Russian Fishing 4: hook size #4 or 4/0 — read the whole label

#4 and 4/0 are different size labels, while a number in an item's name may identify its model instead. The RF4 rig-checking guide explains why a rod's name does not replace checking its components. Here is one such check: which hook details to copy from another setup and what to compare before buying.

Read the entire size, including /0

The official hook-selection explanation uses international numbering. The Polish guide contains the underlying rule; below we read the English in-game screen. Hook size is its size marking. It is not the series number, price or item weight.

The full-size original shop screen has Deadly loop CL-18 selected. The S12 variant reads Size: Medium (12), S4 is Large (4), and S1/0 is Extra large (1/0). A larger number therefore does not always mean a larger hook: number 12 is in a smaller category than number 4. Beyond number 1, the numbering continues with /0, a different part of the sequence.

If a report specifies 4/0, preserve the whole marking. Choosing S4 merely because both names contain a 4 changes the size. To compare purchases, open the Size field and compare its complete label rather than one prominent digit. On this screen, S4 is Large (4), while S4/0 is Extra large (4/0).

A number in the model name can also mislead

A model number forms part of the item's name and identifies a particular version. It does not replace the separate size specification. Confusion is especially easy when the name contains #, which can resemble a player's hook-size advice. Check the details below the card's name as well as the name itself.

The full-size original assembly window reads Simmons Heavy Head JH-401 #4. Below it are Type: Jighead, Size: Extra large (4/0) and Weight: 35 g. A jighead is a weighted hook used in a jigging rig. In this particular example, #4 in the name does not mean a number 4 hook: the Size field explicitly says 4/0.

Weight is the item's own mass, shown here in grams. It does not state the allowable fish weight or replace checking tackle strength. The guide to load and the weakest tackle component covers those questions separately. The value 35 g cannot establish which fish you can safely land.

Choose for the task, not from one number

The guide advises considering the expected fish size and bait size. Bait is what you put on the hook; an artificial lure imitates prey to attract fish using an appropriate method. For small baits such as bloodworms or maggots, the guide gives small hooks numbered 16–14 as an example. This is a starting point, not a catch guarantee or a mandatory size in every situation.

The second screenshot has Jigging rig selected, the tackle arrangement for that method. The jighead and Super Grub artificial lure are separate components. Do not substitute a jighead for a conventional hook just because their numbers look similar. Establish the item type and fishing method first, then compare size.

Record the type, size and weight before paying

Copy the item's full name, its Type, the complete Size field and its Weight. Record your rig and bait or lure alongside them. After fitting the item, reopen the components of the rod actually in use. If the original report says only a four, ask for the full label: that word alone cannot identify both model and size.

Do not treat an old screenshot as a complete catalogue of today's shop. The same guide mentions 4/0 as an upper limit, yet the official Patchnotes 10/07/20 already list the addition of 5/0 and 6/0. This is a historical 2020 change, not October 2026 news. It shows why an old guide's range should be checked against the client's available stock.

This check catches a labelling mistake before purchase. It does not identify the best hook for every water body, lost-fish percentages or today's bite rate. For the next attempt, save the full label and fishing conditions so that you compare a specific component rather than different items with a similar number.