish you intend to catch. Use the table above to view the different fish gear size charts.
For example, you cannot use a 12-pound casting reel for tiny spinners. A 4-pound ultralight is perfect for micro-jigs casting. Always ensure that you get a fishing gear whose action is tailored to specific fish species.
3. Crazy Fishing Timing
It is recommended that you fish early in the morning or late at night. During summer when there is direct sunlight always opt to look for areas with some shade, also during a cloudy day fishing can be done perfectly as there is in-direct sunlight. Fish always look for shade when it becomes too hot – It is always easy for fish to detect water temperature changes and hibernate. However, deeper water fish will move deeper to take adequate cover from the sun.
4. Observe Currents and Tides Carefully.
As a beginner especially in sea fishing the currents and tides may be mayhem to you, but don’t be perplexed this is where every great fisherman started. Tides and currents are usually high in salty waters, especially in the deeper sections. Don’t be hesitant to learn more about tides and current fishing.
5. Using Sharp Hooks.
When going fishing ensure that the hooks are extremely sharp especially for bait fishing. This maximizes your fish catch count.
Conclusion
An angler needs to have the proper fishing gear to ensure that catching fish that are a couple of feet deep is easy. In the fish gear size complete guide, we have discussed a couple of fishing gears such as nets, sinkers, fishing rods, and fishing reels. Other fishing gears include hooks and lines.
Experienced anglers can also use the size chart to determine the average size of different fishing gears and this will improve their fishing technique.
If you enjoyed reading this sizing guide, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
Fishing gear size picture by stephen momot on Unsplash
Related Fishing size charts
- Treble Hook Size Chart by Dimension and Type of Fish
- Fishing Rod Length Guide – The Complete Guide
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- Fishing Gear Size – The Complete Guide
- Spinning Reel Sizes – How To Choose The Right Reel Size to go fishing
- Fish Hook Size Chart – All You Need To Know to catch the next fish