help with hook size

[NewAngler]

i have been throwing a lot of zoom finesse worms lately, and am having a hard time setting the hook. i have been rigging them weedless, wacky, with a size 2 octopus hook. (this has been for smallie fishing)

what am i doing wrong?

trying to set too early?

too small of hook?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I believe the octopus and circle hooks are designed to not require a hook-set. You just take up the slack and apply light pressure against the fish and as he swims off the hook turns and embeds in the corner of the mouth. Also make sure the hook is sharp. Let us know if this helps. Good luck!

[NewAngler]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74181____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=BOTTOM_selectitems#itemDetail

that is the hook it is... size 2. not 2/0- whats the difference?

i'm assuming the size 2 is way to small...?

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

A little too small of a hook IMO.I'd use a 1 or 1/0. You say weedless wacky,are you burying the hook point in the center of the worm? if so just use a light snap set with the wrists while reeling keeping steady pressure at the same time,no yankin over the shoulder. Watch your line closely as well.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74181____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=BOTTOM_selectitems#itemDetail

that is the hook it is... size 2. not 2/0- whats the difference?

i'm assuming the size 2 is way to small...?

Difference is that hooks get smaller the higher the number and bigger the lower the number 1/0 is same as -1 (negative 1) and is bigger than a size one.

[NewAngler]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74181____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=BOTTOM_selectitems#itemDetail

that is the hook it is... size 2. not 2/0- whats the difference?

i'm assuming the size 2 is way to small...?

Difference is that hooks get smaller the higher the number and bigger the lower the number 1/0 is same as -1 (negative 1) and is bigger than a size one.

ah, i think someone need to re-think the sizing schematics for new dude likes myself.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

Honestly ,would like to know who came up with the system or where it originated. ;D

[Wayne P.]

Since I do this a lot, I can tell you what works best for me. I use a Gammy 3/0 Octopus hook with a Trick worm and a Gammy 2/0 Octopus hook with finesse worm. When rigged this way, you have to use worm colors with lots of flakes in them because the solid and laminated colors are too hard for good hook penetration. I only used the white worm for picture clairty. I catch many hundreds of bass each year this way. The Octopus hook is a hook-set hook. Mash the barb down also to make hook penetration in fish easier and removal easier also.

A size 2 hook is for very small worms or even live worms. A bass, even a smallmouth, has a big mouth. You need a big hook.

[bilgerat]

Download and print this chart. The chart must be printed for accuracy.

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content/Parts_Sizing.htm

[NewAngler]

Damnit. Yea wayne I bought the size 2 after I saw your posts on thew wacky rigged. I thought I was getting the right hook.. So a size 2.. No good for any bass fishing.. I have a size 6/0 octopus.. Too big?

[Wayne P.]

Yep, I got some 6/0 also, but it takes a very stiff rod, heavy line and some muscle to get a solid hook set, LOL. That size is more suited for very large fish (50#+) and the tackle it takes to land them.

The size 2 is a good one for dropshotting small baits.

[TrippyJai]

Is the Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook = an octopus hook? I've been setting the hook with these when I wacky rig with them. Should I just apply pressure?

[KingBass]

The hooks you're using don't need a hard hook set, just reel up fest, or pull up on a tight line. You could also try to let them take it a little longer, for me it seems that I need to let my bass take wacky worms longer than I would a a texa rig worm.