Do you think these hooks are too big for this presentation?

[Ohioguy25]

 

I got some of these Owner EWG Ned jig heads that use a 1/0 offset hook to prevent snags.  They work great in that regard, and I have been catching a good number of big fish but I’m starting to wonder if I haven’t also been missing a lot due to the visibility and size of this hook which sort of goes against the “thin light wire size 6 hook” imagined for the original Ned rig presentation. 

 

Bass, especially river smallmouth are sight feeders and the Ned is all about subtlety, you think I have likely been missing bites because of this and should downsize? What hooks do you use?

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Block_Head_Offset_Jig_Head_4pk/descpage-BLO.html

 

 

 

[bigspirit]

I never use a ned but IMO, that hook does look a bit too big; if you’re catching fish though I wouldn’t be too tempted to change it. 

[txchaser]

Bout 12-15 different kind of Ned Heads trying to figure out what I liked. Some thoughts below. 

 

My recollection is that the flatlands 1/0 was a bit smaller. Of the EWG it seemed to be the best. But it was certainly long.

 

Also, this one, while not EWG, it is weedless and is definitely smaller than the owner.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Picasso_Aaron_Martens_Weedless_Rhino_Ned_Head_3pk/descpage-PRWRNH.html

 

At the end of my ned journey I ended up happiest with 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-HAYABUSA.html?from=basres

In 1/16 oz. It's a #2 hook. It is light enough that popping the line always got it unstuck for me, I think all traditionalist ned users were right. The small hook just can't get hung on much - it is close to the head and the head deflects much of what would get stuck on the hook. 

 

On heavy line/cover/fish:

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bruiser_Baits_Ned_Rig/descpage-BND.html

This one is great, as I have no hesitation about the strength of the hook or having to fight a bigger fish out of a bad spot. I wouldn't want to try to get hook penetration on light line though.

 

[waymont]

I would say you are not missing any bites. That hook would just appear as a craw leg or something.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I've caught lots of fish on the 1/0 EWG heads but even the smallest 1/0 EWG hook which so far has been the VMC on the lifted jigs ned head is just a little big.  Perfect for hula sticks and 4" baits though.  A #1 just fits a TRD or 3" stickbait much better.  Zmans EWG uses a #1 and Owner makes a finesse ballhead EWG with a #1.

I still think a #2 or #1 open hook is the best way to fish them if it's possible.    

[CrashVector]

I tried those exact heads.

 

While they won't snag, they are anything BUT weedless.

 

I ended up throwing them away after the third time I tried to use em.  They hooked every piece of weed, slime, and grass that came within 3 feet.

 

I'd cast out and have half a pound of trash nearly every cast.

 

The hook is great.  The weight ...not so much.

[Ohioguy25]

10 hours ago, CrashVector said:

I tried those exact heads.

 

While they won't snag, they are anything BUT weedless.

 

I ended up throwing them away after the third time I tried to use em.  They hooked every piece of weed, slime, and grass that came within 3 feet.

 

I'd cast out and have half a pound of trash nearly every cast.

 

The hook is great.  The weight ...not so much.

What do you use?

11 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I've caught lots of fish on the 1/0 EWG heads but even the smallest 1/0 EWG hook which so far has been the VMC on the lifted jigs ned head is just a little big.  Perfect for hula sticks and 4" baits though.  A #1 just fits a TRD or 3" stickbait much better.  Zmans EWG uses a #1 and Owner makes a finesse ballhead EWG with a #1.

I still think a #2 or #1 open hook is the best way to fish them if it's possible.    

What size are the finesse shrooms zman uses, #2?

[CrashVector]

1 minute ago, Ohioguy25 said:

What do you use?

What size are the finesse shrooms zman uses, #2?

 

 

I buy the 1/10oz ned heads, cut the hooks off, and glue em in.  Then, I rig the lure with a rigging hook on the opposite end.  So instead of leading with the weight, I lead it with the hook.

[Team9nine]

What you have pictured will work fine, as will several other similar styled hooks mentioned by others. As long as the hook point can be positioned before the end of the bait, you’re good. I’ve caught plenty using the VMC Rugby Finesse jig head, which is along that same line. Also, don’t worry about original in this case, as “originalists” would never use that type hook regardless of size ?

[Cbump]

Looks fine to me. 

[Jig Man]

Though I use a lot of sizes, the 1/0 is my favorite on a 1/16 or 3/32 head.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

3 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

What do you use?

What size are the finesse shrooms zman uses, #2?

The 20th and 10th are #2 and the heavier heads are #1

[Bankbeater]

That will work, especially if the bass are short striking the bait.

[Ohioguy25]

On 8/12/2022 at 9:37 PM, txchaser said:

Bout 12-15 different kind of Ned Heads trying to figure out what I liked. Some thoughts below. 

 

My recollection is that the flatlands 1/0 was a bit smaller. Of the EWG it seemed to be the best. But it was certainly long.

 

Also, this one, while not EWG, it is weedless and is definitely smaller than the owner.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Picasso_Aaron_Martens_Weedless_Rhino_Ned_Head_3pk/descpage-PRWRNH.html

 

At the end of my ned journey I ended up happiest with 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Hayabusa_Baby_Shooting_Ball_Football_Jig_Head_4pk/descpage-HSBFBJ.html

In 1/16 oz. It's a #2 hook. It is light enough that popping the line always got it unstuck for me, I think all traditionalist ned users were right. The small hook just can't get hung on much - it is close to the head and the head deflects much of what would get stuck on the hook. 

 

On heavy line/cover/fish:

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bruiser_Baits_Ned_Rig/descpage-BND.html

This one is great, as I have no hesitation about the strength of the hook or having to fight a bigger fish out of a bad spot. I wouldn't want to try to get hook penetration on light line though.

 

Is the Flatlands smaller than the VMC on the Lifted Jigs? A poster below said that was the smallest EWG. 

On 8/13/2022 at 12:04 AM, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I've caught lots of fish on the 1/0 EWG heads but even the smallest 1/0 EWG hook which so far has been the VMC on the lifted jigs ned head is just a little big.  Perfect for hula sticks and 4" baits though.  A #1 just fits a TRD or 3" stickbait much better.  Zmans EWG uses a #1 and Owner makes a finesse ballhead EWG with a #1.

I still think a #2 or #1 open hook is the best way to fish them if it's possible.    

Why exactly is an open hook the best way, less visible or better hookup ratio?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

2 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Is the Flatlands smaller than the VMC on the Lifted Jigs? A poster below said that was the smallest EWG. 

Why exactly is an open hook the best way, less visible or better hookup ratio?

No, the 1/0 VMC on the Lifted head is slightly smaller length wise then the 1/0 Gami on the Flatlands.  When I say slightly I mean it, 3/16" or less.  The 1/0 is just a little big for a 3" bait in general your better off going with a #1 if possible.

The smaller straight shank hook allows the bait to move and just has a more natural profile.  That big EWG hook taking up more then half the length doesn't help with action.  I really cant say for sure that a ned rig with a small hook will get bit when one with a big ewg wont.  I theorize that there are times when its true, but I can honestly say Ive done well with the EWGs as far quality and numbers go.  Once the fish bites I think having the EWG is advantage as far as landing percentage goes because the bite is so much bigger you can make mistakes and still land a good fish.  There isnt as much room for error with a small hook, however once you get used to them they have a high landing ratio as well.  

Just like anything else it comes to confidence and preference.  If it works well for you don't let some guy on the other side of the country get in your head when he says you're doing it wrong.

[Ohioguy25]

16 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

No, the 1/0 VMC on the Lifted head is slightly smaller length wise then the 1/0 Gami on the Flatlands.  When I say slightly I mean it, 3/16" or less.  The 1/0 is just a little big for a 3" bait in general your better off going with a #1 if possible.

The smaller straight shank hook allows the bait to move and just has a more natural profile.  That big EWG hook taking up more then half the length doesn't help with action.  I really cant say for sure that a ned rig with a small hook will get bit when one with a big ewg wont.  I theorize that there are times when its true, but I can honestly say Ive done well with the EWGs as far quality and numbers go.  Once the fish bites I think having the EWG is advantage as far as landing percentage goes because the bite is so much bigger you can make mistakes and still land a good fish.  There isnt as much room for error with a small hook, however once you get used to them they have a high landing ratio as well.  

Just like anything else it comes to confidence and preference.  If it works well for you don't let some guy on the other side of the country get in your head when he says you're doing it wrong.

So the Flatlands is still a decent amount smaller than the Owner? 
 

What are your thoughts on Zman Nedlockz?

[galyonj]

Go big or go home.

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

22 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

So the Flatlands is still a decent amount smaller than the Owner? 
 

What are your thoughts on Zman Nedlockz?

Ive never used the blockhead EWG, although i reallt like the 1/32 standard blockhead with the 1/0 for jig worms.  It looks like the Owner has a long offset which would make it longer then the Flatlands or Lifted EWGs.  The Zman nedlocks with the #1 hooks is the one you want for TRD sized baits IMO.  

[WRB]

Hook setting come down to applying enough force to the hook point. Force is relative to your rod, reel, lineage hook setting technique.

So....what are you using regarding tackle and technique.

Tom