soft plastics

sikwitit · 04-01-11, 08:35 AM

with all the different worm and hook sizes, how do you know which hook size works well with the size worm for rigging?

MississippiBoy · 04-01-11, 09:43 AM

To keep it simple...bigger worm, bigger hook. Most of the worms I use are in the 7" to 10" range. On the 7", I'll usually use either a 2/0 or 3/0 hook. The 10" usually get a 4/0 or 5/0. However, I usually won't cut off a hook and replace it with a different size just because I'm swapping worm sizes, so I often wind up keeping a 3/0 hook on all day unless I get hung and break it off, then I'll put on a different size hook to better match the plastic I'm using at the time.
You didn't mention weight size, but just throwing this out there...I use the lightest weight I can get away with and still stay in contact with the bottom. If I'm fairly shallow and there's no wind, I'll go with a 1/4 oz or even a 3/16 oz weight. In deeper water and/or windy conditions, I might have a 1/2 oz weight on. I know that 1/4 oz difference doesn't sound like much just looking at the numbers on a computer screen, but it does make a big difference when you're fishing with it.
Be sure to watch Kevin's (the owner/administrator of this site) videos about all things fishing. There's a lot of good info here: http://www.bassfishin.com/fishing-videos/

Lvitch · 04-01-11, 09:49 AM

Use just enough hook not to screw up the action. Most times a 4/0 or 3/0 is fine. I buy 4/0 gammy's in bulk.

Marty · 04-01-11, 07:19 PM

I use a guideline that the hook's gap must be at least double the size of the plastic's diameter. This allows enough room for the hook to get through the plastic and into the fish's jaw.

bamabassman · 04-01-11, 10:05 PM

all great advise writtne above.

M_A_C_K · 04-02-11, 01:30 AM

Number one mistake new bass fisherman make is thinking fish have tiny mouths so tiny hook... I have caught baby juveniles on a full sized spinnerbait bigger than the fish... Bass are veracious and will eat anything they THINK will fit in there mouth. Bass have been found to eat anything from mice, birds, snakes, crayfish, any fish that will fit in there mouth lol... don't be afraid to use a decent size hook... and i would stay away from trouble hooks cuz they'll get ya into trouble if they touch anything and get hung up... get some nice plane ball head jigs 1/8 ounce are usually good for swim worms.

04-01-11, 08:35 AM	#1
sikwitit BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Griffin, Georgia Posts: 17	soft plastics with all the different worm and hook sizes, how do you know which hook size works well with the size worm for rigging?

04-01-11, 09:43 AM	#2
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	To keep it simple...bigger worm, bigger hook. Most of the worms I use are in the 7" to 10" range. On the 7", I'll usually use either a 2/0 or 3/0 hook. The 10" usually get a 4/0 or 5/0. However, I usually won't cut off a hook and replace it with a different size just because I'm swapping worm sizes, so I often wind up keeping a 3/0 hook on all day unless I get hung and break it off, then I'll put on a different size hook to better match the plastic I'm using at the time. You didn't mention weight size, but just throwing this out there...I use the lightest weight I can get away with and still stay in contact with the bottom. If I'm fairly shallow and there's no wind, I'll go with a 1/4 oz or even a 3/16 oz weight. In deeper water and/or windy conditions, I might have a 1/2 oz weight on. I know that 1/4 oz difference doesn't sound like much just looking at the numbers on a computer screen, but it does make a big difference when you're fishing with it. Be sure to watch Kevin's (the owner/administrator of this site) videos about all things fishing. There's a lot of good info here: http://www.bassfishin.com/fishing-videos/ __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

04-01-11, 09:49 AM	#3
Lvitch BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 180	Use just enough hook not to screw up the action. Most times a 4/0 or 3/0 is fine. I buy 4/0 gammy's in bulk. __________________ Big gals always make us smile!

04-01-11, 07:19 PM	#4
Marty BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,580	I use a guideline that the hook's gap must be at least double the size of the plastic's diameter. This allows enough room for the hook to get through the plastic and into the fish's jaw. __________________ Meeting expenses is easy...they're EVERYWHERE The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits Rochester, NY

04-01-11, 10:05 PM	#5
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	all great advise writtne above. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

04-02-11, 01:30 AM	#6
M_A_C_K BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ludington, Michigan Posts: 280	Number one mistake new bass fisherman make is thinking fish have tiny mouths so tiny hook... I have caught baby juveniles on a full sized spinnerbait bigger than the fish... Bass are veracious and will eat anything they THINK will fit in there mouth. Bass have been found to eat anything from mice, birds, snakes, crayfish, any fish that will fit in there mouth lol... don't be afraid to use a decent size hook... and i would stay away from trouble hooks cuz they'll get ya into trouble if they touch anything and get hung up... get some nice plane ball head jigs 1/8 ounce are usually good for swim worms.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)