Hook Sets for Gammy Octopus Hooks

[Shak Muscles]

Do you need to set the hook for an octopus hook or is it like the circle hook where you just reel in? And if you do need to set the hook how hard do you need to set it?

I just got 5/0 octopus hooks(yeah I know way too big) and I was using them with o-ring wacky senko's and I missed like 5+ bass so I'm wondering if I'm doing things wrong. I also run the hook parallel to the senko rather than perpendicular because of the o-ring. 

Next time I will be getting Owner 1/0 hooks. It's just that I went to the walmart nearest to me and they only had the octopus hooks. Next time I will go to Bass Pro and get the owner hooks for sure. Is it really necessary to make the hook perpendicular or does it not matter much. Could it be the difference between me missing or catching the biggest bass of my life?

[Wayne P.]

The Octopus hooks in that size have a sort of heavy wire so it takes some effort to get good hook penetration with the barb.

For the same size in a smaller wire hook, try the Owner Mosquito 5/0 and remove the barb. 

 A couple more things is a line that has less stretch and a rod with some backbone to overcome hook penetration resistance.

I prefer the perpendicular rigging for stick baits wacky rigged.

[Shak Muscles]

@Wayne P. 

So you would say that you have to set the hook with the octopus hook right? And with my situation I would need to set even harder so I can get penetration?

[WRB]

You can reel set with a firm rod sweep 5/0 sharp hooks depending on the line strength and rod power.

Tom

[BobP]

Don't know about the hook, but it isn't best to rig it parallel to the bait.  To make the hook perpindicular to a wacky rigged bait, try using 2 O rings and crossing them in an X pattern before you insert the hook so it will stay perpindicular.  Or lose the O ring and just put the hook through the bait.  You'll lose more baits but your hookup percentage will go up.

[J Francho]

Nobody seems to have a problem with traditional weedless rigs (e.g. Texas Rig), and that hook is parallel with the bait.  It shouldn't make any difference, though I know a great many are more confident in keeping the hook perpendicular on a wacky rig - myself included.

[Wayne P.]

12 hours ago, Shak Muscles said:

@Wayne P. 

So you would say that you have to set the hook with the octopus hook right? And with my situation I would need to set even harder so I can get penetration?

There are two versions of octopus hooks. One of them is octopus circle and one is not.

The circle hook version is not a hookset type hook, the fish hooks itself as it moves away. The octopus hook is a hookset type hook.

You have to pay attention to what you are purchasing.

[J Francho]

Just now, Wayne P. said:

You have to pay attention to what you are purchasing.

Very good point!  I've almost made the mistake, myself.

[everythingthatswims]

12 hours ago, Shak Muscles said:

@Wayne P. 

So you would say that you have to set the hook with the octopus hook right? And with my situation I would need to set even harder so I can get penetration?

You better listen to Wayne about that wacky rig haha