I've had trouble with fish getting hooked in the throat using a wacky rig. Is there a hook that makes it harder for a fish to get hooked in the throat? 

14 minutes ago, Clumsy fisherman said:

I've had trouble with fish getting hooked in the throat using a wacky rig. Is there a hook that makes it harder for a fish to get hooked in the throat? 

 

Yes, there is.  A VMC neko hook.  I prefer size 2 (not 2/0).  The longer shank helps avoid hooking fish in throat.  90% of the fish I catch are in the roof of the mouth.

13 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

Yes, there is.  A VMC neko hook.  I prefer size 2 (not 2/0).  The longer shank helps avoid hooking fish in throat.  90% of the fish I catch are in the roof of the mouth.

 

Yep. This is all I use for wacky rigs these days. 

13 minutes ago, AmmoGuy said:

Yep. This is all I use for wacky rigs these days. 

I think the size 1 would probably work too.

Me too, #2 Neko hook ?

1/0 circle octopus hook. 95% of hookups are in the jaw. Don’t set the hook. Raise the rod and reel in to set the hook. 

31 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

1/0 circle octopus hook. 95% of hookups are in the jaw. Don’t set the hook. Raise the rod and reel in to set the hook. 

Agreed. It's all I use.

 

Best when rigged perpendicular to bait, so if using an Oring, I prefer to use two,  "X" them up, and hook through the crossover so hook is still perpendicular to bait.

43 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

1/0 circle octopus hook. 95% of hookups are in the jaw. Don’t set the hook. Raise the rod and reel in to set the hook. 

 

Yup. Size 1 for a 4'' bait. When you see your line moving, reel down until you're tight to the fish. Then make several quick turns of the reel handle.

 

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

Yes, there is.  A VMC neko hook.  I prefer size 2 (not 2/0).  The longer shank helps avoid hooking fish in throat.  90% of the fish I catch are in the roof of the mouth.

Thanks, I will try that.

Hard to beat a circle hook. Ask any saltwater fisherman. As mentioned, don’t try to cross their eyes with your hook set. When you get bit, keep reeling until you feel the weight of the fish, then lict and keep reeling. It’s almost impossible to gut hook a fish using a circle hook

1/0 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hook

 

Believe me or don't lol

Owner sniper finesse hook in size 1 or 2

Gamakatsu Finesse Wacky Hook : Size #1 or #2

VMC Neko Hook : Size #1 or #2

Owner Mosquito Hook : Size #1 or #2

Gamakatsu Octopus Hook : Size #1 or #2

 

Stick Worms : Size #1

Finesse Worms : Size #2

 

I previously used Size 1/0 hooks for Stick Worms but found I would get hung up more and that size 1/0 hook would at times not stick the bass as well as I would like . By dropping down to the size #1 hooks I listed above it is easier to stick the bass well with a Stick Worm using a MF action spinning set up with braid + FC leader.

When I use casting gear, I usually use a straight shank or neko hook.

 

When I use spinning gear, I use the same Owner Mosquito hooks I use for a drop shot. Gets them in the side of the mouth every time.

Vmc neko hooks are great. I like size 1 or 1/0

I like Mosquitoes or the VMC nekos, they stick em in the roof everytime.  If you want a hook that isn't likely to gut hook go with a circle.  If you want to even further minimize the odds of a gut hook get octopus inline circles.