Thread: jig head and hook size

When it comes to jig hook size, my only reason for chosing one size over another is a lure's body length with hook gap and jig weight always factors taken in comination. Take this example:



Too short or too long a hook shank have drawbacks. Fish target the whole lure IMO and a gap that is small above the top of the lure's body loses more fish IMO. Too long a hook makes a lure more fragile where the area joins the tail and rips easily. The hook on the 1/24 oz is a #6 (lt); on the 1/16, a #4 (rt). When it comes to gap, I sometimes widen the gap just a bit with pliers (left photo) for light hits or repeated hits from overly aggressive fish.

The hook size used with the 1/32 oz below is a #6:


The hook should come out 1/2 to 3/4 of the way from the body. Rarely do I need a tiny #8 hook for most of the lures I cast even with 1/32 or 1/64 oz jigs. This 3" stick bait still only required a #4 hook with a 1/24 oz.jig:


Jig head weight is dependent on how slow the retrieve regardless lure body length. I prefer a #2 hook when fish are biting plastic worms or sticks such as a 5" G.Y. Kut tail worm (lt) and worm (rt):

Note: both jigs weights were 1/24 oz./ hook sizes #4 to allow the best lure action for this type of lure.

Hook size is never an issue when it comes to strike deterrence IMO whereas lure length and thickness are key coupled with hook gap and length. Many of my catches include 3" fish taken on 3" lures and #6 hooks.


Again, opinions vary based on experience as seen in the above replies, but my average catches range form 40-80 fish outings which include 3" - 15" pan fish and up to 2.5 lb bass using a multitude of soft plastic designs, jig head weights and hook sizes - nothing set in stone.