Anyone Make A Wide Gap Shakyhead?

[Bluebasser86]

I've tried to find a mold that will fit a wide gap hook and I'm not having any luck. I have this mold:

http://do-itmolds.com/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=1_7_264 That takes the Mustad 60 degree bend flat eye hook. I've had pretty good luck with these hooks but I'd like to have the wide gap hook because I've been playing with some bigger baits on a shakyhead and because I like to skin hook my baits. I found these hooks that are close except they have a 45 degree bend.

http://www.lurecraft.com/catalog.cfm/hooks/38109bln-mustad:2807

Would it be possible to bend those slightly and make them fit or does anyone know of a flat eye jig hook with a 60 degree bend or a shakyhead mold that takes a wide gap hook?

[Wachati]

Hey It looks like it is possible to make the #38109BLN work. You just have to hone out a little area where the hook meets the bottom of the head so the mold can close completely. I guess you have to widen it just below the lead head. I'll PM you the link.

[Siebert Outdoors]

That hook will fit some of the sizes. I have used it in 4/0 size. I do not remember which ones but I think it was 1/4 and up.

[moguy1973]

Its doable because I ordered some 3/8 oz shakey head football jigs on eBay that had 5/0 Gamy EWG hooks.

[smalljaw67]

Bluebasser, the Mustad 38109 will work, the 1/16oz cavity will not take it, at least in a 3/0 due to the bend but all the other cavities work with it. I use the 3/0 and 4/0 the most. One other thing, be very specific on that number, Mustad also makes a 38108 which is easier to find but this is heavy wire and will only work in the 3/0 size in the 3/8oz cavity, so remember, the 38109 is what you want. BTW, I've made thousands of shaky heads with the 38109 hook so I know for a fact they work.

EDIT: You do not have to bend the hook in any way, the EWG bend allows the 45 degree hook to fit in a 60 degree mold.

[cadman]

Bluebasser,

Yes a 38109 (45 degree flat eye) hook will fit in there just like smalljaw mentioned. Let me know what cavity you want to put what size hook in. If you need a pic I can take one for you as well. You do not have to mod the mold. I use these hooks in the mold all the time as well and they will conform to the existing cavity profile with no problem.

[Bluebasser86]

Thanks for the info guys! I mainly use the 1/8-1/4 ounce sizes but I might mess with trying to get a heavier gauge hook to fit into the molds with my bigger heads that I'd be using with bigger baits anyways. I don't use the 1/16 ounce very often except it does make a good insert tube head with small tubes and stream smallmouth.

[cadman]

Bluebasser,

The 38109 (45 degree flat eye) hook will fit in the following sizes

In the 1/8 oz cavity a 2/0 - 4/0 will work

In the 3/6 oz cavity a 2/0 - 4/0 will work

In the 1/4 oz cavity a 2/0 - 4/0 will work

[smalljaw67]

Thanks for the info guys! I mainly use the 1/8-1/4 ounce sizes but I might mess with trying to get a heavier gauge hook to fit into the molds with my bigger heads that I'd be using with bigger baits anyways. I don't use the 1/16 ounce very often except it does make a good insert tube head with small tubes and stream smallmouth.

You're missing out not using the 1/16oz head, try it with a 6" finesse worm in 10' to 12' of water when the fish aren't biting very good. The super slow fall makes the worm do a seductive little side to side dance on its way down to the bottom, and the fish can't stand it. I made some just to try as I thought I wouldn't use the cavity much but it urns out I make a good bit of the 1/16oz and I have a lot of my frineds that like it too.

[Bluebasser86]

You're missing out not using the 1/16oz head, try it with a 6" finesse worm in 10' to 12' of water when the fish aren't biting very good. The super slow fall makes the worm do a seductive little side to side dance on its way down to the bottom, and the fish can't stand it. I made some just to try as I thought I wouldn't use the cavity much but it urns out I make a good bit of the 1/16oz and I have a lot of my frineds that like it too.

The problem with the 1/16oz head is the wind almost never stops blowing during the day in Kansas. If we get a day with winds under 15mph I'm happy. Most of the time is closer to 20mph. It makes fishing even the 1/8oz size head nearly impossible. I like the 1/16oz head and I have a couple hundred of them poured and I know how effective it can be, it's just very rare that I get a chance to actually use it. I do like it with a 5" senko type bait because it starts to sink flat but the little weight at the head makes it glide forward and sometimes it spirals like tube does, it can really be a killer technique.