Hooks

[LOZ Pete]

I read that a straight off set hook is better for when you are flippin and pitchin. I've always used those wide gap hooks because I thought they are better. What's your opinion on when to use each? thanks

[Bass Hawk 87]

I have also used the EWG's but have been reading more and more about the guys using a straight shank hook for this type of fishing because it gives you more strength, setting the hooks, like using a jig

I am thinking of trying it too. Got some hooks from Hookerz and can't wait to see if it makes a difference

[CTbassmaster]

Pete, I have done extensive research myself on that question, and although every angler will have thier own opinion, here are what my findings were. Larry Nixon was the first angler to tell me about higher hookup ratio's using the straight shank hook. Because the hook point is coming up and out the plastic at a 45 degree angle, more hooksets, hook up and catch the bass in the top or side lip. EWG's also have there place in the flippin field. Their assets are the fact that the hookpoint lays flat on the back of the bait, it therefore is more weedless and better situated for fishing in thick weed or around wood. The negative factor is that when using stiff or bulky plastics, an occasional hookset will result with the bait pulled back out of the bass' mouth without a hookup. I myself, fish alot of milfoil here in New England and I use a heavy 3.5X EWG most all the time, and although it does happen rarely, it does happen. Hope this helps out a little, my suggestion, get a pack of both and find out what you have more confidence in.

http://www.hookerztackle.com
"home of the 3.5X HD EWG"

Jason

[Bass Hawk 87]

Pete, I highy recommend the hooks that Jason is describing (3.5X EWG) from Hookerz. I purchased some of these hooks a few weeks ago and it is a very strong and extremely sharp hook, plus the prices from Hookerz can not be beat.

[LOZ Pete]

Thanks for the info, but I have another question. I saw that not all the straight shank hooks are off set. When do you use A not-offset hook?
Thanks again.

[CTbassmaster]

Pete, I was referring to the straight shank hook, not the standard J-Bend worm hook.
J

[Mike Adams]

Pete,


ALL that I use are the Hookerz Tackle EWG's, I haven't had any complaints about lost fish. Then again, I have only been bass fishing seriously for about 5 years now. I may be totally wrong in my approach, but it is what works for me. A Lot of times I think that they print those things to sell more product. Not saying that is the case just an opinion, if I am wrong someone please point this out to me.

Mike

[Ouachita]

Each hook has a particular reason or set of reasons for developing them. The wide gap hook was needed because of increasingly fatter plastics while needing a way to keep the rig weedless. As described above the point rides pointing slightly down against the skin of a bait, so it glides over weeds better. The trick is to choose enough gap so the back bend sticks out far enough like a sailboat keel that when a bass chomps down it raises the point enough to grab mouth. That doesn't always work well with tough plastic that keeps the hook from sliding through to raise the point, requiring a slit cut all the way through.

The straight shank and later offset shank bass worm hooks were what many of us used a long time before the first EWG came out. They worked fine and made perfect Texas rigged worms. I believe they are the best choice for "normal" thickness worms. The offset hook eye is just right for a Texas rig to have the eye at the nose and the whole shank exposed for a freer swing when chomped down on. The straight shank worm hook has more shank buried in the neck of the worm, but is a stronger hook for big bass in heavy cover. Instead of pushing the straight shank hook point back through the middle of the worm as usual for T rigging, I pin the side of the worm so it pops out sideways when struck. That's the only way we knew to do it with straight shank hooks for many years and it still works. Now, though, worms are tougher and don't break in half when poking the hook through the middle of it, so you can also T rig the straight shank. Tellin me age. You young bucks HAVE IT MADE, so many choices, so much specialty in every bait class.

Jim

[borderbasser]

I like using the extra wide gap hooks when flipping tubes, but I can see how the other hooks would be more effective on smaller baits.