What do guys use and why?

I have been using that off set hook. Seems the fluke last longer at the nose of the bait.

Thanks

I always used 4/0 EWG hooks.  That's the way I was taught.

1/0 Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse, nose hooked.

1/0 Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse, nose hooked.

Like a drop shot?

I used to use 4/0 EWGs but Check out these long neck hooks. http://www.doalures.com/store/index.cfm/category/75/hooks.cfm

They are really good, they fit the fluke and swimming fluke really well. they are made for saltwater fish so the duribility is there, they are thick and a little heavier than EWG and the best part is the how they sit on top. The long necks have a slight turn up were as the EWGs tend to sit flush, the hook up are way better like this. You can still skin hook them, the hook just doesn't bury itself like an EWG sometimes does. I use the 3.5/0 for super flukes. It is pretty much these hooks are designed for soft jerk baits, DOAs C.A.L., where as a EWG is a utility hook for various soft plastics

I use 4/0 skip gap for tex rigging and 1/0 wide gap for nose hooking as Mr Franco

 

Mike

Like a drop shot?

Yep, except you snell the hook. Forgot to add that. Better action, and better hookups.

Yep, except you snell the hook. Forgot to add that. Better action, and better hookups.

Hummm. Never see that before. Thanks!

I used to use 4/0 EWGs but Check out these long neck hooks. http://www.doalures.com/store/index.cfm/category/75/hooks.cfm'>http://www.doalures.com/store/index.cfm/category/75/hooks.cfm

They are really good, they fit the fluke and swimming fluke really well. they are made for saltwater fish so the duribility is there, they are thick and a little heavier than EWG and the best part is the how they sit on top. The long necks have a slight turn up were as the EWGs tend to sit flush, the hook up are way better like this. You can still skin hook them, the hook just doesn't bury itself like an EWG sometimes does. I use the 3.5/0 for super flukes. It is pretty much these hooks are designed for soft jerk baits, DOAs C.A.L., where as a EWG is a utility hook for various soft plastics

I will check these out as well thanks!

Here's a video for the snell knot:

 

Here's a video for the snell knot:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cQS_mt2Ua8'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cQS_mt2Ua8

Thanks. How long does the fluke last nose hooked?

The Zoom Super Flukes are VERY durable.  I only go through a half dozen packs a season.  Softer jerk baits, like Kietech Shad Impact, not so much, though the action of those nose hooked is silly good.

 

1/0 Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse, nose hooked.

x2!!!

I'll throw in one small modification I do, albeit only a few times a year in my neck of the woods and that is to take a small hitchhiker/keeper pin and screw it into the nose of the fluke such that a nose-hooked presentation will pass through the eye of the keeper pin/hitchhiker. For the most part, it is not needed but an aggressive strike can render the bait ineffective if it tears the nose. It may not be needed by you so take it for what it's worth.

Unless you are using a Mann's Hard Nose, then it really is not needed .

I use a 3/0, or a 4/0 size hook.  It depends on what I will be working the bait through.

http://www.***.com/Owner_Twistlock_Light_Hook/descpage-OTLL.html

I have been using these. I don't like using heavy hooks because im throwing them on a spinning rod and its a little easier to get them hooked with a lighter wire hook. Also like using these because as u have already found out with the screw n the front the bait last a LOT longer.

I don't use Zoom Flukes anymore, except the tiny fluke, which most of the time I nose hook on a dropshot rig. I use the Yamamoto D-shad, they are heavier than a fluke and don't need any added weight for fishing them in 10 feet of water or less, I use a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG super line hook. When I need a smaller presentation option, I use a Yamamoto Shad Shape worm with a 2/0 EWG Gamakatsu EWG superline.

I also like a twist lock hook in 4/0

 

Get your own hooks and twist locks to make your own though.

4/0 or 4/0, 1/8oz keel weight. I mostly use Caffeine Shads.

I don't use Zoom Flukes anymore, except the tiny fluke, which most of the time I nose hook on a dropshot rig. I use the Yamamoto D-shad, they are heavier than a fluke and don't need any added weight for fishing them in 10 feet of water or less, I use a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG super line hook. When I need a smaller presentation option, I use a Yamamoto Shad Shape worm with a 2/0 EWG Gamakatsu EWG superline.

What he said.

4/0 or 4/0, 1/8oz keel weight. I mostly use Caffeine Shads.

I bought some this afternoon. They feel soft and heavy.

The Yamamotos are kinda pricey for my blood

I like a 4/0 EWG superline hook. The hook is a little heavier to help the bait sink a little faster.  Never tried the nose hook idea but it makes sense why it would work. 

I bought some this afternoon. They feel soft and heavy. The Yamamotos are kinda pricey for my blood

 If the situation calls for a faster retrieve or im fishing deeper than 6 ft or so, I use the Caffeine shad. They work alot better than zoom flukes when you need a faster more erratic presentation because they are a little heavier. I love them both but Zoom flukes get it done for me most of the time. They are also one of my all time favorite pond or small body of water baits.

 

 

For hooks I go with a 4/0 EWG Gammy or a gammy finnesse wide gap hook size 4 I believe it is, nose hooked. Same hooks I use for wacky rigged Senkos.

I have a hard time finding them anymore at my local stores, but I still like the old offset worm hook for a couple of reasons. I feel the bait reacts more irratically and the hook's point is farther back than on an EWG.  I also have never nose hooked a Fluke, but I will be now.  That's what I love about fishing forums, there's always something to learn and what better place to learn it.

I almost forgot about another hook that pairs up nicely with my original post about using a keeper pin in the nose of the bait and that is a Matzuo sickle hook. The angle of the bend in the hook sits perfectly in the keeper pin eye and is perfect for drop shotting or casting and retrieving a soft jerk shad.