Making weighted EWG swimbait hooks

[JN94]

Has anyone found a good way to add weight to the shank of an EWG without using the crimp on weights? I don't like how the crimp weights end up looking (ugly, I understand if it works it works and I shouldn't complain but my OCD kicks in and gets bothered by the sloppy appearance) and aren't 100% attached. I'm assuming the only way to really get a good clean look is to have a custom mold built and pour them yourself. I want some 3/0 and 4/0 EWGs with 3/16 and 1/4oz weights but almost no one makes them. Lots of manufacturers max out at just 1/8 until you get up to 5/0 size. There are a few that make that size/weight combo (eagle claw has one) so I know it's possible as far as fitting the amount of lead needed in order to reach that weight on the smaller sized hooks. Does anyone have any experience or can point me in the right direction?

[KCFinesse]

Fly tying lead wire, lead tape, or suspend strips all work in a pinch... I'm sure you could secure them/make them look pretty with an epoxy over coat.

 

-Jared

[Bdnoble84]

I use 30 degree wide gaps and either a reg splir shot or the crimp on sinkers. And add a screw lock. The pinch on sinkers work really well and dont slide around i find the crimp ons slide so i glue them in place. You can also make underspins pretty easily. The 30 deg mustads are lighter wire but i know Barlows sells a 45deg swimbait hook. You can always use an ewg offset widegap worm hook as well. I just prefer screwlocks.

 

[JN94]

1 hour ago, KCFinesse said:

Fly tying lead wire, lead tape, or suspend strips all work in a pinch... I'm sure you could secure them/make them look pretty with an epoxy over coat.

 

-Jared

Interesting, hadn't thought about tying weights on. I tie keepers on all my hooks and it works well, so maybe that could be a good option also. I'll have to do some experimenting 

[Munkin]

Do-It Weighted Hook Mold Regular Eye - Barlow's Tackle (barlowstackle.com)

 

Do-It makes a mold for that. 

 

Allen

[PaulVE64]

10 hours ago, KCFinesse said:

Fly tying lead wire, lead tape, or suspend strips all work in a pinch... I'm sure you could secure them/make them look pretty with an epoxy over coat.

 

-Jared

The answer

[JN94]

11 hours ago, Munkin said:

Do-It Weighted Hook Mold Regular Eye - Barlow's Tackle (barlowstackle.com)

 

Do-It makes a mold for that. 

 

Allen

Interesting. My only issue with it is the weight is too far forward on the shank to allow for a keeper to be tied at the shoulder. I only use z-man and it won't hold on an EWG without a keeper

[you]

On 7/30/2023 at 10:53 AM, KCFinesse said:

Fly tying lead wire, lead tape, or suspend strips all work in a pinch... I'm sure you could secure them/make them look pretty with an epoxy over coat.

 

Great idea, I'll have to try this. Seems like this would be a great way to achieve a very slow sink rate for floating plastics like elaztechs without having to compromize on hook size or wire diameter.

[looking45]

I use these hooks for swim baits. The eye is positioned better than an EWG for attaching the keeper

[Munkin]

1 hour ago, looking45 said:

I use these hooks for swim baits. The eye is positioned better than an EWG for attaching the keeper

 

I have this one that I use for swimbaits and flukes. 

 

Allen 

[JN94]

12 hours ago, looking45 said:

I use these hooks for swim baits. The eye is positioned better than an EWG for attaching the keeper

I use these as well. I think I prefer the deeper gap on an EWG though