Wide Gap Hooks

[flyingmonkie]

Last year, I had just about talked myself out of using EWG hooks, opting for straight shanks or larger sized offset hooks.  That being said, I'm an avid t-rigger of creature baits, and functionally, it's hard to beat them.  Plus, if they're good enough for Glenn, then they must be good enough for me... right?

 

Is it just the Elite series guys that have problems with hook-up ratios?  Does anybody make a EWG with the point and eye not inline?

[Mike L]

For punching matt's a straight shank seems best.

But for most other times I use ewg.

Mike

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Owner

Trokar

Gamakatsu

VMC

have offset EWG hooks

[iceintheveins]

I use an EWG for everything except slender worms or punching the weeds. Slender worms call for a regular offset and punching a straight shank. My hookup rate on all three is about the same, pretty good.

[flyingmonkie]

Poll results are already reassuring.

[Brayberry]

I have no issues using EWG Gamagatsu hooks.  I use them for all my texas rigging, senko's, and even flipping.  I have no plans to change.  

[ww2farmer]

Yes. I don't have any of these mythical hook up issues with EWG hooks other people seem to have. I only use straight shank flipping hooks for punching heavy heavy cover, # 1 the barbs on them keep me from adjusting the bait all the time, and #2 they have more bite, which when using the big sinkers often used for punching (like 1 oz +) that can and will pop a fishes mouth open, I do have a little better hookup rates with straight shanks in that situation.....other than that, it's EWG all the time for me.

[smbrule!]

Last year, I had just about talked myself out of using EWG hooks, opting for straight shanks or larger sized offset hooks.  That being said, I'm an avid t-rigger of creature baits, and functionally, it's hard to beat them.  Plus, if they're good enough for Glenn, then they must be good enough for me... right?

 

Is it just the Elite series guys that have problems with hook-up ratios?  Does anybody make a EWG with the point and eye not inline?

VMC Ike approved EWG hooks have a 3 degree offset  to the right (left)?  

[Montanaro]

They have their place. But given a choice I go offset. Shows more of the point to the fish.

[merc1997]

the actual mechanical functions of an ewg hook are not great.  first the line tie and hook point are in line with each other blocking the hook point until the eyelet is outside the mouth.  if it does hook inside, it will be a flat angle that can tear out.  next, the pull line of the hook is right under the barb, where a round bend hook the pull line is at the very bottom of the bend much further away from the barb.  since, the pull line of the ewg is so close to the barb, when a hooked bass is swimming straight away from you the hook can be dislodge quite easily.  most ewg hooks have too much flex in the throat due to the long sweeping curve.  as soon as the throat of a hook flexes, the hook point is turning away from the line of pull with your hook set.  the straighter that line is maintained, the easier hook penetration is.  hooks that turn the hook point off center have the same problem.  offset hook and sproat style hooks also have hooking issues also,  the newer sproat style with the bigger keeper barbs, are magnifying the sproat's problems.  there is a very detailed video on you tube that gives very easy demonstrations of all these hook problems, but i am not allowed to give you that info.  i will just say that a 60 degree jig hook with a hitch hiker attached to the eyelet to attach your plastics to, would be a much better choice for texas rigging.

 

bo

[BassinLou]

Never had a problem with EWG. Have been using them for years. I am the opposite, I don't like regular worm hooks. 

[smbrule!]

merc1997 has made some very useful comments on EWG hooks.

 

I much prefer a O'Shaughnessy  worm hooks by Gamakatsu for slimmer soft plastics. And, the Gammy heavy cover flippin hook for wider bulky baits because of its large throat.  I routinely use the Gammy heavy cover hook for 4-5" tubes, large worms and sticks, and lures like the 7" Magnum Super Fluke.

 

For two reasons--a better hookset  as the hook is buried inside the bait it is much more snag free compared to an EWG texposed. I fish a lot of pads and reeds and other vegetation and a texposed EWG is a sure thing to get snagged.  I have no confidence in an EWG hook that is texas rigged.

 

I do use EWG hooks when their is little danger of snags and primarily when I'm finesse fishing with light mono line and soft rods.

 

 

[SirSnookalot]

I prefer a standard worm hook from the standpoint of the way my bait moves.  Never gave any thought to the confidence issue regarding which is a better hookset.   Fish strikes, set the hook, nothing really more to it.  IMO the over thinking is going to lose more fish than the actual hook selection.

[Catt]

There are no mythical problems with EWG hooks!

The straight shank round bend hooks simply have a high hookup ratio of all hook designs. Well if we don't count circle hooks.

[HeavyFisher]

The only problem with low EWG hookup rates are the Fishermen utilizing them.

[mjseverson24]

I fish EWG hooks a ton... I have never had any issues with the ewg hooks, i actually feel they are more productive for me than the flippin hooks or the offset worm hooks... I like the way most baits lay on the ewg hooks as compared to the straight shank, it has a much more natural look (at least to me) so i have more confidence in throwing them... i use the straight shank only when punching, it works well for that, but i have laso used the gamy superline hooks, and they worked pretty well also...

 

Mitch

[Catt]

The only problem with low EWG hookup rates are the Fishermen utilizing them.

I got an open back seat any time ya want to prove that statement!

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Never had any problems with ewg.

[A-Jay]

My EWG of choice is the Owner Extra Wide Gap Plus hook.

 

All the design mumbo jumbo about hook eye vs point location, hook flexing and whatever else is out there, has never been an issue with these hooks.

 

If you are having trouble with your hooks use these and your troubles will be over.

 

This thing is like a small Gaff.

 

A-Jay

 

[Felix77]

I don't mind either however I tend to use EWG almost exclusively. 1/0 - 5/0