Appropriate Hook Sizes

[toddwchandler]

I have bought a few varieties of hooks and am not 100% sure what to use for what scenario.

Right now I have some Eagle Claw offset 1/0 and 2/0 hooks. I also picked up some Gamakatsu 1/0 and 2/0 offset EWG worm hooks.

I currently use the following plastics:

3inch senkos

6 inch zoom trick worms

6 inch zoom salamanders

Zoom Super Flukes

Which hooks for which plastics?

Tonight I wacky rigged one of the trick worms on the Gamasatku 2/0 and missed two different hook sets. I am not a highly skilled fisherman, but was wondering if I didn't have the best hook for that worm.

TC

[Tuckahoe Joe]

I am by no means an expert and I'm sure others will chime in but I'll offer my 2 cents.  The general rule of thumb is bigger hooks for bigger baits.  1/0 should be sufficient for your 3 inch senkos.  For your 6 inch salamanders, I'd say you could go up to 3/0 or 4/0 offset.  For the Super Flukes, I'd go 4/0 EWG.  For the senkos and salamanders, I'd use the regular offset hooks.  The baits are more slender and you don't need the Extra Wide Gap for the bait to collapse into.  Go EWG for the flukes cuz they're thicker.  And if it's a choice between Eagle Claw or Gamakatsu, definitely go with the Gammies.  I don't really have any experience with trick worms or whacky rigs so I can't speak to that.

[Marty]

My guideline is to use a hook with a gap at least double the bait's diameter, so as to allow enough room for the hook to get through the plastic and into the fish's jaw.

[Darren.]

I catch plenty of bass using 2/0-3/0 for TX rigs with 6-7" baits. Use 4,2,1, and 1/0 for wacky, split, and drop shotting.

Caught my PB on a size 1 Gammy wide gap finesse + a 5" Senko last year.

FWIW.