Extra Wide Gap

[ejb3007]

I have been using Gamakatsu EWG hooks exclusively with plastics. I really don't know why except there always nice and sharp.There are just so many hooks out there, and I just don't know where to start.

When would you just use the "regular' style plastics hooks over EWG hooks. What are advantages and disadvantages? Do most people use EWG as well. If so what brand do you recommend. Thanks.

[Wayne P.]

I only use EWG's for bulky baits and then I open the gap a little. I don't like the angle of the hook point to the hook eye-too direct. I prefer Gammy Offset Round Bend hooks or similar Owners for lizzards, worms and craws.

[Triton21]

Straight Shank OWNER worm hook for most plastics.  Better hookup ratio than any other hook for me.

[Hookemdown.]

Straight Shank OWNER worm hook for most plastics.  Better hookup ratio than any other hook for me.

Ditto, Can't go wrong with OWNER!   (I used to fish Gammy's exclusivly, but now, I all I own is owners)

I usually only fish the EWG for larger, bulkier baits.

[Guest whittler]

Owner straight shank, these are all I use.

[Fish Man]

i just bought some mustad ultra points ...do yall think they work or no?

[Catt]

I use a Mustad Straight Shank Denny Brauer Flipping Hook for every thing except Gene Larew's 5 & 6 Salty Hawg Craws then I use Strike King's 5/0 Saber Point offset hook.

[skillet]

 After joining here and listening to different folks, I tried the EWGs and really liked them. Now, I'll use straight shanks for 6 or 7 1/2 worms and everything else gets EWGs...

                                                            As Ever,

                                                             Skillet

[rocknfish9001]

A piece of advice would be to use a normal offset shank hook before an ewg. Only use the wide gap on thick baits like creatures, flukes, senkos, and ikas. The ewg doesnt hold a fish as well in my experience, and the hookup ration isnt as good since the line, eye, and point are all lined up very well. If you want the optimum results in hookups, you HAVE to use straight shank hooks. They are much more efficient when it comes to hooking and holding a fish, but that also applies to hooking and holding snags.

[MALTESE FALCON]

I only use Gamakatsu EWG's. As you said, they are always sharp, and I've never had a problem with hook-ups. Just my preference.

Falcon

[Brad_Coovert]

I use EWG hooks on all of my Carolina rigged baits and seldom miss or lose a fish.

Still, in cover when pitching or flipping, I will use a straight shank if possible because they come through cover better than anoy other hook.  If the bait is too wide for a straight shank, I'll use an EWG Superline.

For straight shank hooks, I like the Gammy Round Bend and the RI BMF hooks.  The BMF's are super strong and will hold up to anything.

For all Crigging, an EWG.

For frogs, a ZOOM Horny Toad hook or Mustad Ultra Point Impact hook.

For wide baits, EWG.

Brad

[FishTank]

Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG's are my favorite.