Maybe go down a hook size. I usually use a #1 Gammy drop hook for nose hooking. Its thinner wire and believe you would get a better penetration. Are you fishing for spots and smallmouths, or largemouths. Kota just won the BASS Elite event on Erie with a five pound average fish. He was using #1 Owner mosquito hook for those toads and 6# line. Give it a shot. That litle hook will stick em and you really dont have to even set the hook. Just kind of pull on them. Good Luck!!