Texas rig......Straight Shank or offset wide gap or offset round bend?

[jjjmpv22]

What is everyone prefer to use when they Texas rig a worm or other soft plastic?
I have use the wide gap for years now, but am thinking about making the switch to straight shank. Just wanted to see what everyone on here uses

[Cy]

I have moved to a straight shank hook for most of t-rig fishing.  The hook up ratio is awesome.  I will still use an EMG sometimes, like if I am fishing a tube or a bait that won't hold a large straight shank hook.  I normally use the Gamakatsu 4/0 or 5/0 flippin hook.

[Got Fish??]

It depends on what I'm throwing. Worm, creature or tub. Not just Texas , but Carolina rig also.

[Waterfoul]

Smaller baits get the EWG.. like a smallie beaver.  Bigger baits get a flippin hook.  I like the newer Strike King in a 4/0

[Hooksetter]

I am gonna try straight shank hooks for t-rigs this year. Bought some 5/0 Trokars on clearance at Wal-mart for $4.99 a pack.

Willie

[Lightningboy]

EWG for small diameter worms.  I run the point straight through the worm like I would a sicko, and then skin hook the point.

Thicker worms get a straight shank trokar.  The little bait holder behind the eye does a pretty good job of keeping the worm from sliding down.  Plus they are wicked sharp.

[Waterfoul]

Check the points on those Trokars often.  I've found they fold over pretty easy after getting it stuck in cover = dull hook.  They are after all an Eagle Claw hook.

[Cy]

I have never fished a Trokar hook but I will not spend $2.50 per hook on something unless it is amazing...from everything I have heard from trusted sources, they are not amazing.  Stick with mustard, gami or other good hooks.

[FishermanJohn]

I've always used offset round bend Gamakatsu for most of my soft plastic applications except I use the EWG for bulky baits. 

I have read in several articles including KVDs book that EWGs have a lower hook-up ratio because the point is in line with the hook eye rather than offset.  I have never really noticed a lower hook-up ratio but I am going to give it a try this year with my flipping/pitching.

[fiker]

I use EWG Gammy hooks on most of my stuff.  I don't notice any loss in hook ups, nor do I lose fish on them once hooked very often.  Skinny, fat, creature baits, doesn't matter much to me.  I just use different sizes of the EWGs.  Sometimes I even drop shot with em depending on what soft plastic I use. 

[Lightningboy]

I haven't noticed any problems with the points folding over, but then I do swap out hooks pretty often.  In fact, I always use new hooks for tournaments; used hooks are only for practice.  Even then, I trash 'em if the point won't easily snag my finger nail.

I tried the trokars for big worms on a trip to Alabama.  They seemed to work well with big 8+ inch worms, they keep the head of the worm in place well comming through cover.  I also use them with a beaver for punching through pads.  With an upward hook set, I can usually punch right through the roof of a bass's mouth.

Most other times, you'll find a Gammy EWG on then end of my line.  There's lots of good quality hooks out there.  I pick based on how it fits the bait. 

I've found most bad hook sets are due to operator error.   

[jjjmpv22]

Thanks for the responses fellas!