hook size

[colayn]

I just discovered sickle style hooks !! Along with that I have started tying some of my own crappie jigs.
Like to get your opinions on the sickle hooks and which hook size you like best for 1/16 and 1/8 jigs for casting.
Do you prefer a different size hook when using the sickle verses the tradition round bend?
Thanks for your input
Paul

[Wiskers]

I just discovered sickle style hooks !! Along with that I have started tying some of my own crappie jigs.
Like to get your opinions on the sickle hooks and which hook size you like best for 1/16 and 1/8 jigs for casting.
Do you prefer a different size hook when using the sickle verses the tradition round bend?
Thanks for your input
Paul

I like the #4 on the 1/16 & #2 on the 1/8 & 3/32. I also like the red hooks.

[ifish]

colayn,
I have fished with the sickle hooks for a while and I have quit using them. This may sound crazy but where I fish in heavy brush or wood stake beds they tend to hang up a lot more because they are very sharp and the hook point sits a little different. I use Eagleclaw 575R hooks that are red. I use a #2 for 1/32 ,1/16 ,3/32and 1/8. If you like the sickles, Crazy Angler has some very good prices. Results for FISH GETTERS

[brushnjigs]

It is not the sharpness of the hook, It is the placement of the hook point. I use owners 5318 and it is sewing needle sharp. !/32#2,, 1/16oz #1,, 1/8oz#1/0 I seldom hang up, learn to feel the jig coming thru the brush, of when to ease up, raise up, or to let it drop a little

[Bronson]

You can use a #2 or #4 for any of these. All hooks have their pro's and con's. Sickle has a wider gap than most (especially an Eagle Claw) In my opinion, they are weaker and bend easier than most. Very sharp. Fairly inexpensive. Use a triangular file and touch up the point and you're good to go. Will straigthen out when hung up easier than most.

I poured about 300 a little over a week ago. I use both a #2 & 4 for 1/16. I fish weedless w/a Y guard and I like the #4 for the real brushy spots and the #2 for more open cover. I've heard the red ones are a little easier to break but haven't used enough to know is that's true or not.

[1fishmike]

How does the y-guard attach. In the mold or after you pour.

[M R Dux]

I fish the largest red sickle hook that will fit the jig mold. For 1/8 oz barbed round head jig the hook is a #1.

[Bronson]

How does the y-guard attach. In the mold or after you pour.

In the mold, I got it from Do It Co. but they don't make them anymore. Been using them for 15 years and it's by far my favorite jig when casting. Easy to work thru a brushtop.