When to use an offset RB worm hook?

[pauldconyers]

I have read tons of opinions on EWG style hooks and straight shanks but have not read much on offset shank RB worm hooks. For what applications should I consider them?

[CroakHunter]

I like a 1/0 round bend hook for trick worms and other thinner style plastics. 

[Log Catcher]

I like a 4/0 RB style for trick worms. I have gone to a 3/0 RB for Baby Brush Hogs and I believe my hook up ratio has improved over using an EWG. I also use a 2/0 RB for Ultra Vibe Speed Craws. I once had a fellow that works at BPS and does a lot of fishing demos tell me the EWG was the worst hook ever invented and he didn't allow them in his boat. Just for reference I only use Gamakatsu hooks.

[redmexican5081]

I use round bend hooks for almost all my worms when fishing them on a texas or c-rig. For anything that is thick, which has been described on here multiple times as more than half of the gap from point to shank, I use an EWG or straight shank. I only use Gamakatsu hooks as well but have some trokars to try out this year.

[Deleted account]

EWG = Escape Without Grab. If I'm not using a stout straight shank hook, I'm on a round bend offset. I wish someone made some with shorter shanks. 

[A-Jay]

Fish what you have confidence in based on your own experience.

My personal fish catch by hook type for soft plastics breaks down like this:

EWG 75%

Straight shank 25 %

Round bend - have them, but honestly haven't felt the need to tie one on in 10 years.

A-Jay

[waitmanFE]

As I understand,

Hookup Ratio:

EWG: Good

Offset Worm: Better

Straight Shank: Best

 

Weedless:

Straight Shank: Good

Offset Worm: Better

Straight Shank: Best

 

Obviously there are certain situations/baits where this does not apply. 

[lo n slo]

it’s offset shank for me ?

[Bankbeater]

I think I’ve used EWG hooks for something like 15 years now. I have rb hooks but I never use them. 

[Fishes in trees]

I like the other style of hood bend rather than the round bend, I forget what it is called.  Sproat? O'Shaughnessy?

My hooks sometimes get disorganized.   I will use a given size offset round bend hook when I can't find the size I want in the sproat or whatever it is called style.  I have EWG hooks in the boat, but I don't use them very often.

[papajoe222]

The only hook style I use for Flukes. 

[ChrisD46]

EWG hooks have their place with thicker baits like Flukes , Senkos , etc. Hook up ratio is not enough of a problem to complain about . 2/0 to 4/0 RB offset for thinner baits such as finesse and trick worms .

[webertime]

Any bait dragged on the bottom gets an offset.   The way a smallmouth will sometimes try and headbutt something against the bottom causes ewg hooks to turn on its side (think of a sailboat balancing on its keel, the keel being the ewg) any downward force and it'll tip over.

[fishwizzard]

My breakdown goes like this:

 

-Thin plastics fished mostly in open water or with a weight - Offset

-Thin plastics fished weightless and in cover - Straight Shank

-Thick plastics in general - EWG

-Fragile plastics/paddletails - Screwlock Swimbait Hook. 

 

There are exceptions to this but it’s more or less how I do it. 

 

[RB 77]

They constitute nearly all of my plastics fishing that don't require the larger EWG hook. If I were you I would consider them for when ever you don't actually need the larger gap to compensate for the plastic potentially balling up and preventing hook penetration.

[LxVE Bassin]

On 4/10/2019 at 1:33 PM, BassWhole! said:

EWG = Escape Without Grab. If I'm not using a stout straight shank hook, I'm on a round bend offset. I wish someone made some with shorter shanks. 

I’m gonna steal that, I hate EWG hooks.