I'll start off by saying that I am a beginner/novice bass angler...I don't want to make this overly complicated, but the more I research, the more I'm thinking I should have some Offset RBs and Straight Shanks.

 

I've always used EWG hooks (Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, etc). I currently have 2/0-5/0 sizes which seems to cover everything (I don't think I've ever used the 2/0 size). 

 

I'm thinking I ought to add some Offset Roundbend and Straight Shank hooks to my tacklebox in the same sizes (2/0-5/0). What do you guys think? Should I branch out from the EWG hooks?

 

Thanks!

If it's working for you - no need to change.

 

For me -

Off-set RBs are for narrow body plastics - Zoom worms, Berkley Power Worms, etc

EWGs are for thicker bodied - Pit Boss, Chigger Claw, Rage Bug, etc.

 

Only time I use straight-shank is if I'm live-bait fishing under a bobber.

21 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If it's working for you - no need to change.

 

For me -

Off-set RBs are for narrow body plastics - Zoom worms, Berkley Power Worms, etc

EWGs are for thicker bodied - Pit Boss, Chigger Claw, Rage Bug, etc.

 

Only time I use straight-shank is if I'm live-bait fishing under a bobber.

Thanks I really appreciate the feedback

I keep it simple, I use 3 styles of hooks.

 

Gamakatsu Drop Shot/split shot hooks for nose hooking plastics in a drop shot rig. #1, and 1/0

 

Gamakatsu B-10 stingers for Neko, or weightless wacky rigging, #1, and 1/0

 

And Gamakatsu EWG work hooks, both regular and super line, for all my texas rigging needs. #1-4/0 in regular wire, 2/0-6/0 in super line wire.

 

I'm not a fan of straight shank hooks, and have none of the problems people claim to have with them...even with big tungsten in a heavy flipping/pitching/punching application. 

I tend to use fairly thick plastic most of the time. 
I can’t remember the last time I threw a trick worm and have no intention of using a Ned rig. 
 

With that in mind I only use a Trokar or Gamakatsu ewg depending on where I’m throwing. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

I only use EWG hooks for Zoom Horny Toads or Stanley Rabbits.

 

Even with Senko or Fluke style lures I prefer offset round bend hooks. 

 

Everything else gets straight shank round bend. 

I have poor hookups with ewg and use offset round bend for 99% of my soft plastics.  

I use a lot of size 1 and 1/0 in the river with smaller plastics. I need to have more offset RB for thin baits. I've bought more EWG mostly because that's what's on the store shelves. They work but it's more to get wedged in a snag. 

2 hours ago, Catt said:

I only use EWG hooks for Zoom Horny Toads or Stanley Rabbits.

 

Even with Senko or Fluke style lures I prefer offset round bend hooks. 

 

Everything else gets straight shank round bend. 

Thanks - I saw your name on a lot of older posts regarding the same topic.

 

I’m going to order some straight shank and offset RBs. 
 

Would 2/0-5/0 be a good place to start for both?

 

Any specific recommendations for straight and offset hooks? Looks like a lot of the straight shanks are “flippin” hooks made for heavy cover. My guess is you want something with a bait keeper on it too so it doesn’t slide down the shank 

 

 

@CC268 Mustad's Grip-Pin Big Bite & Edge Finesse.

 

Personally I prefer a hook with a longer shank which puts the point farther back in the plastic.

 

VMC hooks are my second choice

I struggled with ‘should I use _____ or _____’ for a while..

Now, VMC straight shanks either 3,4 or 5’s for everything. 
 

Except swimbaits of course

30 minutes ago, Catt said:

@CC268 Mustad's Grip-Pin Big Bite & Edge Finesse.

 

Personally I prefer a hook with a longer shank which puts the point farther back in the plastic.

 

VMC hooks are my second choice

Thanks! The Big Bite is completely sold out almost everywhere unfortunately

4 hours ago, CC268 said:

Thanks! The Big Bite is completely sold out almost everywhere unfortunately

 

Same here, which is way I use VMC as my second choice.

5 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

Same here, which is way I use VMC as my second choice.

Gotcha - any specific VMC? I’ll definitely get the Mustad Edge Finesse for straight shank. I guess I could go with the Gamakatsu Round Bends as well.

1 hour ago, CC268 said:

Gotcha - any specific VMC? I’ll definitely get the Mustad Edge Finesse for straight shank. I guess I could go with the Gamakatsu Round Bends as well.

 

VMC Heavy Duty Worm Hook, 3-degree offset point, the eyelet is sealed with epoxy resin.

 

Don't get the Gammie with the mono bait keeper, it will bend out after a few fish & then it will constantly hang trash.