Hello,

 

Started fishing the "wacky worm" style, and was wondering regarding the style of hook is "best".

 

Any advantage to using a "worm type" hook with the small bend near the eye, or just stick with a normal

straight Aberdeen hook stype ? 

 

Why ?

 

BTW:  have had really good results using a 4" Senko on Largemouths.

Small Pond up here in Mass.

 

Thanks,

Bob

Offset hooks should work just fine but if I were buying hooks specifically for w-rigging I would buy octopus style hooks

Gamakatsu Octopus

Gamakatsu Octopus hooks and Owner wacky hooks have both done the job for me.

 

Use size 1 for 4" soft stick baits and size 1/0 for 5".

 

Also try the Gamakatsu or Owner circle hooks which almost always hook fish in the vicinity of the mouth rather than down deep. You must remember, however, that you do not sweep set with a circle hook. Reel down tight to the fish then start to reel faster. The hook will likely penetrate the corner of its mouth.

Gamakatsu Octopus

What size Octupus?

Hello,

 

Started fishing the "wacky worm" style, and was wondering regarding the style of hook is "best".

 

Any advantage to using a "worm type" hook with the small bend near the eye, or just stick with a normal

straight Aberdeen hook stype ? 

 

Why ?

 

BTW:  have had really good results using a 4" Senko on Largemouths.

Small Pond up here in Mass.

 

Thanks,

Bob

 

Bob, it is up to you what style hook you use. Of course there are hooks specifically designed for wacky rigging. Usually they have a shorter shank than an Aberdeen or TX-style hook, but people use those and catch bass.

 

Personally, I prefer the smaller profile of a wacky-designed hook like the Gamakatsu Wide-Gap Finesse hooks, Owner Wacky hooks, etc. They all work and work well. I believe the smaller shank plays to the worm's weight differently than a long shank hook does. If you tie one of each type on two different rods, drop each in some clear water and twitch them, see which performs "better" (subjective, I know).

 

The Gamakatsu, Owner hooks mentioned are not octopus, in other words, the hook is in line with the shank and eye, whereas an octopus hook is slightly offset. Some will argue that octopus hook more fish, but are also more difficult to dislodge if swallowed deep. Can't say that has been my experience, but I do not use octopus hooks for wacky rigging although they work just fine.

 

I guess my point is (no pun) that you can use any hook for the technique just like you could use a putter for an entire 18 holes. But there are better tools for the job out there. Tools designed for specific functions.

VMC makes a great wacky rig hook with a weed guard

Gamakatsu wide gap finesse in 1/0 or 2/0

 

aaaand scene 

Hi Guys,

 

What a great Forum.

 

Thanks so much for all the info.

 

Just a clarification please:

 

I see that there are "Octopus" Hooks, and also "Octopus Circle Hooks"

 

Which do you think would be better for Wacky Worm fishing (small Pond stuff, but lots of 'smallish' Largemouth) ?

 

Pros and cons of each style hook ?

 

Thanks,

Bob

Owner wacky hook 1/0

I like a size #1 octopus hook for the 4" models and a 1/0 for the 5" Senkos but I have used regular old 1/0 offset worm hooks and they did a good job.

Hi Guys,

 

What a great Forum.

 

Thanks so much for all the info.

 

Just a clarification please:

 

I see that there are "Octopus" Hooks, and also "Octopus Circle Hooks"

 

Which do you think would be better for Wacky Worm fishing (small Pond stuff, but lots of 'smallish' Largemouth) ?

 

Pros and cons of each style hook ?

 

Thanks,

Bob

I read someone on here say no octopus circle hook

I use owner mosquito hooks in a size 1 or 2.

Trokar Weedless Wacky's is what I use and haven't had an issue with them!

Owner wacky hooks 1/0 

 

Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse hooks in 1/0 suze are my first choice for 4 and 5" senkos. I like the Owner hooks, but with the finish they use, they aren't very durable. I wish they came in black nickel finish. They'd be my first choice if they did.

I opt for circle hooks as this is a presentation I always get beginners into using. With circle hooks, I don't have to worry about gut hooked fish if someone's attention isn't where it should be.  I find myself using them even when nose hooking.