Hooks for senko type worms

[Ffer]

The last two years we have went to Canada (Atikoken area) to fish for smallmouth.  There were many of the fish on beds. Probably caught half of our fish on them . 90% of our fishing was using senko type baits (4-5") hooked just once through the middle with no weight at all. Very effective , but I'd guess that we had 30% or better at times came off or just didn't get hooked up on them. We used different type worm hooks on them , mostly Gamakatsu and Trokar. Tried different styles of hooks. Regular worm hooks and hvy cover straight worm hooks. Want to cut down on the misses and long releases. Any recommendations ?  Most fish were in the 2.5- 3.5 lb range so it wasn't from little ones.

[fishinwrench]

I use Gamakatsu Octopus hooks, tied with a Snell knot since they are up-eye. The heavier weight of the hook makes the worm wiggle quicker and there is no flex at all in the hook.  I use 15# line and shoot it into some really nasty spots. I don't consider wacky worming to be a finnesse technique like alot of guys do.

Missed bites are less of a problem for me than striking too late and gut hooking them.  I give a little pull about every 1.5 seconds just to "feel for a bite".

[slothman]

I also use gamakatsu octopus hooks when I am going weightless. The majority of the time I use a 1/16oz wacky jighead from bass pro. I find that the extra weight makes the worm wiggle more. I use an o-ring in the middle of the worm and hook through the worm partially and go through the o-ring so that the hook is perpendicular to the worm. I am pretty new to the wacky worm senko game, but I have had a lot of success with this technique this year. I use Yum Dingers (real senkos are just too expensive for me). 

[Old plug]

I and wrench have discussed ths in the past I know both of us use 03 or 04 size octopus  hooks. The octopus hook in this size seem to hook much better. I use about anything as far as brands go plus some  stuff like plastic worms 6" trick worms. I caught sone of my larger fish on the trick worm. . Thing about the worms they do not skip as well as the regular sinko types. I have never seen a real Sinko. I like worms tha have a bit more flex in them.  I think the flex thing is more in my head than on the end of a line

[fshndoug]

could be and probably is the action of your rods.I use fast tip rods at least 6 foot to 7 plus feet

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, fshndoug said:

could be and probably is the action of your rods.I use fast tip rods at least 6 foot to 7 plus feet

Yeah if you're not getting them stuck good definitely step up to a stiffer rod, or a line with less stretch.  I reel into them then hammer 'em pretty good with a fast Med. action rod and 15# flouro.

[Flysmallie]

If you have a lot just pulling off it's the rod or line or both. I have fought this particular battle for too long. And I was stubborn to give up on the rod. But after losing a big fish on Fellows and a big Smallmouth in a float I made a change and instantly things got better. 

[Gavin]

I use the Octopus hooks and  a pretty stiff 6'8" spin rod..Braid, and a leader. 

[moguy1973]

I started using the Berkeley Fusion19 wacky hooks with a weed guard this year and they work really great for wacky rigging around brush without getting hung up. I also use either two o-rings or a doubled up goody hair rubber band and put the hook through the X of the band so the hook is perpendicular to the worm.  Gets much better hookups in that orientation. 

[slothman]

Also, I have been using a 1/0 hook. I've been pretty happy with that size. 

 

I believe that the perpendicular hook orientation is a pretty key component of getting better hookups.