What is everyone prefer to use when they Texas rig a worm or other soft plastic?
I have use the wide gap for years now, but am thinking about making the switch to straight shank. Just wanted to see what everyone on here uses
I have moved to a straight shank hook for most of t-rig fishing. The hook up ratio is awesome. I will still use an EMG sometimes, like if I am fishing a tube or a bait that won't hold a large straight shank hook. I normally use the Gamakatsu 4/0 or 5/0 flippin hook.
It depends on what I'm throwing. Worm, creature or tub. Not just Texas , but Carolina rig also.
Smaller baits get the EWG.. like a smallie beaver. Bigger baits get a flippin hook. I like the newer Strike King in a 4/0
I am gonna try straight shank hooks for t-rigs this year. Bought some 5/0 Trokars on clearance at Wal-mart for $4.99 a pack.
Willie
EWG for small diameter worms. I run the point straight through the worm like I would a sicko, and then skin hook the point.
Thicker worms get a straight shank trokar. The little bait holder behind the eye does a pretty good job of keeping the worm from sliding down. Plus they are wicked sharp.
Check the points on those Trokars often. I've found they fold over pretty easy after getting it stuck in cover = dull hook. They are after all an Eagle Claw hook.
I have never fished a Trokar hook but I will not spend $2.50 per hook on something unless it is amazing...from everything I have heard from trusted sources, they are not amazing. Stick with mustard, gami or other good hooks.
I've always used offset round bend Gamakatsu for most of my soft plastic applications except I use the EWG for bulky baits.
I have read in several articles including KVDs book that EWGs have a lower hook-up ratio because the point is in line with the hook eye rather than offset. I have never really noticed a lower hook-up ratio but I am going to give it a try this year with my flipping/pitching.
I use EWG Gammy hooks on most of my stuff. I don't notice any loss in hook ups, nor do I lose fish on them once hooked very often. Skinny, fat, creature baits, doesn't matter much to me. I just use different sizes of the EWGs. Sometimes I even drop shot with em depending on what soft plastic I use.
I haven't noticed any problems with the points folding over, but then I do swap out hooks pretty often. In fact, I always use new hooks for tournaments; used hooks are only for practice. Even then, I trash 'em if the point won't easily snag my finger nail.
I tried the trokars for big worms on a trip to Alabama. They seemed to work well with big 8+ inch worms, they keep the head of the worm in place well comming through cover. I also use them with a beaver for punching through pads. With an upward hook set, I can usually punch right through the roof of a bass's mouth.
Most other times, you'll find a Gammy EWG on then end of my line. There's lots of good quality hooks out there. I pick based on how it fits the bait.
I've found most bad hook sets are due to operator error. ;D
Thanks for the responses fellas!