Ned Rig No Glue

[Mitch f]

Hooks are mighty big. Keep us updated.

You can let them hang loose. I glue for two reasons. First, it cuts down on some of the line twist generated. Second, the flopping worm simulates "pressure bites" from brown fish, when raising up on the worm.

So if you use a #1 or #2 hook size, how much of the hook will be exposed? Half the bend? It seems like that would loose fish IMO but you guys know this rig well and I don't. I'm sure the sharpness and quality of the hook helps. I guess the lightness of the action of the rod will help too. Also, would a 1/0 hook get you less bites at the end of the day?

[Ham]

The amount of exposed hook gap is a double edged sword. A bigger gap hooks the fish easier and usually holds better, but that larger hook will snag more as well. Also larger hook sizes usually mean larger wire and more force required to set the hook.

The nature of the elaztec stuff may come into play as well. I could see it compressing and increaseing the gap for the hook on a bite.

The little #2 hook is pretty darn weedless, but I have had some mystery pull offs where I'm guessing the fish was only skin hooked and pulled hard enough to tear off.

I am a mere entry level student to the ned rig game, but I have been fishing finesse stuff for a long, long time. I'm not looking to re-invent anything. I'm going to stick to #2, #1, and 1/0 hooks. I bought some of the skinny bear weedless heads that have a 1/0 hook. It hasn't seemed to reduce bites or hang up too much more. I don't want my hooks to be any larger than a 1/0 though.

I am not against ppl trying there own thing or looking for improvements. I'm going to stick with the Loc Tite Gel for the forseeable future. Minimal downsides with pretty good results thus far.

[dtrs5kprs]

So if you use a #1 or #2 hook size, how much of the hook will be exposed? Half the bend? It seems like that would loose fish IMO but you guys know this rig well and I don't. I'm sure the sharpness and quality of the hook helps. I guess the lightness of the action of the rod will help too. Also, would a 1/0 hook get you less bites at the end of the day?

Short answers...there is not really a problem with gap with the #1 or #2. I have fished it and caught keepers at Table Rock with #4 hooks. Take a look at the pics of the baits Ned throws posted on his blog. They look like maybe a #4, plain old bronze hook. Once you have one stuck, and I pop them vs. a reel set, it will usually pull for the bottom and finish setting the hook. Certainly most of the brown ones. Blacks and spots make me nervous when they come up. And yes, you will catch less fish with a 1/0 hook, and stay hung more often. Tried it, mostly because we are all conditioned to want a big hook with a big gap. It was not better.

If I could only have one, it would probably be a #2 in most brands. The #2 Gamakatsu 114 is an exception, it is tiny and light. Tried it and did not like it.

Only real trouble with gap is related to hook design. Many of these 90 degree hooks are built to make pouring heads faster, and have a turned down/in point. I will take pliers and bend that up slightly, so it is pointed more at the roof of the mouth. Like opening up the gap on a flip jig hook.

[kirkton]

Ok so i should be in that ballpark used 5" sinkos. appriciate the info