X2 for the VMC spinshot hooks. I use these hooks with roboworms or lake fork shads. The lake fork shad produced better than the hammer shad for me this year.

Here is a screen shot from the JP Hammer vid. Anyone nose hook like this?

 

Maybe kind of gimmicky but I have been having good results with the stand out style hooks.

 

and this little bait which has a floating tail

 

Here is a screen shot from the JP Hammer vid. Anyone nose hook like this?

 

 

I hook like that sometimes when I use shorter bait mainly to make sure the tail face the way I want it to face.

For rec fishing and practice, I use the VMC Spin Shot hooks, and use a UNI knot.  For tournaments, I use a Gamakatsu Split SHot/Drop Shot hook, use a Palomar knot, running the tag end back through the top of the hook eye.  I match the hook size to the bait - it's an eyeball thing.  I generally fish straight fluoro, 6# Invisx, but if I'm fishing shallow docks or weed cover, I'll go to 20 Power Pro, or 832 and a fluoro leader.  I use an Alberto knot for the connection, and the same Palomar setup above.

 

Some REALLY good info about the drop shot, by Rich Zaleski: http://www.richz.com/fishing/articles/dropshot.html

 

Why do you use different set ups for rec fishing and tournament? If you catch more/better fish with your tournament set up, why not use that all times?

I am a big fan of the Big Bite Baits Shaking Squirrel worm.  I have always used the Trokar drop shot hook, but bought a pack of the VMC spin shot hooks the other day to try.  Also got a pack of the Squirrel tail worms to drop shot as well.  The tails float, makes it look awesome when you shake it. 

I use the vmc spinshot hooks with robo worms and love it. I have also used the small senkos hooked wacky style with good results. Robo worms do float but not for long. When I catch one they usually shake the worm off and I am constantly netting the worm before it sinks. They can get expensive!...lol..

I am a big fan of the Big Bite Baits Shaking Squirrel worm.  I have always used the Trokar drop shot hook, but bought a pack of the VMC spin shot hooks the other day to try.  Also got a pack of the Squirrel tail worms to drop shot as well.  The tails float, makes it look awesome when you shake it. 

I love those baits as well.  I used them for a tourny on shaky heads.  The tourny was on Grand.  I got 2 good keeper bites and landed them both.  I would have weighed 1 fish otherwise.

pink or purple 4 in robo worms are my fav.

Why do you use different set ups for rec fishing and tournament? If you catch more/better fish with your tournament set up, why not use that all times?

 

It has nothing to do with better hookups or catching more fish; it's a time management thing.  The Spin Shot hooks do a great job of eliminating inherent twist, but rigging is time consuming.  I don't get enough twist in one day of tournament fishing, so I use the single knot and regular hook.

Roboworms or Reins Bubbling Shaker for most occasions. Most of the time I will use a Robo Rebarb hook because of where and how I fish them.

What is a preferred weight you guys use on very soft or silted bottoms? A lot if lakes i fish are very soft bottom with a decent amount of vegetation.

My favorite drop shot bait is the Poor Boy's Jr Erie Darter, but I also like the Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm and the Fat Roboworms. I fish them on 6lb Invisx and a #2 octopus hook. 

It has nothing to do with better hookups or catching more fish; it's a time management thing.  The Spin Shot hooks do a great job of eliminating inherent twist, but rigging is time consuming.  I don't get enough twist in one day of tournament fishing, so I use the single knot and regular hook.

 

Ah makes sense. I never fished a tournament.

Here is a screen shot from the JP Hammer vid. Anyone nose hook like this?

 

 

 

I do.  It helps keep the Zoom Finesse worm more horizontal with an exposed hook.

ahh...the HAMMER!! You been catching them Felix??

ahh...the HAMMER!! You been catching them Felix??

 

Not yet.  Lakes are still frozen up here.  Dying to get out.  Just booked a trip to Dallas, TX for a few days.  I'm hoping to catch my fill there to get me through this winter.  It's in a few weeks.

I use #1 VMC Spinshot hooks.  Love them.  My go to bait is a wacky Zoom Finesse worm.

Completely agree with this combo. Hooked my biggest LM on it last year, 5lber.