Wacky Rigs 2025

Paul s reply :

Hey guys I've been having trouble getting a good hookset on wacky rigs, I use 1/0 finesse hook with a 5" senko, I try side sweeping hookset but I get then in about 10 feet away and they throw it, any tips or suggestions? Thanks.

Denea reply :

Hi Paul, and welcome to BR! Have you tried any other size hooks? Whenever I wacky rig, I typically use a 2/0 to 3/0 finese hook when I use my 5.25" senkos. I've never had any succes using anything smalling than a 2/0.

Paul s reply :

Noi havent ive thought about it just havent tried a bigger hook, cause mostly dropshot.

Fish Murderer 71 reply :

1/0 octopus and straight up hookset. doesnt have to be an earth shattering set either, just solid. I personally use the VMC wacky jig and very seldom miss a fish...

bootytrain reply :

Ive had this problem too, so Im trying to use larger hooks.

Scorchx1245 reply :

I use standard j hooks weedless. Or 2/0 octopus depending on conditions. Noticed my hook sets on the j hooks is better to an extent.

Bluebasser86 reply :

1/0 Gamakatsu wide gap finesse hook, problem solved

OroBass reply :

Blue basser nailed it! I love these gammys. They are all I need for wacky senkos.

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

How do you have your wacky rigged inline or 90 degrees?

I have excellent hook-ups and only use size 2 or 1 hooks but have mine rigged 90 degrees (see pic) so hook point sticks out.

Oh I use braid as well so that helps too.

Shanes7614 reply :

VMC wacky weed less hooks for me. Rarely miss fish with them. Even the big ones both here Cali and NJ.

PersicoTrotaVA reply :

It's not the hook ,its your hook set. No sweeps, no hard sets. When you feel the fish, wait 2 seconds(count it out) and just lift up and start reeling. Don't ****** up, don't jerk up, a simple lift of the rod tip and start reeling. I haven't lost a fish on a wacky rig since Glenn showed this technique on one of his videos. It's a light wire open face hook, you don't need a lot of pressure to get them to penetrate.

Paul s reply :

Thanks for the tip.

Kent Bishop reply :

I always watch my line when wacky rigging, leave a little slack then wait for the line to move, the only time I have lost a fish on it is if the throw the hook

michang5 reply :

On 6/18/2014 at 9:10 PM, PersicoTrotaVA said:
It's not the hook ,its your hook set. No sweeps, no hard sets. When you feel the fish, wait 2 seconds(count it out) and just lift up and start reeling. Don't ****** up, don't jerk up, a simple lift of the rod tip and start reeling. I haven't lost a fish on a wacky rig. It's a light wire open face hook, you don't need a lot of pressure to get them to penetrate.

x2. I've done a lot of tests with different hooks, from bank and from yak, perpendicular vs. parallel, o-rings vs. rubber bands, weedless vs. regular hooks, etc.

The single adjustment that made the biggest difference was counting a slow 2 or quick 3 -- WHILE DROPPING ROD TIP AND REELING UP SLACK — and then firmly popping the rod tip up. Then follow through with standard retrieve procedures: keep pressure on the fish and drop your rod tip when you expect a jump.

FWIW... I've settled on 4" and 5" GYCB senkos, single o-ring, Owner 1/0 wacky hook (no weedguard) inserted under o-ring parallel with bait, 15# PowerPro Super 8 Slick high-viz yellow braid (the yellow is also critical for line watching) with 10# fluoro leader.

tch2391 reply :

I recently started using the Gamakatsu wicked wacky hooks. They've got a nice little weed guard and are obviously quality and sharp. I watch my line for action also when using wacky stick baits, or whenever I'm using stick baits for that matter. Once the bait hits the water watch the line for the thump, wait a second, give a little tug and reel in the fish, like previously mentioned, a ferocious hook set generally isn't necessary for me.

Crestliner2008 reply :

I like Gamakatsu's 1/0 In-line circle hooks. Very reliable.

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/18/2014 at 11:56 AM, Paul s said:
Hey guys I've been having trouble getting a good hookset on wacky rigs, I use 1/0 finesse hook with a 5" senko, I try side sweeping hookset but I get then in about 10 feet away and they throw it, any tips or suggestions? Thanks.

If you get hook penetration past the barb, the fish cannot throw the hook no matter what type you use.

You may have a line/rod/hookset technique issue.

I mash the barb down or break it off, so I know I get good hook penetration.

I use equipment/ line that can handle the task.

Back Country reply :

On 6/18/2014 at 8:13 PM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

How do you have your wacky rigged inline or 90 degrees?

I have excellent hook-ups and only use size 2 or 1 hooks but have mine rigged 90 degrees (see pic) so hook point sticks out.

Oh I use braid as well so that helps too.

I used to use those (and still do sometimes).

For the past several years, I've been using these:

http://www.mustad.no/catalog/asia/product.php?id=509

I went to the Mustads because I like a weighted worm most of the time, and got tired of pushing nails into trick worms.

Back Country reply :

Well, let's see if this link works.....

http://www.amazon.com/Mustad-Ultra-Point-Impact-4-Pack/dp/B00EU9VRC2

boostr reply :

I use a plain ol' VMC 1/0 Octo hook with no frills just hook it into the bait past the egg sack, toss the line, see if it moves or has pressure, then reel in and pull up.

Avalonjohn44 reply :

I use the weedless Eagle Claws and have no problems. Cheap, easy and effective. I have not seen them in red, will look for them next time at the store.

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

On 6/25/2014 at 5:49 AM, Avalonjohn44 said:
I use the weedless Eagle Claws and have no problems. Cheap, easy and effective. I have not seen them in red, will look for them next time at the store.

I cant get them locally but got mine at Tackle Warehouse( just got 5 more packs) and think Cabelas has them.

Darren. reply :

On 6/18/2014 at 11:56 AM, Paul s said:
Hey guys I've been having trouble getting a good hookset on wacky rigs, I use 1/0 finesse hook with a 5" senko, I try side sweeping hookset but I get then in about 10 feet away and they throw it, any tips or suggestions? Thanks.

On 6/18/2014 at 9:10 PM, PersicoTrotaVA said:
It's not the hook ,its your hook set. No sweeps, no hard sets. When you feel the fish, wait 2 seconds(count it out) and just lift up and start reeling. Don't ****** up, don't jerk up, a simple lift of the rod tip and start reeling. It's a light wire open face hook, you don't need a lot of pressure to get them to penetrate.

I agree with PTVA here. I have caught some pretty big (6# +/-) bass on hooks from size 4-2/0, mostly Gamakatsu Wide-Gap Finesse and Gamakatsu Splitshot/Dropshot hooks.

Reel down any slack in your line and lift. Works well, but not bulletproof, more like a bulletproof vest

tcbass reply :

On 6/23/2014 at 6:56 AM, Back Country said:

I used to use those (and still do sometimes).

For the past several years, I've been using these:

http://www.mustad.no/catalog/asia/product.php?id=509

I went to the Mustads because I like a weighted worm most of the time, and got tired of pushing nails into trick worms.

Your Mustad link doesn't work. Which weighted ones do you use?

Will Wetline reply :

Lots of good advice here.

From my experience, I would say the problem stems not so much from your hook size or brand but how you set when you get bit.

Try being more casual. Bass will hold a soft stick bait and mosey off with it. When it's clear you've got one going, reel down to it and once you've got tension on the line sweep set firmly. That should do it - you're not setting a 5/0 heavy wire hook.

Using circle hooks this season, I tighten down to the fish and then just start to reel. The circle hook will likely lodge in the corner of the bass' mouth.

Back Country reply :

On 7/4/2014 at 12:11 PM, tcbass said:
Your Mustad link doesn't work. Which weighted ones do you use?

Try this amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Mustad-Ultra-Point-Impact-4-Pack/dp/B00EU9VRC2

Alonerankin2 reply :

Wow , I never seen those mustads before, and at 12$ for Four 1/0 hooks, I will never use them either... That's the price they showed me anyway..

Back Country reply :

On 7/5/2014 at 12:50 AM, Alonerankin2 said:
Wow , I never seen those mustads before, and at 12$ for Four 1/0 hooks, I will never use them either... That's the price they showed me anyway..

It's been a while since I've bought any of the Mustads (I usually stock up when I see them), but I usually get them at Academy, and for far less than $12.

Alonerankin2 reply :

Yea, the size 2 I think it was, priced at 6.98$ ...fair enough for a great hook.... And it looks to be a very solid hook, always love a wire weedguard over nylon any day... And weighted... Saw some nylon/ gammys at DSG for 9$ wow, prices really starting to creep up! I am using owner mosquito 3/0 at 2.98$ great hooks , along with owner 2/0 ssw @ 4.98 for 8 hooks.... I have noticed some of mustads Quailty is suffering in some hook types, a fisherman has to stay on his toes these days!

Tight lines my friend!

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