When to Use Offset and EWG vs Straight Shank Hooks

Pro bass angler John Crews shares extensive knowledge of when and where to use offset and EWG (extra wide gap) vs. straight shank bass fishing hooks. He’s invested years of experience and thousands of bass to form strong preferences, drilling down to design details that lend each better toward Texas rigging plastics in different situations. *Featured products listed at the bottom.

HOOK DYNAMICS – CLOSE VS. FAR

The primary hook consideration for Crews is the distance between the angler and the fish during the hook set. Seth Feider supports the same with his Texas rig setups for bass. The video underlines the distinction between the two primary hook styles – the offset and EWG style and the straight shank. He explains the mechanics of why a straight shank excels in close-quarters combat fishing. A few quality fish catches support his case. Conversely, offset and EWG styles yield better results on a long due to the unique wire bend.

FLIPPING & PITCHING BAITS AND HOOK TYPES

Crews presents a comprehensive look at different baits with particular emphasis on creature baits in Texas rig applications. He favors straight shank styles in this application, where thicker plastic bodies are the norm. A larger gap has more space to slide bulkier plastic against the hook shank, with ample remaining space to find purchase on the hook set. A straight shank hook also creates a more streamlined presentation for easier in and out of heavy cover when pitching close to the boat.

LINE DIAMETER AND HOOK SELECTION

The hook’s efficiency isn’t only about its shape. Crews discusses the role of hook gauge (wire thickness) and the interplay with your chosen line. Generally, heavier gauge hooks get the nod when fishing braid or heavier 20-pound fluorocarbon. Heavy line and beefier hooks excel when fishing heavy cover where you need to horse bass free. Conversely, he prefers lighter wire when the cover allows, as hook penetration is easier.

CLOSING TAKEAWAYS

Highlighting tools like quiet trolling motors and shallow water anchors, Crews gives valuable advice for efficient, stealthy fishing. Relying on Gamakatsu hooks throughout his career, he champions the effectiveness of offset and EWG for longer casts and heavy cover straight shank worm hooks for flipping and pitching. You’ll improve your hook-up and landing ratios by understanding and applying Crews’ principles on bass fishing hooks.

TACKLE & ROD SETUP

ROD (flipping) – Cashion ICON Series Flipping Rod 7’10” Heavy/Mod Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
ROD (casting) Cashion ICON Worm and Jig Casting Rod 7′ Med Hvy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
REEL – Daiwa Zillion SV TV: Check out at Daiwa
LINE – Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 16-20 pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- Check out more line options at Sunline
PLASTIC 1 – Missile Baits D Bomb Creature Bait: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
PLASTIC 2 – Missile Baits Bomba Worm: Buy at Tackle Warehouse