Having trouble hooking up.

[Jigger]

I'm having trouble getting hooked up with the bulkier plastics such as Beavers and other bulkier plastics that I never had with plastic worms.

Are straight shanked worm hooks the answer? I've never used them. Suggestions?

[Marty]

I don't use straight shanks, so I don't know. The two most important things to check, in my opinion, are the obvious one of hook sharpness and the second one of hook gap size. My guideline is that the gap should be at least double the diameter of the plastic so as to allow the hook room to get through the plastic and into the fish's jaw for a good hookset.

[bassinbob]

Try the skip gap. I use them with good results.

[Jrob78]

Originally Posted by bassinbob

Try the skip gap. I use them with good results.

X2

3/0 Skip Gap hooks are great for Beavers

[BassinNC]

I was having the same problem and the only thing I changed was my hook set. I went from my normal hook set which work on everything else a hook set that I'm literally trying to rip the fishes lips off. I've had a lot better results.

[Tavery5]

Originally Posted by bassinbob

Try the skip gap. I use them with good results.

Can you explain a little more about why the skip gap helps with hook-ups, I thought they were to keep the bait from sliding down the hook, and I have been using them only with senko's. I am very interested in hearing more about this, as I have an issue with hookups and the Lake Fork Tube Craws.

Thanks

[ALL]

Most of the time this is caused by one or multiples of the following, too light of a rod, too light of line, too small of a hook or a low quality hook. FYI Too hard of a hook set is a sure way to lose a fish, especially the big ones. The TV hook sets are exactly that, drama.

Originally Posted by Jigger

I'm having trouble getting hooked up with the bulkier plastics such as Beavers and other bulkier plastics that I never had with plastic worms.

Are straight shanked worm hooks the answer? I've never used them. Suggestions?

[geezer1]

I like the Gamakatsu EWG's for bulky baits.

[walkeraviator]

when I have problems hookin up i usually try another bar or change my cologne...

[zooker]

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

when I have problems hookin up i usually try another bar or change my cologne...

i was waiting forsomeone to say this...

i use g-lock gamys 3/0-4/0 hooks on most everything..



zooker

[Embrey]

Originally Posted by ALL

Most of the time this is caused by one or multiples of the following, too light of a rod, too light of line, too small of a hook or a low quality hook. FYI Too hard of a hook set is a sure way to lose a fish, especially the big ones. The TV hook sets are exactly that, drama.

never had a problem with it myself

[Bob Smith]

My personal favorite is the Gammy J-bend offset hooks on most T-rig applications. I know some guys that swear by the straight shank hooks. My ONLY problem with them is the worms tend to slide down the hooks quicker (hence the reason many guys peg the hook eye with a toothpick). There is a logical answer as to why these hooks tend to hook up more quickly and that is the angle that the hook penentrates the worm and the angle of the eye shaft are both pointed up instead of parallel with the worm. So when the fish closes the mouth the hook starts to penetrate immediately.
It's a matter of preference beyond that. Mine is to have a hook that holds the worm up better, I typically Texpose my hook point on everything from c-rig baits to weightless super flukes.

[Jrob78]

Anyone tried the punching hooks?

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lazer...age-ECTFH.html

[Jigger]

Originally Posted by Bob Smith

There is a logical answer as to why these hooks tend to hook up more quickly and that is the angle that the hook penentrates the worm and the angle of the eye shaft are both pointed up instead of parallel with the worm. So when the fish closes the mouth the hook starts to penetrate immediately.
.

Good explanation. That helps.

[Jigger]

Thanks to everyone that replied.

[Rebbasser]

Originally Posted by geezer1

I like the Gamakatsu EWG's for bulky baits.

Same here. You need the wide gap to get around all the plastic. With a round bend or straight shank I've missed fish since the throat of the hook gets clogged up with plastic. the EWG eliminates this problem.