Matching Hook Size To Bait

[jchez444]

couple quick question about the hooks and size everyone uses. first i normally use gamakatsu ewg xtra wide for pretty much all applications and was wondering if im wrong in doing so. i think my hook up ratio is okay and im happy with. now these are the size baits i normally fish and wanted to see what hook size is best, something i tend to either overthink due to me changing it ofthen.

1.7in ribbontail work

2.4-5 inch creature baits brush hog

3.3-4 inch creature, craws (brush hogs, rodents, yuki bug, craws)

4.stick baits sizes 4/5/6inch.

seeing what type of hook and size works best. thanks for the info

[ww2farmer]

My main t-rigged plastics are Beavers, Senkos, Paca Craws, and Caffine shads.

Beavers- 3"= 2/0 EWG, 4"=3/0 EWG, flipping heavy cover= straight shank 4/0 flipping hook

Senkos: 4" 2/0= EWG, 5"= 3/0 EWG, 6"= 4/0 EWG

Paca Craws: baby=2/0 EWG, regular= 4/0 EWG

Caffine Shads: 4"= 3/0 EWG, 5" =4/0 EWG

I don't toss ribbon tail worms much any more, and when I do use worms, usually they are straight tailed on a shakey head or drop shot.

[Marty]

If you're happy with your hookup ratio, then you can't be doing much wrong as far as hook choices.

Nevertheless, a good rule of thumb is to use a hook with a gap at least double the bait's diameter.That allows the hook to get through the plastic and into the fish's jaw rather than the plastic bunching up on the hook.

[LgMouthGambler]

3/0 widegap is a good all around size. I like the Bass Pro thick nickel plated. You get 25 for $7, and if they get dull just toss it and tie another. I have no problems as far as fish coming off the hook, so I wont spend a fortune on hooks.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Don't forget wire size, matched to the LB/test line you are fishing.

[lmoore]

If I only have one rod rigged for plastics, I use a 4/0 or 5/0 EWG and never change, unless I switch to a really small bait that won't fit n the hook. I'm sure there are times when it would be beneficial to downsize hooks, but fishing the Mississippi and the generally murky water, I don't feel like using larger hooks effets my catches, and I save time by not switching.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

3/0 widegap is a good all around size. I like the Bass Pro thick nickel plated. You get 25 for $7, and if they get dull just toss it and tie another. I have no problems as far as fish coming off the hook, so I wont spend a fortune on hooks.

That's the only thing I use too. Their XPS hooks. Good hooks, great price. And chances are they are built by one of the big hook manufacturers anyhow.

[SirSnookalot]

I pretty much agree, I use eagle claws from Walmart 4/0 worm and ewg and hardly every change them. I use eagle claws 4/0 circle hooks offshore in the ocean and they work just fine.

[A-Rob]

I fished mainly EWG before I got into a straight shank hook for rigging my craws/creatures when pitching/flipping.

I'm very please with the hook up ratio of the straight shank hook. I will use a 4/0 or 5/0 just depending on the size of the plastic, I got as big as possible without overpowering the bait.

I still use the EWG for most other purposes (senko, ribbon tail worm, tubes big lizards). Again I go as big as possible without overpowering the bait...often 3/0 or 4/0 for senkos, tubes, 5/0 for worms etc.

Keep hookin em!

[grimlin]

3/0 widegap is a good all around size. I like the Bass Pro thick nickel plated. You get 25 for $7, and if they get dull just toss it and tie another. I have no problems as far as fish coming off the hook, so I wont spend a fortune on hooks.

I said that too one time.....Then I regretted it....

Least make sure you buy good hooks!

I buy nothing less than owner's or gammy now.

[Gatorbassman]

Here's a good article.

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/hook-selection.html

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I said that too one time.....Then I regretted it....

Least make sure you buy good hooks!

I buy nothing less than owner's or gammy now.

I've used every hook out there, and for the longest time would only use Owner/Gmakatsu....These BPS hooks are good hooks.

Like I said, chances are the BPS hooks are made by them anyhow...Or, at the very least made by a big hook manufacturer. (Owner/gammy,mustad)

[1234567]

Don't forget wire size, matched to the LB/test line you are fishing.

Very important especially if your using braid. Thin wired hooks don't stand a chance!

I always use the largest hook that I can get away with. Usually Owners 2X for plastics 4 inches/ 6/0 and 5/0 for 3 inches.