Why are drop-shot rig hooks usually smaller/different than a texas/carolina rig set-up?

[basshunterman9]

I've noticed that most people, when using a drop-shot rig, tend to go for a smaller and different hook than that of a texas/carolina rig. For a texas rig it seems  a 3/0 EWG hook is really popular, and for the drop-shot rig, a 1/0 drop-shot hook is usually used. Is there a reason for this? Are there things that an EWG hook do worse than the drop-shot or long shank hook might do? Thanks.

[A-Jay]

Texas rigged baits are often fished in heavy(er) cover on stout(er) casting gear.  Heavier Hook is helpful.

Drop-shot baits are often fished in open water, the baits are usually smaller and many times these presentations are done with spinning gear and light(er) line.  So a small (thinner wire) hook is helpful. 

 

  As always, gear & hook preference can and often does, vary wildly.  What works for one may not for another.

Use what works.

 

A-Jay

[WRB]

Finesse drop shot rig the hook is above the weight and the soft plastic is rigged with the hook point exposed so it doesn't need to be long or heavy wire because the bass tends to hook itself with the thin sharp wire hook. 

Bubba drop shot rig uses a heavy wire longer hook because it's rigged weedless and the hook needs to have a gap wide enough so it doesn't fill with soft plastic when hook setting, the bass doesn't hook itself, you must drive the hook into the basses mouth.

Tom

 

[blckshirt98]

I nose hook all my dropshot baits so I try to use as small of a hook as I can get away with, which usually depends on the bait I'm using.  Size 2 or 4 is probably the most common but I'll go as small as a size 8 if I feel like using a small crappie soft plastic, or up to a size 1/0 if using a swimbait or tube type of plastic with a fat head.

[J.Vincent]

When I first began drop shotting, I started with what I had. A lighter wire 1/0 EWG , a 4 inch Texas rigged Worm, 8lb Mono, and 2 small split shots crimped to the line with a simple overhand knot tied at the end. Although not a perfect setup, it worked well, especially in light cover situations. I'm also pretty sure I've even read about Florida and California anglers drop shotting creature baits on EWGs in and around cover. So essentially, an EWG can work but most of us on the Great Lakes fish drop shots in open water situations and prefer to nose hook a finesse drop shot hook.