Choosing hooks: Hook size for soft baits
Hook sizes run #6, #4, #2, #1 (getting bigger), then 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 … (getting bigger again). Sizes are not standard across brands: compare the gaps side by side. Use the smallest hook you can get away with, and size the gap to the bait's thickness.
| Bait | Hook | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4.5" (7.5–11.5 cm) drop-shot bait, nose-hooked | Octopus / drop-shot | #2–1/0 |
| 5" (13 cm) stick bait, wacky | Wacky / octopus / circle | #1–1/0 (2/0 circle) |
| 4–7" (10–18 cm) slim worm, Texas | Offset Worm | 3/0 |
| 8–12" (20–30 cm) worm, Texas | Offset Worm | 4/0–5/0 |
| 4–5" (10–13 cm) thick bait | EWG | 2/0–3/0 |
| 6–8" (15–20 cm) lizard, craw, creature | EWG | 3/0–4/0 |
| Big creature bait, punching | EWG or flipping hook | 4/0–5/0 |
| 3–5" (7.5–13 cm) swimbait | Spring-lock, 1/16 oz (1.8 g) | 3/0–4/0 |
| 4–10" (10–25 cm) swimbait | Spring-lock, 1/8 oz (3.5 g) | 5/0 |
| 4.5–7.5" (11.5–19 cm) swimbait | Weighted swimbait hook | 4/0–10/0 (table on its page) |
Test: hook the bait Texas-style and pinch it. If the point does not come clear of the plastic with room to spare, go up a size or to a wider gap.
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Choosing hooks
Straight or offset, fine or heavy wire (with a formula), the wire for your line and rod, hook size for each soft bait, every way to hook a drop shot, and hook eyes: which way they face and at what angle.