Weighted Hooks + Baits?

[eyedabassman]

What baits do you fish on your weighted hook?  I know that most people fish flukes,but I just thought it would be interesting to see what others are fishing!

[Big-O]

I believe any and all soft plastics can be fished with weighted hooks effectively at one time or another. The only bait I've designed that I rarely use a keel weighted hook is the Eeliminator...and that's because it kills the side to side action.

With most weighted hooks, I prefer the ones where the weight is more centered in the belly of the hook like the Moaner Hooks http://www.moanerhooks.com

When you're looking for slow sultry fall, settling on top of the grass without getting buried in it, swimming a high action soft plastic, finessing shallows or no wind situations....a weighted hook gets the nod in my boat

Come to think of it I have a couple of rods, 1 rigged with a 5/0 and the other with a 4/0, both 1/4 oz weighted hooks that stay ready 24/7. The Smokin Rooster and Anaconda are my favorites but the variety of Rage Craws, Monkey and Lizard will see action on a regular basis as well. Many of last years bigger fish in my boat, including a 13.43 were caught over grass rigged on Weighted hooks, fishing them with a slow lift and settle presentation.

This technique could be the most overlooked yet most effective producer there is with soft plastics. The seductive and more perpendicular fall gives a fish a totally different look than they are used too seeing and the baits can be presented similar to a swim jig as well.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[smbrule]

I often use a lightly weighted hook when fishing Senko's ot Ticki Bamboo Sticks.

Pic of a 4/0 EWG VMC hook with lead wire epoxied on. Also will double up on the wire for more weight.

Much less expensive than purchasing weighted hooks and there is a much better selection of hook styles that are non weighted.

[eyedabassman]

I believe any and all soft plastics can be fished with weighted hooks effectively at one time or another. The only bait I've designed that I rarely use a keel weighted hook is the Eeliminator...and that's because it kills the side to side action.

With most weighted hooks, I prefer the ones where the weight is more centered in the belly of the hook like the Moaner Hooks www.moanerhooks.com When you're looking for slow sultry fall, settling on top of the grass without getting buried in it, swimming a high action soft plastic, finessing shallows or no wind situations....a weighted hook gets the nod in my boat

Come to think of it I have a couple of rods, 1 rigged with a 5/0 and the other with a 4/0, both 1/4 oz weighted hooks that stay ready 24/7. The Smokin Rooster and Anaconda are my favorites but the variety of Rage Craws, Monkey and Lizard will see action on a regular basis as well. Many of last years bigger fish in my boat, including a 13.43 were caught over grass rigged on Weighted hooks, fishing them with a slow lift and settle presentation.

This technique could be the most overlooked yet most effective producer there is with soft plastics. The seductive and more perpendicular fall gives a fish a totally different look than they are used too seeing and the baits can be presented similar to a swim jig as well.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

Good stuff Big-O, I have one rod set up with a weighted hook and I had thought of setting two more up with different hook hook size and weight! So now I will have 3 sets of weighted hook rods. THANKS

[Osprey39]

I often use a lightly weighted hook when fishing Senko's ot Ticki Bamboo Sticks.

Pic of a 4/0 EWG VMC hook with lead wire epoxied on. Also will double up on the wire for more weight.

Much less expensive than purchasing weighted hooks and there is a much better selection of hook styles that are non weighted.

What kind of wire are you using?

[smbrule]

Using lead wire purchased in the fly tying area of my local sporting goods store. Diameter I use is 0.030 or 0.035. Prefer the larger diameter when available.

It comes on a spool similar to sewing thread. It will thread thru a typical tie flying bobbin, however I find it easier to just hold the spool in my hand.

[Osprey39]

Well that is an awesome idea sir and I am blatantly going to steal it from you

[Blue Streak]

I use them with the Berkley Beast, gives it a seductive wiggle on the fall.

[Texas10Man]

I use the BPS hook weights and like them.

[hookset on 3]

I use the BPS hook weights and like them.

Good to know General! I've been looking at those.

I use many diff. kinds from Owner Twistlock or Falcon keel weighted. Davis Baits hooks are perfectly balanced.Pricey,but worth it.