When to Use Straight Shank vs Offset Worm 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.

FEATURED PRODUCT
HOOKS
• Gamakatsu Offset Shank Worm (round bend): Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/3LkqMAL | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3PGGo4d
• Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Worm: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/3PgXowh | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/48cSMA6
• Gamakatsu Offset EWG: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/3LqhSS9 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3EBcbx4

TACKLE & ROD SETUP
• ROD (flipping) - Cashion ICON Series Flipping Rod 7'10" Heavy/Mod Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3PEjBG4
• ROD (casting) Cashion ICON Worm and Jig Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/da55J3 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3Rs4aCl
• REEL - Daiwa Zillion SV TV: Check out at Daiwa https://bit.ly/48j4WYj
• LINE - Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 16-20 pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3P1FL4C
• PLASTIC 1 - Missile Baits D Bomb Creature Bait: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/45T5geu | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3PEBMeI
• PLASTIC 2 - Missile Baits Bomba Worm: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/46dXhsc

BOAT-RELATED GEAR
• TROLLING MOTOR - Power-Pole MOVE ZR Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/3PgXYdr | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/45Q1u5P
• Power-Pole Blade Shallow Water Anchor - Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/3LjuhYg | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/44V7itc
• MOTOR - Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury https://rb.gy/ycd6r


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