I’ve tried several hook for wacky rigging 5” senko style baits. I can’t really find one that I like. I typically like to use a weedless style hook due to the type of cover that I typically fish.
What is your go to wacky hook? Style, brand and size?
For weighted wacky I like:
Zappu Inchi wacky heads for spinning rods/light line
Revenge Flippin' Wackers for casting gear/heavy line
Unweighted I like:
Gamakatsu B10 S stinger. 1/0 for 5" senkos. Not weedless but 1x strong and really cheap for a Gamakatsu. I don't care if they are weedless and I lose them a 25 pack is $7
The best hook I've ever used to Wacky Rig is a Gammy Octopus Circle hook. It's surprisingly snag resistant. I can count on one hand how many fish I've lost using that hook, out of hundreds.
On 4/1/2019 at 5:37 AM, Glaucus said:The best hook I've ever used to Wacky Rig is a Gammy Octopus Circle hook. It's surprisingly snag resistant. I can count on one hand how many fish I've lost using that hook, out of hundreds.
What size?
On 4/1/2019 at 5:38 AM, jtharris3 said:
What size?
1/0. I fish 4 and 5 inch Senkos, usually 5 inch.
VMC #2 Neko hook is an awesome hook to wacky rig a 5" senko, they have a weedless version too.
Any of the following I can get on sale,
VMC
Trokar
Gamakatsu
Berkley Fusion
If I have to go weedless I like the Berkley Fusion Wacky weedless as it has a clear soft plastic weed guard.
My my usual stockpile of weedless wacky rig hooks are the Eagle Claw weedless 1/0 size you can get a 4 pack at Walmart for under $2
A light wire, 1/4 ounce jig with weed guards get me thru some nasty stuff and the little weight allows me to fish a bit faster
My go to wacky hook is a size 2 Hayabusa WRM201 Wacky Hook. If I need weedless then it is the size 2 Hayabusa WRM136 Weedless SP Hook. I prefer smaller hook do to it not hanging up as often as like a 1/0 or 2/0 wacky hook.
I am a big fan of the Owner weedless wacky hooks. I have used a 2/0 but have been wondering if I should try a 1/0.
VMC Wacky Weedless 3/0. My waters are choked, so I throw wacky rigged worms using baitcasters with 30ib braid and MH rods. I usually throw a 6" worm, but sometimes a 5". I don't recall ever getting snagged using these hooks and I throw them into tough spots. However, after enough catches, the weedguard will get mangled eventually. Not bad to straighten them out, but they'll snap after being bent enough times. In the meantime hookups are great, but they really do require stout rods to do so consistently. They have smaller sizes available that are better suited for lighter setups..
On 4/1/2019 at 8:14 AM, matbellon3 said:My go to wacky hook is a size 2 Hayabusa WRM201 Wacky Hook. If I need weedless then it is the size 2 Hayabusa WRM136 Weedless SP Hook. I prefer smaller hook do to it not hanging up as often as like a 1/0 or 2/0 wacky hook.
Good looking hook. Is the weedguard stiff enough to stay on the hook point?
On 4/1/2019 at 6:14 AM, DropShotHotShot said:VMC #2 Neko hook is an awesome hook to wacky rig a 5" senko, they have a weedless version too.
just as good, and alot cheaper is the Gamakatsu B10S Stinger hook.
https://www.amazon.com/Gamakatsu-B10S-Stinger-Hook-Pack-Black/dp/B004RDSUSK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=gamakatsu+s10+stinger&qid=1554131303&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0
On 4/1/2019 at 11:08 PM, JLBBass said:just as good, and alot cheaper is the Gamakatsu B10S Stinger hook.
https://www.amazon.com/Gamakatsu-B10S-Stinger-Hook-Pack-Black/dp/B004RDSUSK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=gamakatsu+s10+stinger&qid=1554131303&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0
I ned rig & wacky worm with it.
I like a wacky rig hood that has a wire "mouse trap style" weed guard. I've been using the Falcon K-wacky weedless hook for a number of years now, no complaints. I use an 0 ring, sometimes 2 0 rings crossed over, and I slip the hood underneath the o-ring, avoiding piercing the plastic as much as possible. Works for me most of the time.
Most of the time I will use the 1/16 oz weighted hook over the unweighted one, my feeling being that the extra weight doesn't hurt, might help, I'm just used to the drop speed that I get from that combo.
On 4/1/2019 at 6:17 AM, NYWayfarer said:My my usual stockpile of weedless wacky rig hooks are the Eagle Claw weedless 1/0 size you can get a 4 pack at Walmart for under $2
are you using these?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Eagle-Claw-Weedless-Baitholder-2-Slice-Non-Offset-Hook-Bronze/16767724
#1 and 1/0 VMC Neko hooks. I find myself getting better hookups with the little bit longer shank of the new Neko style hooks. I'm sure the new Owner and Trokar versions are just as good or better than the VMC version.
I've switched to the Berkley Fusion19 weedless wacky hooks. They have a fluorocarbon weed guard that works very well and the hooks are surprisingly sharp and sticky.
On 4/2/2019 at 12:54 AM, Crankin4Bass said:are you using these?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Eagle-Claw-Weedless-Baitholder-2-Slice-Non-Offset-Hook-Bronze/16767724
Yes.
They worked well for me last year. Just be sure to dry them off after each use with a towel. They rust pretty fast.
On 4/1/2019 at 7:44 PM, BoatSquirrel said:Is the weedguard stiff enough to stay on the hook point?
I haven't had an issue with it coming off the point.
On 4/2/2019 at 1:04 AM, moguy1973 said:I've switched to the Berkley Fusion19 weedless wacky hooks. They have a fluorocarbon weed guard that works very well and the hooks are surprisingly sharp and sticky.
What size?
Check out shadock worm hook set of your looking for a good deal, 15$ for 120 pack of #1- 5/0
3/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Widegap...... Thank me later
On 4/1/2019 at 6:14 AM, DropShotHotShot said:VMC #2 Neko hook is an awesome hook to wacky rig a 5" senko, they have a weedless version too.
I tried this hook for the first time after Seth Feider was promoting it for dropshot during the AOY at Mille Lacs. It works great for that. It's also a terrific wacky rig hook. I like that I can straighten it and bend it back when I get snagged under docks. I've never had a fish straighten it. Fish almost never come unglued, either. It's almost locked into place in their upper lip.
It's nice to be able to use the same hook for dropshot, split shot, wacky rigs, and Neko rigs. I'll be getting another 25-pack of the #2 on my next TW order.
I like an 2/0 or 3/0 offset shank hook. The fish really stay pinned with these hooks due to the "corner" between the point and the bend. I used to use the wacky specific hooks but have found these to be better. They also allow different rigging and bait options without re-tying a different hook.
On 4/2/2019 at 8:53 AM, jtharris3 said:
What size?
I usually use a #1 or 1/0
Owner weedless wacky hooks (2/0) is what I use.
I have been experimenting with Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hooks if I need it to be 3/0 or 4/0. I just need to add epoxy on it.
On 4/4/2019 at 11:17 PM, LxVE Bassin said:3/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Widegap...... Thank me later
My choice but smaller, 1/0.
Gamakatsu G-Finesse Series Wacky Jig
1/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook # 230411
https://www.gamakatsu.com/product/finesse-wide-gap/
2/0 Owner Wacky Hook
https://www.ownerhooks.com/product/wacky-hook/
Owner Wacky Rig hook 2/0 all the way. I have also used the VMC Neko, but prefer the Owner.
I use the 1/0 VMC Sureset Circle hooks for my kids. It makes fishing a senko so easy my 4 year old can do it.
On 4/1/2019 at 5:29 AM, ww2farmer said:For weighted wacky I like:
Zappu Inchi wacky heads for spinning rods/light line
Revenge Flippin' Wackers for casting gear/heavy line
Unweighted I like:
Gamakatsu B10 S stinger. 1/0 for 5" senkos. Not weedless but 1x strong and really cheap for a Gamakatsu. I don't care if they are weedless and I lose them a 25 pack is $7
Hey WW2 Farmer, I have those RevengeFliipin Walkers in my TW cart, how seedless are they? Are hookups ok with them still? Thanks
Here's another one to consider: https://shopkarls.com/stickies-wacky-drop-shot-hook
Great for wacky rig OR a drop shot. I use #1 or 1/0 on drop shot and 1/0 or 2/0 on wacky rig.
On 4/1/2019 at 5:29 AM, ww2farmer said:For weighted wacky I like:
Zappu Inchi wacky heads for spinning rods/light line
Revenge Flippin' Wackers for casting gear/heavy line
Unweighted I like:
Gamakatsu B10 S stinger. 1/0 for 5" senkos. Not weedless but 1x strong and really cheap for a Gamakatsu. I don't care if they are weedless and I lose them a 25 pack is $7
Similar to a B10 S 1/0 would be a VMC Neko 1/0 hook .
On 4/7/2019 at 7:22 PM, Fishin Dad said:Hey WW2 Farmer, I have those RevengeFliipin Walkers in my TW cart, how seedless are they? Are hookups ok with them still? Thanks
Hook ups are great with those. Better than any wire weed guard equipped hook that rest on the point of the hook when closed.
On 4/7/2019 at 7:22 PM, Fishin Dad said:Hey WW2 Farmer, I have those RevengeFliipin Walkers in my TW cart, how seedless are they? Are hookups ok with them still? Thanks
I use these quite a bit too and love them. Much preferred to the wire weed guard type.
Thanks Fellas. I will hit order from TW and give them a shot. Have a great season!
For me it’s the Gamakatsu b10s and vmc neko hooks. Various sizes depending on the size bait. The longer shaft has better hook ups for me. Also I can use the for neko rigs so I carry less hooks.
On 4/10/2019 at 2:04 AM, ItsHardwick said:I use these quite a bit too and love them. Much preferred to the wire weed guard type.
On 4/10/2019 at 1:45 AM, ww2farmer said:Hook ups are great with those. Better than any wire weed guard equipped hook that rest on the point of the hook when closed.
Do you use these with an o-ring? Are they effective like that?
On 4/11/2019 at 9:00 AM, jtharris3 said:
Do you use these with an o-ring? Are they effective like that?
Yes and no. I used to but last summer I started using the g2 worm sleeves I think they’re called and found them much superior to anything else I had tried
Anyone try these yet?
I've heard they stay on better with these.
On 4/1/2019 at 5:37 AM, Glaucus said:The best hook I've ever used to Wacky Rig is a Gammy Octopus Circle hook. It's surprisingly snag resistant. I can count on one hand how many fish I've lost using that hook, out of hundreds.
This is what I use and haven’t found any reason to change
On 4/12/2019 at 7:27 AM, yosef said:This is what I use and haven’t found any reason to change
Because there is no reason, my friend. You can't not hook a fish on it, and they don't come off.
On 4/4/2019 at 11:53 PM, The Maestro said:I like an 2/0 or 3/0 offset shank hook. The fish really stay pinned with these hooks due to the "corner" between the point and the bend. I used to use the wacky specific hooks but have found these to be better. They also allow different rigging and bait options without re-tying a different hook.
I've also found that the offset hooks work very well for wacky rigging. Heck, I've even been too lazy to re-tie when I wanted to try for catfish and used an offset shank hook with a chunk of bluegill. Looks dumb, but I agree that fish stay hooked really well on these.
On 4/13/2019 at 5:30 AM, Pickle_Power said:I've also found that the offset hooks work very well for wacky rigging. Heck, I've even been too lazy to re-tie when I wanted to try for catfish and used an offset shank hook with a chunk of bluegill. Looks dumb, but I agree that fish stay hooked really well on these.
I discovered this because I was too lazy to change hooks one time.
Owner #5172, the new heavy cover weedless looks good and should available now at TW.
Tom
I just use a straight shank BPS makes and the VMC Neko Hooks, also will just use an EWG at times....I never go smaller than 2/0, 3/0-4/0 my preferance for 5-6" worms. I seem to get more strikes with bigger hook, better action, better hook sets. I used to always use smaller Finesse hooks #1,1/0, but now love 3/0 as main size....Especially if Neko Rigging, then I go 4/0. I don't like weedguards but thats just personal preference.
I base the guage of my hooks on the lb test I am using, cover I am fishing and how big of a fish is realistic.......I don't necessarily use a finesse hook for finesse worms etc...
On 4/4/2019 at 11:53 PM, The Maestro said:I like an 2/0 or 3/0 offset shank hook. The fish really stay pinned with these hooks due to the "corner" between the point and the bend. I used to use the wacky specific hooks but have found these to be better. They also allow different rigging and bait options without re-tying a different hook.
The biggest problems with using a EWG is that I always end up hooking them deep with them. I typically use a gamakatsu octopus hook 1/0 and the majority of the time they are hooked in the corner of the mouth. That's is my preference but to each his own. Fishing a wacky work though you will end up guy hooking more fish than probably any other technique.
On 4/21/2019 at 11:12 AM, stepup said:The biggest problems with using a EWG is that I always end up hooking them deep with them. I typically use a gamakatsu octopus hook 1/0 and the majority of the time they are hooked in the corner of the mouth. That's is my preference but to each his own. Fishing a wacky work though you will end up guy hooking more fish than probably any other technique.
I honestly can't remember the last time I gut hooked a bass. I remember it happening the odd time when I was first started fishing. I don't see what difference the hook would make anyway unless you were using a circle hook which is made specifically to avoid gut hooking fish.
For those using circle hooks for wacky rigging, I’m curious, do you use a typical hook set, or just apply steady pressure to the fish? When I think of circle hooks I think of offshore salt water fishing for grouper and the like, and a regular hook set tanks the hook right out of their mouth. Is it the same scenario with wacky rigging??? It’s hard to train myself not to load up when I feel that bump. I’ve Texas rigged senkos for years and years and have probably caught more fish that way than any other technique, but recently I tried wacky for the first time and got lots of bumps, but I was using the VMC weedless wacky rig hook and had lots of trouble with missed hooksets. So I need to find a solid dependable wacky hook.
On 4/21/2019 at 6:53 PM, Big Mike in Fl said:For those using circle hooks for wacky rigging, I’m curious, do you use a typical hook set, or just apply steady pressure to the fish? When I think of circle hooks I think of offshore salt water fishing for grouper and the like, and a regular hook set tanks the hook right out of their mouth. Is it the same scenario with wacky rigging??? It’s hard to train myself not to load up when I feel that bump. I’ve Texas rigged senkos for years and years and have probably caught more fish that way than any other technique, but recently I tried wacky for the first time and got lots of bumps, but I was using the VMC weedless wacky rig hook and had lots of trouble with missed hooksets. So I need to find a solid dependable wacky hook.
I typically use a sweeping motion like I would with a Carolina Rig.
Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Weedless Hooks 1/0 ????
Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap
Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot
Sizes from 4 (rarely) to 2/0 with 1 and 1/0 being the sweet sizes.
99% of time use weedless, tying my own.
I second the Gammy Octopus Hook. I'm sure both the circle and normal style would work but I usually just go with the normal version.