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What Size Split Shot Hooks for What Baits?

Russ Bassdozer, Page, AZ

Hi Don. Well, I have to admit that our Split Shot hook size numbering scheme is definitely "off" compared to most other manufacturers' numbering schemes. What we call our #4 is comparable to what other manufacturers might call their #2 hook sizes. With our 5, 6, and 7 sizes... bump them all up a size number or two to be comparable to what other manufacturers designate as their hook sizes.

Be that as it may, our size 4 Split Shot hook is what most of our Pro Staffers prefer as their "starting" size for standard size baits such as:

• our 4" (40), 5" (18), 6" (02) single tail grubs,
• our 4" (15), 5" (16), 6" (12) double tail grubs,
• the 4" to 6" single and double tail skirted Hula Grubs (93, 94, 97, 98, 99 series),
• the 4" Senko (9S) and the 5" Senko (9)
• the 5" Craw (series 3), the 7" Lizard (13), the 8" Worm (8),
• the Ika (92) and the Big Ika (92B), and 
• our 3.5" and 4.5" tube baits (series 33 & 34)

In all of the above, the Split Shot hook preserves more of the lifelike, unpredictable action of the bait than would a longer, heavier offset shank hook on leadered rigs (Carolina, Pro-Jo, Splitshot, Dropshot, Shakin' or totally weightless) 

Notice I said "starting" size above. For "starters", I'll fish the #4 in open water or on clean rocky bottoms - but NOT in weeds, wood or brush. You'll get snagged on every weed, twig or whatever that the #4 Split Shot hook comes into contact. In such cover, I'll progressively down-size the Split Shot hook to a 5, 6, or 7 until it comes through cover - not always but effectively most of the time. By down-sizing, I am using the nose and girth of the soft plastic as a snag or weed guard to protect the hook from fouling - while still being able to hook fish. It's the same trade-off you make when fishing a fiberguard jig in cover whereas an open hook jig could not function without problems. 

That's important because "how to" use circle hooks (our Split Shot hooks) typically entails a slack line presentation and little or no hookset - just a tightening of the line to set the hook. As you wind in line on the reel, the rod tip "loads" with the pressure of the fish and the Split Shot hook slides in the mouth cavity until it catches in the bony jaw plate or behind the thick, rubbery solid lips of the fish. So, just like it is harder to hook a fish on a fiberguard jig than an open hook jig, it is harder to hook a fish on a size 5, 6, or 7 Split Shot hook that has a big, fat piece of plastic shielding it from snags. What to do? Let the fish chew on the bait more (like a piece of bass bubblegum). Once they taste the salt in our baits, they will not let go anytime soon. Concentrate on the hookset more (you must concentrate more with fiberguard jigs too) by winding the line onto the reel more slowly and more deliberately as the rod tip loads under pressure of the fish. A little trickier to do, but practice makes perfect. Remember, you're preserving the light, floating quality of the bait by using the Split Shot hook - and getting a few more hits at times when fish prefer this as opposed to going to a heavier offset shank hook that would deaden the baits action - and an offset hook may be too long to even fit in some very small baits.

Speaking of small baits... the smallest sizes of Split Shots (6 or 7) work better than the bigger sizes in:

• our 3" single tail grub (series 30) 
• our Slim Senko (9J) 
• the Baby Craw (3S) 
• the Baby Lizard (13S) 
• the 4" Cut Tail Worm, the 4" and 6" ribbon tail worms (series 7, 4, 6 respectively)

Put the Split Shot hook in the bottom and out the top (in at 6 o'clock, out at 12 o'clock) about 1/4" or more back from the nose tip on any bait - up to 1/2" back to hide the hookpoint in the snaggy cover areas we mentioned above.

Don't forget about wacky rigging any of these baits in the middle with the Split Shot hooks. Everyone knows (or has heard of) wacky-rigging Senkos and worms - but try ANY other bait wacky too. It may seem funny to rig a grub or crawdad wacky-style. Just try different hook placements at boatside. Be creative. For example, you can put the Split Shot in at 10 or 11 o'clock and out at 2 or 1 o'clock respectively to wacky the craw - or put it in and out parallel in the wide floppy part rather than perpendicular to the bait's body. Watch how it falls through the water until it has a falling motion you feel confident will appeal to the fish looking at it from down below. Trust me, if the fish want it (and they will), you'll load the boat when nothing else works. It won't seem so funny then...and you'll laugh all the way through a great day and novel way of catching bass!

Cap'n Jack Duggins, Litchfield, ME

Speaking of unconventional tactics, while most folks like to "down-size" for smallies, I like to use the bigger baits. I do catch some largemouth but if I am targeting bronzebacks, I usually get bigger fish.

I use the 92F (Fat Ika) with a # 4 Split-Shot hook inserted into the end with the 'skirt' - not the nose. It's not really a big bait but it is the size of the local crawfish and the smallies jump on 'em. - Cap'n Jack Duggins

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