Gang,  Have been fishing Kalin grubs for smallmouth.  Fish hitting "short" and I'm unable to catch em. Am told a longer shank hook/jig head will help fix problem. Searched, but can't yet find any such hooks/jig head, so I thought I'd ask the experts: Where can I find longer shank hook/jig heads for fishing grubs for smallmouth? Thanks in advance. You all always come through.

Although I've used the longer shank Gopher "Big John" jigheads for many years, I don't think the slightly longer shank length affects hooking short biting bass.  In my opinion the longer shank positions the hook point/gap farther back where the grub isn't as thick and provides more open hook gap.  Try running the jig shank slightly "up hill" through the grub so you are providing a more open hook gap with the jigheads you're currently using.

 

I don't find smallmouth "short hitting" a grub often.  I believe most of those pecks are smaller sunfish or perch biting the grub tail.  A bass will hit a grub like a freight train OR you will not feel the hit at all and notice the line moving in a different direction.

 

oe

I haven't purchased any, but I've been thinking about trying these ball head jigs out:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/SpotSticker_Ball_Jig_Heads_Long_Shank_Hook_30/descpage-SSRBH.html

On 9/7/2018 at 7:21 AM, Steveo-1969 said:

I haven't purchased any, but I've been thinking about trying these ball head jigs out:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/SpotSticker_Ball_Jig_Heads_Long_Shank_Hook_30/descpage-SSRBH.html

Looks like a good jighead... thanks for sharing.

 

oe

I set mine up as a Texas rig. I use a gama skip gap hook in 1/0 with an 1/8 ounce sinker and rarely miss a fish.

6 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

I set mine up as a Texas rig. I use a gama skip gap hook in 1/0 with an 1/8 ounce sinker and rarely miss a fish.

That's how my brother usually starts out, and often never switches to anything else. I agree that bass don't often short strike grubs. Try changing something, retrieve, size, color, curl tail up, etc. 

Even though I'm not a huge "color matters" angler, short strikes usually triggers a color change first. for me.  After that, I'd look at profile.

It sounds like you might be setting the hook too soon. Try this, next time you get bit, don't set the hook. Just keep reeling until your rod starts to load and you feel the weight of the fish. Then just lift the rod and keep reeling. 

 

 

 

 

On 9/7/2018 at 7:21 AM, Steveo-1969 said:

I haven't purchased any, but I've been thinking about trying these ball head jigs out:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/SpotSticker_Ball_Jig_Heads_Long_Shank_Hook_30/descpage-SSRBH.html

+1 This would be ideal - however I use a lot of Bite Me ball head jigs with the sprout style hook A-Mart is so fond of (i.e. sprout style hook) ideal for grubs , smaller swim baits and shaky heads plus has a 60° degree line tie which I like for swimming grubs , smaller swim baits , etc.  .

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_Dominator_Shakey_Head_Jig_4pk/descpage-VMCDMSK.html

 

I have some of these and I think they are like a 3/0 or 4/0 hook.  

Take a look at GYCB (Yamamoto) ball head and football head with either Owner or Gamakatsu hooks, depending on weight needed. 

The Eagle Claw hook referenced Spot Sticker may be the dullest hook on the market! If you choose this jig get yourself a good diamond hook hone.

I am a fan of longer shank hook then offered with most Arkie or flipping style jigs designed to be fished vertically. Longer shank hook and larger size hooks are better when retrieving horizontal. 

Tom

THESE ARE ALL GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS, THANKS MUCH!  BRADSTER

20 hours ago, J Francho said:

Even though I'm not a huge "color matters" angler, short strikes usually triggers a color change first. for me.  After that, I'd look at profile.

I tend to agree with this opinion.  No matter the technique or species, I find short strikes are indicative of a presentation that's almost appropriate, but needs just a slight bit of tweaking.