Straight Shank or Wide Gap

[BassNut33]

What do you guys use a straight shank or wide gap when throwing soft plastics? Are there different types baits that you use a straight shank as opposed to a wide gap, or different situations that require one or the other?

[bryguy247]

I mainly use wide gap hooks. I think lately the only time I have used straight shank hooks were for trailer hooks. I have also started using some weedless circle hooks when I wacky rig fish, I really like my hook up percentage with them.

[EBass]

I only have EWG hooks, but I've seen on the Bass Pro's show to use a straight shank hook for T-rigged worms which I don't use too often. Maybe if I had straight shank hooks I would? Hmm

[Craigums]

I use straight shank hooks for pitching beavers, but EWG for most everything else

[RK]

Hiya -

Straight shank for pitching Beaver style baits (big, heavy, wide bite short shank hooks like the BMF or Owner) and lighter long shank Owners for Texas-rigging thinner worms. For Brush Hog type baits, craws, etc., I use a wide gap.

Main thing I pay attention to is that the hook bite between the shank and point is at least twice the thickness of whatever plastic I'm using.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[BassNut33]

Main thing I pay attention to is that the hook bite between the shank and point is at least twice the thickness of whatever plastic I'm using.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[RK]

BN33 -

Yeah, want a wide enough hook gap so the plastic won't ball up and clog up the hook gap when you set the hook.

With Flukes, I still follow the same rule but some flukes are really thin, like a Lunker City Fin-S-Fish, for example. So you can use a pretty small hook really. Others, like a Caffeine Shad, are a lot bulkier, so I end up using a pretty good sized wide gap.

[Bagman101]

Gamakatsu circle for wacky worming. Only way to go.