®
Fall 2021
page 62
Hooks have come a long way since animal bone and
I once caught an IGFA World Record walleye on the
shell hooks before the Stone Age. Despite the technological
Columbia River in Washington while using the same #4
advancements, there is no “one size fits all” or magic hook
Gamakatsu split shot/dropshot hook on 6-pound-test
for all situations.
Sugoi fluorocarbon line. The hook size was perfectly
Understanding and employing the different qualities
matched to my line size, and the Lamiglas 3-power rod and
and features of the right hook can make the difference
Shimano 2500 spinning reel.
between landing a trophy or experiencing a train wreck.
Fly fishermen catch huge fish on smaller hooks and
As a seasoned lifelong angler, I grew up when hooks
lighter line, because they match the tackle to the size hook
floated like a butterfly, but now sting like a bee. In the 1970’s necessary to imitate a tiny mayfly or caddis fly.
top bass anglers labored hours with a honing stone and a
Many characteristics of the split shot/drop shot hook
box of blued steel J-Hooks. The hooks did not go into the
parallel a fly hook. The thin wire makes the hook lightweight,
tacklebox until the point would dig into a thumbnail instead which aids the flotation qualities of a soft plastic worm,
of sliding across it.
without negatively affecting the appearance of the worm.
There were basically two styles of hook for all lures,
The barb on the Gamakatsu model is small, as is the conical
the single “J-Hook” and the treble hook. The only choice in
needle point that easily punctures flesh (or a tooth patch).
the matter was the size used. Today there are more styles,
Compare this to a larger knife point that relies on slicing
shapes, sizes, finishes, thicknesses, features, and other
flesh to penetrate. A knife point may be favored for species
aspects that give choices most never consider.
of fish that have tough rubbery mouths, but the tradeoff
Understanding these aspects can be the biggest factor
is that the mouth of a bass can tear or split, allowing more
in advancing angler success. Unlike when I started bass
damage and a larger hole where the hook can fall out during
fishing as a charter member of B.A.S.S., today there are
a jump or head shake. The small barb on a needle point
many excellent choices in hook brands and models.
bass hook holds a bass better with less damage, often
Having used Gamakatsu hooks since they first
requiring pliers to remove.
appeared, I have studied hook design and even helped them
Today’s models of split shot/drop shot hooks even
to design some of the very hooks that are likely in your
sport extremely thin “Tournament Grade Wire” which is
tackle box. In this and future articles I hope to share some
stronger than the line used with these hooks. Unlike regular
lessons learned about specific bass hooks.
wire hooks, you can even buy models coated with nano
In general, it is obvious that a hook needs to stick
particle technology. This provides a subdued finish that
quickly, penetrate, hold (without breaking, bending, or falling does not negatively alert the sense of sight of a bass and
out), and land fish. In addition, the hook must complement
provides a slick finish that aids in penetration with less
the lure style, shape, and material.
force.
It also must be matched with the technique used, the
An important characteristic of any hook, but especially
power of the rod and reel, and most importantly the pound
one used with light line, is the direction of the hook point
test of the line being used.
with relation to the line tie, or eye of the hook. Ideally a
In the old days one truth about bass fishing hooks
hook point that is directly in line with the direction
everyone followed was “bigger is better.” This concept
of line pull will be the most efficient in its ability to
is often repeated to this day. As my Willamette train
penetrate.
wreck experience illustrates, this is not always true.
Keep this in mind when considering which hook
Most anglers realize hook size must be appropriate
you plan to use, especially with 4- to 8-pound test
for the bait size, but how many
line. An efficient in-line hook point will
consider the wire size
set itself during the fight,
to match the line size? If
minimizing line breakage,
using 6 or 8-pound-test,
while the light weight and
you will rarely generate
conical point keep the
enough force to drive a
hook from falling out with
thick wire hook past the
light pressure.
barb into a bass.
Stay tuned for
Today’s premium
future articles where we
light wire hooks are
will explore other hook
stronger than light line,
styles such Z-Bend,
so by using thinner wire
R-Bend, Round Bend,
you gain a penetration
O’Shaughnessy Bend,
advantage without
and different treble
sacrificing strength.
hook styles. Be sure
Conversely if you
to also view the video
use braid to fish heavy
embedded in this article
cover, you might easily
to see the split shot/
bend or break a light wire hook when you pin Mama Pesce.
Willamette wiiners caught on a #4 Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot hook
drop shot hook in action with both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Ciao. •