I'm looking to try a few 4 in. to 6 in. swimbaits this year around here and was looking at three different hooks to use. The Gamakatsu weighted worm hook, the Owner weighted and the Mustad weighted. I'll probably try the 5/0 size but I wanted to inquire with the Forum to get some recommendations. Anyone tried these hooks for swimbaits or any other plastic?
I am kind of partial to Gamakatsu hooks. Especially on crankbaits. I would compare them to velcro. The Norman Professional Edge crankbait comes with Gamakatsu hooks. That is probably why I am more partial to Norman Professional Edge crankbaits rather than any other ones.
BD ;D
Another vote for Gamagatsu
I like the gammies, but I've also had good luck with the Mustad Ultra point.
The pros who have talked to me about them seem to prefer the weighted wide gap worm hooks in 5/0 give or take a size. The brand seems to change with confidence and/or product relationship. I just go by what seems to fit that is sharp. Pretty much all of them are sharp.
I use a 5/0 wide gap and put split shot on the shank...It's faster and easier for me to change the weight for running depth....I do the same thing with soft jerk baits.....
Go with the Gamakatsu. And also look into the Poor Boys Silly Bunny and silly Rabbit A+ baits i would recommend them. (Very nice swim baits) they'll catch fish in any situation.-skeeterman-
I'm partial to Optimums 4" Suspending Swimbait as it is the softest made and it's short and meaty. On this bait I cut the factory eyelet/wire rig and run my 12-14 lb Flouro through the hole and tie on a red VMC Sureset Treble (this is the only time I use the VMC over the Gammie EWG Trebles) I stick the extended treble in the swimbait and its sits perfect. If you want I can take some pic's to show you?
http://www.optimumbaits.com/parts/suspendcolors.pdf (http://www.optimumbaits.com/parts/suspendcolors.pdf)
The Bass and Shad colors worked very well on Largies around here for me in 2007.
Duane
Gamakatsu hooks are like velcro. A fish hits a bait with the trebles and they stick. I love em. 8)
BD ;D
What about Daiichi butt draggers? picked some up at BPS but haven't used them yet . anybody tried them?
Looks like you got this covered. Lots of good advise. Just remember' the most inportant tackle in your box are your hooks. Bar'nun if you lost a big fish. And for just $10 you could get it back in your boat you would spend it. Don't be cheep BUY SOME HOOKS'
Gammie makes some monster hooks that come in 6-8/0, and I would reccommend not buying them weighted, but maybe buying some lead or similar welding wire instead, then insert the hook and wrap the wire until it sinks perfectly. Then you have perfection.
1Jav
I use the Mustad Ultra Points, and when I need to add weight, I wrap Suspend Strips around the hook. They don't come off and they won't interfere during the hookset.
I use Owner cutting point hooks, sharpest in my opinion. As far as weighted shank hooks are concerned , I used to use the H&H vertical drop hooks from Bass Pro(a gammie with lead on the shank). I tried the daichi butt dragger and did not care for the hook design, not enough gap.
The segmented weights on the butt dragger are actually from D.O.A. lures and you can order them direct online. They call them pinch weights and they are available in 2 weights and several colors. I like them because you have your choice of hooks and can put them on after rigging your plastic so you don't tear up the bait passing it over the lead. just my $.02
I used to be a die hard gammie guy but noticed their quality has dropped as of late. They arent as sharp or stay sharp as long as Owners in my opinion.
Just one man's humble opinion though...
B
Big fan of owner's hooks.Pretty much all i use now.