Looking for advice on drop shot hooks

[Erie660]

Although I have used the stand out hooks with decent success I have been wanting to switch over to the split shot drop shot hooks and finesse hooks. My problem when using the splt-drop shot hooks is the hook when using a big tube or goby bait the hook wants to lay flat or turn to the side. I tie the hook using a palomar knot. I can get the hook to stand straight out but after hooking the heavier tubes the hooks want to lay down. Am I doing something wrong when I tie the hook on or is this normal? It seems like the weight of the tube or goby won't allow the hook to stand out.
                                                                          Thanks
                                                                       

[Bronze Back]

Erie660,

You might want to switch to the Gamakatsu Straight Shank Worm Hooks (you could also use Wide Gap Worm Hooks)when using those bigger/heavier lures.The Split Shot/Drop Shot hooks are overpowered by the bigger heavier lures and will fall over like you are experiencing now.

http://www.gamakatsu.com/catalog/worm_straight.htm

If you want to continue to use the Split Shot/Drop Shot hooks go
to smaller lures and tubes and you will have better results.

My only question is; how are you hooking your lures?
Are you nose hooking the lures or putting the hook on all the way on the lure?

[Erie660]

I usally just nose hook them. I have read articles where some of the pros like Steve Clapper use the finesse hooks and split shot- drop shot hooks while using baits like gobys. Just thinking their might be something wrong with my rigging.

[Bronze Back]

Erie660,

I don't think your rigging is the problem,just the weight of the lures you are using is the culprit.How has the hook-up percentage been
when using the Split Shot/Drop Shot hooks?

[Waterfoul]

I've been using the standout hooks all season.  Though recently I've upsized to the #1.   I was using the #2 or #3 with success... but feel that the #1 holds the bait better and gets me better hookups.

My question would be why go away from the standouts?  I've fished goby baits on them with pretty good success... why change from what has been working for you?

[Erie660]

I have not stuck with the split -drop shot hooks for the reasons stated. I have done well with some nice 5lb fish using stand out hooks but their must be a reason the pros use the other hooks. One of my concerns of the stand out hooks is that when you use a big tube like a 4 in or a goby there is not much hook showing to get a good hook up. That is where I think the other hooks have the advantage and why guys use them. Just my 2 cents.

[Skip Johnson]

try gamakatsu octopus in a 1/0 for bigger baits #2 for smaller, if you tie a palomar then stick your tag end back through the front of the eye it will keep it standing out ALOT batter

[Waterfoul]

try gamakatsu octopus in a 1/0 for bigger baits #2 for smaller, if you tie a palomar then stick your tag end back through the front of the eye it will keep it standing out ALOT batter

Now THIS is why we are on these boards.  Sounds like a good idea to me.

The reason I have stuck with the standout hooks (in the larger size) is that it is further from the line... and I think it gives the bait better action than a shorter shank octopus or circle hook.

But, to each their own I guess.

[dartag]

i use an Owner 2/0 Octapus hook RED

works as great on bigger baits like Poorboy Goby of Erie Darters,  but also works on little 3 inch finess worms. 

[rufus]

I use 1/0 and 2/0 Owner Mosquito hooks and I also use straight shank Gamakatsu's in 1/0. As Skip said you need to run your tag end back through the top of your hook eye. This will straighten yout bait out instantly. If you use flourocarbon for dropshotting I would highly recommend the double clinch knot. I use a lot of 8 and 6 pound for drop shotting and the problem with a palomar is it will pull tighter against the hook and "burn" itself and sometimes cause a break off. I changed to the double clinch and have never looked back. There is very little to no abrasion with it and I have yet to break off a drop shot sinker or hook since I changed. Here is a link on how to tie it: http://www.questoutdoors.net/skills/castspin/articles/drop-shot-rig/
God Bless and Good Fishin'

[REEL_MAN]

Like Rufus I use the owner hooks, they seem to hold their point longer than the gamakatsu's. There is another trick I learned from Steve Clapper that saves time and reduces line twist. Prerigging the drop shot. You take a length of line (I use 6,8 and 10) about 24 inches. Tie your hook about 6-8 inches from one end. then tie a small swivel on the short end, the tag end run back through the hook eye to keep the hook straight. I keep the tag end long then clip off the excess as needed. I bought a couple of snelled hook keeper tubes from Netcraft that hold 12 preriggs. Making the preriggs saves time and the reduced line twist is great.
Hope this helps

REEL_MAN

[smbassman]

Gamakatsu finesse wide gap.  For smallmouth, I don't use anything else.  #1 or 1/0 for gobies, #4 or #2 for small worms. 

The wide gap hooks will grab enough flesh to prevent tear outs on the really big fish.  I have lost too many fish on the dropshot hooks from this. 

I think the hook turning is due to not running the tag end back through the eye of the hook? 

[Mojo]

yup - I agree with the Owner Straight Shank #1 for shad and minnow - 01 for Gobie.

[Duke]

Learn from 2 of the best w/ this rig:

http://www.greatlakesbass.com/articles/abdropshot0611.html