Soft plastics hook selection

[BrandonK]

I'm new here, so I apologize if this has been covered, but I didn't see anything when using the search function.

I fish soft plastics more than anything else. They are super versatile, and I love the tick tick that I feel and the anticipation of setting the hook. I see a lot of people fishing all types of plastics, and it seems like they are almost always using EWG or offset hooks. I understand the EWG use for large plastics, but I've found a much better hookup ratio with straight shank hooks for small plastics, like my 2 favorites (Zoom trick worm and Zman or Zoom lizards). They are not as prevalent in the aisles of Cabelas, etc., but I promise if you find them and use them it's worth it. At Cabelas they aren't even in the hook aisle. You have to go find the prerigged worms and find the small bag or ReBarb straight shank hooks. They'll come through weeds easier as well.

Just a little tip (that's what she said)


BK

[Smallie_Stalker]

I'm new here, so I apologize if this has been covered, but I didn't see anything when using the search function.

I fish soft plastics more than anything else. They are super versatile, and I love the tick tick that I feel and the anticipation of setting the hook. I see a lot of people fishing all types of plastics, and it seems like they are almost always using EWG or offset hooks. I understand the EWG use for large plastics, but I've found a much better hookup ratio with straight shank hooks for small plastics, like my 2 favorites (Zoom trick worm and Zman or Zoom lizards). They are not as prevalent in the aisles of Cabelas, etc., but I promise if you find them and use them it's worth it. At Cabelas they aren't even in the hook aisle. You have to go find the prerigged worms and find the small bag or ReBarb straight shank hooks. They'll come through weeds easier as well.

Just a little tip (that's what she said)


BK

Great tip!!! 

First, on the joke......   You're gonna fit right in around here.

I'm old school, mostly because I'm old.    I went back to straight shank hooks about 5 years ago give or take and my hook to land ratio improved dramatically. They are my first choice now even for large plastics and I will only use something else if I absolutely have no choice.

[basss]

I actually looked at straight shank hooks last time I bought hooks but didn't get them.  I use the ewg you mentioned for my plastics.

[TrueGritAngler]

I'm right there with ya! For trick worms and the like, I tend to use straight shank hooks, stickbaits/creature baits I use EWG. Occasionally for flipping I'll use straight shank flipping hooks, most of the time I'll go with EWG if I have nothing else.

[SteveTX]

I all but have retired my EWG hooks. They cost me too many fish. Its strait shank for me and I almost exclusively use a flipping style hook. One is its strong and wont bend out or flex as easy and two they have bait keepers that work.

The Owner Jungle Flipping hooks have become my staple hook. They have a ever slightly longer shank than many flipping style hooks that helps set the hook further back in the plastic. Also the keeper itself is flexible and so far I have had no problem with them slipping on the shank. My other hook is a Trokar 130 both are pretty solid hooks.

[Capt. BassinLou]

EWG for 95% of the time when I throw soft plastics.  Can't stand straight shank hooks.

[bigjim5589]

I use a combination of these hooks depending on the plastic bait. One thing I noticed with some EWG hooks is that the wire diameter seems to be too light & they have a lot of flex to them. IMO, those cause issues. Even a J hook made with the same diameter wire doesn't have the same amount of flex. So, most hooks I use are heavier wire versions no matter what type of hook it may be.

I have a bunch of hooks, and those I no longer use for plastics I've been able to adapt to some of my fly tying. Even the lighter wire hooks work good for bass flies! 

[BrandonK]

I all but have retired my EWG hooks. They cost me too many fish. Its strait shank for me and I almost exclusively use a flipping style hook. One is its strong and wont bend out or flex as easy and two they have bait keepers that work.

The Owner Jungle Flipping hooks have become my staple hook. They have a ever slightly longer shank than many flipping style hooks that helps set the hook further back in the plastic. Also the keeper itself is flexible and so far I have had no problem with them slipping on the shank. My other hook is a Trokar 130 both are pretty solid hooks.

BOOM 

EWG for 95% of the time when I throw soft plastics.  Can't stand straight shank hooks.

Why's that? I've had nothing but great experience

[Capt. BassinLou]

BOOM 


Why's that? I've had nothing but great experience

You hit the nail on the head in regards to experiences. Since moving over to EWG hooks close to 20yrs now, my hook up ratios are higher vs that of straight shanks. I don't have issues moving through cover. But like I always say, this is the beauty of bass fishing. So many options available to anglers

[Justin62882]

For certain applications I like both. I prefer straight shanks for skinnier baits. And ewg for thicker baits. By doing this my hook up ratio has gone up and with straight shank for skinnier worms I get more bites. Just how it's gone for me in the past. I believe they both have there purpose.

[zippyduck]

EWG or Flipping hooks. I use EWG for just about everything and my favorite jig has an EWG hook on it.
But for heavy cover its a flipping hook.