I have a question about the hooks people use with Super Flukes.

Why do people use large hooks for these lures?

I find a 1/0 hook just perfect for them.  I can understand if you are trying to get some depth, but I normally fish them on or close to the surface.

Some may use them for a bit more weight (better casting), but I get some really good casts with a M spinning combo.

Are there other reasons for using the bigger hooks?

I use a 4/0 which, I think, gives me a better hookset. Additionally, I like the weight it provides over say a 1/0 or 2/0, it lets me hit bottom fairly quickly and of course, better casts w/ my baitcaster.

I use a 4/0 which, I think, gives me a better hookset. Additionally, I like the weight it provides over say a 1/0 or 2/0, it lets me hit bottom fairly quickly and of course, better casts w/ my baitcaster.

I thought it might be the hookset, but from my catfishing experience (where I use up to 8/0), smaller hooks penetrate better. But then I am used to trying to get it through the tough mouth of a (big) catfish.

Another thought I had might be the gap in the hook allowing a better chance of hooking the fish. Could this be countered with an EWG hook?

I devoted the better part of a day experimenting with different size hooks with the Zoom Super Fluke.

I finally settled on the 4/0 Gamakatsu Super Line EWG hook.

Though a 3/0 hook seems like a good choice, I felt the hook-throat was a little too small for the 5" super fluke.

With a 5/0 hook the fluke descended a little faster than I prefer (impairs that lazy sashay).

Roger

For 5" Superflukes (I never fish the regular Flukes) I like either a Gammy 4/0 EWG or Gammy 4/0 Round Bend Wide Gap hook.  I usually use a red hook with a pearl bait.  Killer combo on some days.

Brad

I devoted the better part of a day experimenting with different size hooks with the Zoom Super Fluke.

I finally settled on the 4/0 Gamakatsu Super Line offset hook.

Though a 3/0 hook seems like a good choice, I felt the hook-throat was a little too small for the 5" super fluke.

With a 5/0 hook the fluke descended a little faster than I prefer (impairs that lazy sashay).

Roger

So the reasons for your choice are weight and hook-throat gap.

Would a 2/0 (or even 1/0) Extra Wide Gap help with that? I really like the fall rate with the 1/0. I can see where the Super Line choice comes from though. I use the Gammy 1/0s, and they sometimes bend a bit with a good fish on.

Maybe I should post a pic of how I rig it too. The 1/0 seems to fit it perfectly, and the gap is almost exactly the depth of the lure.

So the reasons for your choice are weight and hook-throat gap.

Would a 2/0 (or even 1/0) Extra Wide Gap help with that? I really like the fall rate with the 1/0. I can see where the Super Line choice comes from though. I use the Gammy 1/0s, and they sometimes bend a bit with a good fish on.

Maybe I should post a pic of how I rig it too. The 1/0 seems to fit it perfectly, and the gap is almost exactly the depth of the lure.

Yes, I base it on hook throat (bite), hook gap (gape) and descent-rate

I use spinning gear but I also use PowerPro line, so hook size is immaterial to me.

When you speak of a slow-fall, I know what you're up against, and that's why I nearly went with the 3/0 heavy-wire gammy.

I did notice one other thing...I think. For reasons beyond my understanding, it seemed that the jerks where more random and enticiing with a 4/0 hook than any other size. But we all have ways of seeing what we want to see, so I don't put too much on that.

Though I'm probably the only one who does, I hook the zoom fluke "upside-down"!

I do this to put the white belly on top (contrasts against dark bottom) and the darker back on bottom (contrasts against lighter sky)

The fluke supposedly imitates a dying minnow, and the first thing a dying minnow loses is his ability to remain upright.

Since my fluke is inverted, I'm not using the hook-slot, but embed the hook in the back plastic which is only about 1/8" thick.

Roger

I might add to rolo's comment I rig mine sometimes sidewards with a 3/0 ewg red on the white super fluke and had that bait murdered all day.

you are not alone rolo. i always hook my pearl, watermelon, solid colors upside down. i use a 5/0 gama ewg though. great bait.