Size #1 EWG

[kevinmyfsu]

Hey folks! Wanted to try and get some feedback on an issue I'm having. I've been having a lot of luck on free rigged small baits, such as the mid sized rage bug, the baby rage menace grub, the 3.5in xzone adrenaline craw, etc. My only issue is that the size hooks I'm using, a #1 EWG, keeps bending out. I can use a 1/0 in a pinch, and if I do I go superline, and that's been a tremendous improvement. However, could anyone recommend a sturdy #1 EWG? I've never seen a superline #1 and not sure it exists.

[MN Fisher]

What brand is the hook your using now?

 

Order of preference for me

Gamakatsu - probably the best you can get

Owner - always a good alternate to Gama

Reaction Tackle - if you're on a budget, these are better than VMC, Eagle Claw or Mustad in my experience.

 

They all have #1 EWG hooks, Gama and Owner go as small as #4 depending on the hook model.

[FishTank]

I have been using the Ryugi Infini #1 for the same kind of stuff. I haven't bent one out yet. Keep in mind you do need to set your drag appropriately for the hook and if you are using straight braid, the chances of bending a small hook out increases. A leader is helpful in this scenario. 

[casts_by_fly]

I fish the gamakatsu EWGs in both 1 and 1/0 but they aren't a superwire hook.

 

If you'll consider another hook shape, the gamakatsu G finesse worm hook is a standard J bend with a keeper.  That's my usual hook shape and type for rage bugs and anything beaverish texas rigged.  The G finesse are a thin wire, but they are really stiff and don't flex much in my experience.  They have them in both 1 and 1/0.

[kevinmyfsu]

Just now, casts_by_fly said:

I fish the gamakatsu EWGs in both 1 and 1/0 but they aren't a superwire hook.

 

If you'll consider another hook shape, the gamakatsu G finesse worm hook is a standard J bend with a keeper.  That's my usual hook shape and type for rage bugs and anything beaverish texas rigged.  The G finesse are a thin wire, but they are really stiff and don't flex much in my experience.  They have them in both 1 and 1/0.

Just bought some of the finesse hooks, looking forward to trying them out. I've been using just standard Gam EWGs for the most part.

[casts_by_fly]

Just now, kevinmyfsu said:

Just bought some of the finesse hooks, looking forward to trying them out. I've been using just standard Gam EWGs for the most part.

 

The standard gammy EWG in a #1 is truly a finesse hook.  I use them for skinny 3-4" worms and then smaller stuff like neds.  I'll throw them on 10# braid, but with a 4-8lb leader and a light drag.  Definitely not a cover hook.  The 1/0 are better and I don't mind them on 12# line.

[kevinmyfsu]

32 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I have been using the Ryugi Infini #1 for the same kind of stuff. I haven't bent one out yet. Keep in mind you do need to set your drag appropriately for the hook and if you are using straight braid, the chances of bending a small hook out increases. A leader is helpful in this scenario. 

So let me pick your brain a bit on this. I'm still relatively new to fishing, and setting drag correctly is not something I ever focused on. I generally just set it as tight as it will go. Should I be doing something differently? I normally fish 50# braid with a 10-15lb leader, conditions depending. 

Also, fishing with baitcaster mostly, 3/16 weight (or lighter). Sounds like maybe I need to play around with lighter braid?

[MN Fisher]

Just now, kevinmyfsu said:

So let me pick your brain a bit on this. I'm still relatively new to fishing, and setting drag correctly is not something I ever focused on. I generally just set it as tight as it will go. Should I be doing something differently? I normally fish 50# braid with a 10-15lb leader, conditions depending. 

Your drag should initially be set to 1/3 the pull of the weakest line on the rig. If you're running a 15# leader - then you should be able to pull line off the spool against the drag with only 5# of force. Tighten the drag as needed while fighting a fish, but return it to base when done...should never be 'locked down'.

[kevinmyfsu]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

Your drag should initially be set to 1/3 the pull of the weakest line on the rig. If you're running a 15# leader - then you should be able to pull line off the spool against the drag with only 5# of force. Tighten the drag as needed while fighting a fish, but return it to base when done...should never be 'locked down'.

Any tips on how you know when you're at 5# of force? I suppose I could tie a 5# weight to the line? I'm probably overthinking this

[casts_by_fly]

MNFisher gave the technically correct answer.  That said, I pretty much lock down my baitcasters and lighten up my spinning rods.  On a baitcaster I'm fishing straight mono or straight braid.  Regardless of the presentation, when I set the hook I want the fish coming straight to me.  There is no chance that the fish is going to break my line because of a locked down drag.  When it gets closer to the boat I can loosen the drag or use my thumb on the button if needed.  I prefer this to setting it more loose and then using a thumb for extra.

 

On a spinning rod, I want just enough drag to set the hook with the hook I'm using (which will usually be light wire on a spinning rod).  Then any fish that is making a hard run will take drag easily on the lighter line I'm using (4-8 lb test).

 

 

Separately, as if by magic my order of gamakatsu worm hooks arrived 20 minute ago which includes the standard finesse heavy cover in a 1/0 and the G finesse in a #1.  And the 1/0 finesse heavy cover is the perfect hook for the mid size rage bug.

[MN Fisher]

5 minutes ago, kevinmyfsu said:

Any tips on how you know when you're at 5# of force? I suppose I could tie a 5# weight to the line? I'm probably overthinking this

A quick loop tied at the end and use your scale.

After a while, you'll get a feel for it...I just use the scale method every now and then to double check.

[Fishingmickey]

Kevin,

    Use your drag. The weakest link in your chain from you to the fish is the light wire hooks your using. You said your using 50# braid to a 15# leader. If that leader is Yozuri hybrid or Berkley big game or several of the other manufactuers. They say it is 15# but it really is anywhere from 17-20# breaking strength. Adjust your drag! Try experimenting. Go hook your hook to a fence post of something unmovable and see how much force it takes to bend it. Then turn your drag down until it slips before the hook bends. That should get you close.

    If your fishing heavy cover and want to winch the fish straight in. Lock down your drag, ditch the leader and ski-em in.

Good luck!

FM

[Tennessee Boy]

A lot of good advice has already been given. I’ll add a few thoughts. There are lots of ways to set your drag. I believe a well-set drag is important, and I’m meticulous about it. I use a spring scale to set mine.

 

There are two values to know with your drag. The first is the force that causes your drag to start slipping. The second is the force that it puts on the scale while it’s slipping. The first number is usually about 20% higher but varies some from reel to reel. A spring scale lets me observe these two values very easily. Look up static and dynamic friction if you want to understand the underlying physics of these two values. The extra 20% due to static friction is a good thing because it gives you more hold on the hook set.

 

Personally, I usually set my drag to between 20% and 25% of the break point. The break point is the smaller of the line rating or the maximum line rating of the rod. If you’re fishing heavy straight braid, the rod rating will probably be the determining factor. If you’re fishing 50 lb straight braid on a very heavy rod for bass, the drag becomes less important. It’s pointless to set your drag above 6 pounds because no bass is going to pull 6 lbs of drag. The only reason to consider doing it is it might keep you from losing a lure if you hook a giant catfish.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I use a Decoy dream hook, but their lighter wire.  Ryugi makes some really nice small hooks in a stout wire.  I really like the LT caro, but you can't go wrong with the infini either.  

[Munkin]

Rig’n Hook – Owner Hooks

 

Owner Rig'N hooks are made in heavy wire smaller sizes. I have a pack of size 4 ones around here that I guess are for punching matts for bluegill on a flippin stick?

 

Allen

[RRocket]

I fish exclusively light stuff.

 

I'll second the Ryugi Infini. Excellent hook. I also really like the Decoy KG hook. And if you want some more action, try the Decoy Ringed KG hook.

 

Typically, a #1 hook is for finesse/lighter techniques and, as pointed out, your gear is closer to power fishing.

 

 

[FishTank]

5 hours ago, kevinmyfsu said:

So let me pick your brain a bit on this. I'm still relatively new to fishing, and setting drag correctly is not something I ever focused on. I generally just set it as tight as it will go. Should I be doing something differently? I normally fish 50# braid with a 10-15lb leader, conditions depending. 

Also, fishing with baitcaster mostly, 3/16 weight (or lighter). Sounds like maybe I need to play around with lighter braid?

 

When I am using a #1 hook I'm on light line and lighter equipment, like 8lb fluorocarbon and a Med power rod. I use 50lb braid when I fish heavy vegetation, lily pads, etc. With this hook I would forgo the braid and maybe go to some 12lb or lighter mono or fluorocarbon.  Then set your drag appropriately. I only put my drag close to all the way when I'm flipping into some thick lily pads. Like mentioned above, you have a finesse hook on power fishing gear.

 

 

[softwateronly]

I'll third the Decoy KG and Ryugi Infiniti hooks.  They have a lot of similarities with the Gammy G-Finesse but in smaller sizes.

 

scott

[kevinmyfsu]

On 6/12/2024 at 10:43 AM, Fishingmickey said:

Kevin,

    Use your drag. The weakest link in your chain from you to the fish is the light wire hooks your using. You said your using 50# braid to a 15# leader. If that leader is Yozuri hybrid or Berkley big game or several of the other manufactuers. They say it is 15# but it really is anywhere from 17-20# breaking strength. Adjust your drag! Try experimenting. Go hook your hook to a fence post of something unmovable and see how much force it takes to bend it. Then turn your drag down until it slips before the hook bends. That should get you close.

    If your fishing heavy cover and want to winch the fish straight in. Lock down your drag, ditch the leader and ski-em in.

Good luck!

FM

 

I've been using Seaguar Basix. Mostly bank fishing here, and many places I fish feature heavy cover, so I will absolutely switch to straight braid at times. I've got a bunch of 1/0 and #1s so I'll do a little experimenting and see how it goes. Appreciate all the great feedback!

Thanks everyone, grateful for all the advice! 

[RRocket]

23 hours ago, softwateronly said:

I'll third the Decoy KG and Ryugi Infiniti hooks.  They have a lot of similarities with the Gammy G-Finesse but in smaller sizes.

 

scott

And if you need REALLY small sizes, the Ryugi Infini Hobbit is the way to go. 

[Catt]

On 6/12/2024 at 12:56 PM, Munkin said:

Rig’n Hook – Owner Hooks

 

Owner Rig'N hooks are made in heavy wire smaller sizes. I have a pack of size 4 ones around here that I guess are for punching matts for bluegill on a flippin stick?

 

Allen

 

That's your answer right there!

 

Go to you local tackle shop & check em out.