Help W/ Hooks

[Balshy Fishing]

So last night, I went fishing at a creek near me and got beyond frustrated. 

 

First, I was using a yellow/black jitterbug worked across the top across the current. I had two blowups--however, I couldn't hook either of them. The Arborgast lure is, probably, 20 years old? My dad used to use it so I'm wondering if old hooks might be the reason? If I were to swap out hooks, what would you guys recommend?

 

Next, lately -- I have been getting SLAMMED on my senko's but I cannot--for the life of me land them anymore. I have been using the Gammy SkipGap hooks and then my old EWG hooks that i had by them and I can't get anything landed. 

 

Also, when working a fluke in current filled with rocks--what's the best way? The hooks I have are too "thick" and I'd have to break the sound barrier to set[ha]. Any suggestions on hooks for these as well? 

 

Suggestions?

[kikstand454]

I think you're placing way too much blame on the hooks. Sticky sharp premium hooks will certainly catch a few more fish- but it can't make up for all of those misses. The gammy skipgap has always been a great hook for me and I never felt the need for a "better" hook in the presentations I use it for. Use the skipgap on your flukes too. That's the main thing I use it for!

Lots of premium trebles to swap out on your old jitterbug, but do you think its the hooks and not just fishing topwater? I miss TONS of fish on topwater strikes- its part of the game.

Did you feel the fish at all? If you had the fish ON and it came off- then you may have a hook issue. But if your just not hooking up at all. .....eh. ..... I wouldn't be so fast to blame the hooks.

[Catch and Grease]

Are you skin hooking your plastics?

[papajoe222]

If you felt the weight of the fish that blew up on the Jitterbug before you attempted your hook set, the hooks may be partially at fault. If the current hooks do not have a split ring attachment, be sure to attach replacements with one. As for hooks, I use both Mustad UltraPoint short shanks and EagleClaw 3X Trebles. The 3X's are made from thinner wire,but aren't short shanks. On a Jitterbug you can upsize the belly hook with the Mustad and go with the 3X on the rear without tangling issues or worries of altering the bait's action.
If your concern with the Flukes and Senkos is hook penetration, I'd recommend a change of rod action rather than going to a thin wire hook. Are the fish coming unbuttoned on you? If you're coming up totally empty on the hook set, I'd venture to say the fish that are hitting the bait aren't big enough to get it in their mouth.