IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
Informative articles to help you better understand and utilize the Tools of the Trade

"Back to Basics" Vol. 4"
Hooks, Get the Point!

In this month's "Back to Basics" we will cover hooks. We will talk about the different styles of hooks and when to use them. These tips will help guide you in determining which reel to use during your next outing. These are general guidelines that I use to help me perform better and catch more fish.

Hooks are no doubt one of the more critical components in your fishing arsenal. Without the hook, it would be much more difficult to put fish in the boat.

Styles:
In general there 4 basic styles of hooks: straight shank, off-set, wide gap, and treble. Each has a time and type of bait to use them with.

Straight Shank: The straight shank hook is just that; the shank of the hook has no bend in it. For this reason it is best used with plastics that have very little bulk or are skinny in the mid-section. With bulkier baits the hook will have a harder time penetrating the worm and thus not penetrating the fish's mouth. Straight shank hooks are also the most commonly used trailer hook. The only difference is that they are made with an expanded line tie (to fit over main hook). The larger sizes can work well when using a "flipping" style presentation in matted grass since they have a narrower profile.

Wide-Gap: Wide Gap hooks have an off-set right behind the line tie then continue to arch away then back towards the hook bend. This type of hook is made for bulky baits. They will give you the most room between the bait and the shank. This will allow the bait to bend into the hook and cause less interference when "setting the hook". The only down side to wide gap hooks is that they do not allow baits to lay flat on the bottom. Due to the curve the bait will roll to one side or the other while sitting still on bottom.

Off-Set: An off-set hook has a shank that drops right behind the line tie then a straight shank till it reaches the hook bend. This type of hook works well with slightly bulkier baits as it gives more room between the bait and the shank. Off-set style hooks are also good to use when Carolina rigging.

Treble: As noted by the name, these hooks have three points. Although most are a straight shank style some manufactures make wide gap models. You will find most treble hooks on "hard" baits such as crankbaits and top-water baits. A good trick for short striking bass is to tie a treble hook on as a "stinger" hook. You can either place one directly on the main hook or on a short leader then to the main hook.

Hook Diameter:
When talking about hook diameter the most common phrases will be either "light" wire or "heavy" wire hooks. Light wire hooks are mainly used during finesse style fishing, where heavy wire hooks are used in power fishing applications. Light wire hooks will require a lower power rod and non-aggressive hook sets. Otherwise, the result will be a hook that opens and is no longer in line with the line tie causing the gap to be too wide and easier for the fish to "throw" the hook.

Rick's Applications:

• Straight shank - non-bulky plastic baits, straight tail worms and ribbon tail worms up to 6 inches, trailer hooks, "flipping"
• Off-Set - plastic lizards, Carolina rig
• Wide-Gap - bulky plastics, creature baits and large worms
• Treble - hard baits and stinger (trailer) hook

Rick's Reminders:

• Match the hook style to the "bulkiness" of the bait
• Light wire hooks require a "finesse" style approach

I hope you have found this month's "Back to Basics" informative and it helps you to increase your catch! Visit my website for more articles. If you are interested in a particular topic, send a request to rick@ricktilson.com. Check back next month for another informative "Back to Basics".

Thanks,
Rick Tilson

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