The popular answer seems to be #1 or 2 ST36, but I’ve heard some say they prefer short shank (ST35.)

What do you find to be the advantages/drawbacks of each for these presentations? My first instinct is that longer shanked, larger trebles would offer a superior hook up ratio, but I don’t know if this is accurate. The logic in my mind is the further they are from the large bodied resin bait, the more likely they are to catch only the hooks with no interference from the bait or hooks bouncing off the bait.

Is that accurate? What is your preferred size/style/shank length for glides like Chad Shad or Topwater/wake rats?

Size 2, size 1 look cartoonishly large to my eye on that size of bait. I don’t really think about shank length as much as the wire gauge. I prefer thin wire because it penetrates better and is lighter. A lot of times the fish isn’t fully committing and slamming into the bait, it’s more like a light suction bite. Light wire hooks get sucked toward the fish, heavier gauge doesn’t move and you miss the bite. My favorite at the moment are the st45, thin and strong.

Bkk spear #2

22 minutes ago, Jerkbait22 said:

Bkk spear #2

^^^This^^^

On 4/29/2026 at 11:18 AM, Fried Lemons said:

Size 2, size 1 look cartoonishly large to my eye on that size of bait. I don’t really think about shank length as much as the wire gauge. I prefer thin wire because it penetrates better and is lighter. A lot of times the fish isn’t fully committing and slamming into the bait, it’s more like a light suction bite. Light wire hooks get sucked toward the fish, heavier gauge doesn’t move and you miss the bite. My favorite at the moment are the st45, thin and strong.

What about ST36, do you think the shank is too long?

On 4/29/2026 at 8:58 AM, ohioguy25 said:

My first instinct is that longer shanked, larger trebles would offer a superior hook up ratio

Except for when the trebles catch each other during splashdown or get caught in a joint which will happen. The bait gets smashed and you're left wondering how on earth the fish didn't get hooked.

2 hours ago, ohioguy25 said:

What about ST36, do you think the shank is too long?

St36 are fine but the size 2s tend to bend out especially if you are using braid.