Wacky Rigging hookup ratios.....

[xm sean]

I wanted to try some wacky rigging this year and my question for you guys is..... with the smaller finesse hooks, are you finding that you are missing some fish due to the small hook?

[haleconst]

I use more of a circle hook, gama or owner and resist the urge to cross the fishes eyes. J ust pull hard it will set the hook and you catch more.

[mcherry]

I just started throwing it for a follow up bait last year for topwater, I knew the fish was there so I would be ready(work 90% of the time) I normally let them have it for a while seems like you never really know which end he has or if he has all of it. its all about timing just like worming, feel the thumb 1 2 3 then wack. good luck

[Jack'D]

I've been wacky rigging for 5 yrs and have been using Gamakatsu weedless finesse hooks 1/0 or 2/0. Going to switch to regular finesse this spring. I know people who use 4/0 EWG on senkos. The only bad part of weedless finesse hook is the weedguard can get tangled up with your O-ring if you use them. As mentioned earlier, let bass have it for a second or three and hit em'. Good luck.

[Mikekylake]

I use 1/0 or2/0 with O-rings.Let the fish have it for a while.This is my favorite way to catch smallies

[motomania]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jack’D &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've been wacky rigging for 5 yrs and have been using Gamakatsu weedless finesse hooks 1/0 or 2/0. Going to switch to regular finesse this spring. I know people who use 4/0 EWG on senkos. The only bad part of weedless finesse hook is the weedguard can get tangled up with your O-ring if you use them. As mentioned earlier, let bass have it for a second or three and hit em'. Good luck.</TD></TR></TABLE>
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Like Jack said, but for some of the larger senkos, I throw a 3/0 or 5/0 Eagle Claw/Falcon/Mustad Kahle style weedless hook. I can't say I ever noticed an issue with using the smaller hooks though.
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Just be sure if you grab some of the Eagle Claw/Falcon/Mustad Kahle style hooks, be sure the weedguard is not getting hung up on the barb of the hook. It's got a nice stout weedguard for heavier cover, but if it's not re-shaped a bit, it can hang on the barb.

[Ranger 361V]

1/0 & 2/0 Owner Mosquito Hooks....works for me. Make sure you touch up your hooks with a stone or file...keep'em sharp!!

Tom

[waterfoul]

Been fishing them whacky style since they first came to the market. Always used a Gamagatsu 1/0 EWG hook. I like this set up... no gut hooked fish and if you feel the urge to t-rig it this hook will do the job (not ideal but it works).


Modified by waterfoul at 1:29 AM 2/23/2009

[bigbasser54]

I find I do miss fish with the smaller hook, I dont even bother with the weedless hooks anymore, I would rather hang up then lose fish.

Anyone ever try a circle hook on a senko I wonder how that would be?

[Ridge Runner_20]

Try the Owner size 1 or 1/0 Rig'n Hook for wacky rigging. Works great for 5" (size 1) and 6" (size 1/0) Senkos, or whatever you happen to be throwing...

RR_20

[capticeman]

I agree with a few guys here... been using mosquito 1/0 and 2/0 for years work great... just don't worry about setting the hook... just start reeling... riggin' hook good too...

[xm sean]

Thanks Guys.... Alot of good info

[Brett M]

The wacky rig is my go to bait- I use both finesse worms and Trick Sticks (senkos). I have developed alot of specialties on this setup, most revolving around fall speed and water clarity. I don't miss many fish at all on the smaller finesse hooks-- Gamy Finesse wide gap and drop shot hooks. These two hooks I use in ultra clear/finicky conditions. (when they wont bite with my meat hanger) My primary hook is a Mustad Big Gun Catfish hook in sizes from 1/0 - 3/0. The size of the hook depends on the conditions and fall rate. I use the hooks themselves to adjust weight. I do use the gamy Finesse Wide gap weedless some,, but as stated above they will MISS fish. Open hooks dont snag nearly as much as most would think and the hookup ratio is nearly 100% Starting with 1/0 Big Gun, I see how the fish are getting the hook-- I am looking to see if they are getting it TOO DEEP-- if they are,, I switch to the Nautilus Circle by Gamy. Now this hook is different and will miss a few but rarely does it hook them in the gut. Any of the open designs only need a light bump or hard lean to set the hook, once the fish is on for more than a few cranks you will rarely loose them. The circle hook -- just just get the line tight, start cranking and lean into them. Jerking on the set with a Nautilus Circle will result in missed fish.

Tip-- Tournament practice with the wacky rig-- use a snap ring the size of the bait tied directly to the line. It mimics the weight of a hook well, and a ZERO chance of hooking the fish, just shake um off and come back tommarow!

[Bigguyone]

My hookup ratios are much greater with wacky rigging than with texas rig or any skin hook setup - especially with smallmouth

[motomania]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bigguyone &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My hookup ratios are much greater with wacky rigging than with texas rig or any skin hook setup - especially with smallmouth
</TD></TR></TABLE>
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You said it Bigguyone, and I think someone mentioned previously too; Check, check and double check those hooks after you've caught one, they can dull QUICK! I just stow the dull ones away to be thrown away on shore if they show any sort of dullness. I learned this the hard way in a tournament, by getting a couple keepers to the boat; just to lose them; before realizing my dern hook had dulled!

[dinger31]

i use a 2/0 octopus cirlce hook, gammys are the way to go

[jfish66502]

Has anyone tried or use the weedless wacky worms by kickerfish. I bought a pack and have more trouble getting a good hookset with these than a regular wacky setup. I was just wondering if anyone else has run into this problem.
-Jared

[motomania]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jfish66502 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Has anyone tried or use the weedless wacky worms by kickerfish. I bought a pack and have more trouble getting a good hookset with these than a regular wacky setup. I was just wondering if anyone else has run into this problem.
-Jared</TD></TR></TABLE>
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Yah I tried them a while back, and wasn't too hip on 'em. I had similar issues.

[TonyMc]

I like to use a 1/0 Gammy weedless wire hook.

[Timberwolf530]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TonyMc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I like to use a 1/0 Gammy weedless wire hook. </TD></TR></TABLE>
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