Hook selection for wacky rigging

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I've been wacky rigging stick baits for about a year now and was wondering what everyone thought as to the best hook for the job. I usually use various EWG worm hooks but have tried the Gamakatsu finesse wide gaps and felt my hook-up % suffered with their use. Any other suggestions?

[basser89]

I also use the Gammy Finesse EWG hooks for wacky rigging.

Are you setting the hook with the Finesse hook like you would a regular plastic worm? You don't have to with this style hook. All you need to do is slowly bring the rod back and start reeling.

[KlubbaT]

Which size are you using?

[billbrum]

I have been using a gammy finesse wide gap for 2 seasons now and I hardly ever miss a fish. I use 3/0.

[21farms]

yes, as basser89 says, the gamy wide gap finesse hooks are designed to grab the fish right at the lip...don't do a hard hookset or you won't get 'em.

[Wayne P.]

Gammy Octopus Hooks 3/0 #02413. You can do a hook set with those. I use them for Trick worms wacky style also.

[alabamabassmaster]

Will those small hooks hold a 4-8 lb fish?

[Wayne P.]

Small hooks? All the bass I have caught that weighed over 9# were with the same hook style but in the smaller 2/0 size. They will not straighted out with any force you can apply with fishing tackle.  

Here is a 2/0 Octopus hook catch-----

[KYntucky Warmouth]

As far as hook size goes I use 2/0 - 4/0.....I think my finesse hooks are 2/0 and 3/0.  

I had read that the finesse hooks needed no hook set...I really don't have a hard hook set to begin with but alot were coming off once I got them in close.  It could just be inexperience, I didn't give them much of a chance and have heard alot of good about them so I was just asking opinions.

 

[Ellesar]

This past weekend I used the weedless variety of Gammy finesse EWG hooks and was pretty happy. Only had 2 come off and that was more likely due to the grass they got wrapped up in than the hook. But the hook did a good job of keeping the weeds off and I was throwing it into and around some pretty nasty stuff.

[alabamabassmaster]

Where can I buy the Gammy Octopus Hooks 3/0 at?

[Wayne P.]

Gammy, Octopus 3/0-----I get mine from Dick's Sporting Goods, or Bass Pro Shops.  The # 02413 is the black nickle color

[alabamabassmaster]

What rod's do you guys use for wacky rigging?

[Wayne P.]

Since I caught a bunch of bass yesterday wacky rigging, I can tell you the equipment I was using.

3-6' medium action spinning rods

1-6' 6" medium heavy action spinning rod

1-6' 6" medium heavy action baitcasing rod

1-6' medium action baitcasting rod

[Tokyo Tony]

Some of you guys are saying not to set the hook with the Gammy finesse weedless hooks...I set the hook just like with a t-rigged senko and have no problems missing fish that way. I feel like I would miss fish if I didn't set the hook that way... :-?

[fishfordollars]

Mustad 1/0 straight shank worm hook.

[Micro]

I've used kahle hooks for years fishing shiners.  "Wacky Rigging" (backhooking) shiners with kahles is a very effective method.  I figured why not try kahle hooks with senkos/dingers.  I've been trying it for awhile now and it has proven to be a great set up.   Hook ups are much eaiser than with Gammy Finesse hooks, and the wacky method prevents most deep hooking kahles are infamous for.  You can make it weedless by turning the hook and putting the point just under the skin in the side.  

[Micro]

Weedless......

[RandySBreth]

I use a Matzuo baitholder (Left, below), or my own weedless version of the Tiemco 8089( Right, below). Less snags.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Will those small hooks hold a 4-8 lb fish?

We catch Giant Bluefin Tuna to 1000lbs on a hook not much larger.  Much thicker, but not much larger.

You'd be surprised, reminds me of the first time I saw a 1/64 adams fly,....I was blown away at the though of that being the only thing between myself and a nice size trout