What size hook do you prefer on your big bucktails?

[JerseyCoast]

With all of the bucktail talk happening and everybody looking to promote their jigs, ( myslef included. I jumped into the pool here yesterday) lets hear from the fishermen who are buying the product.

I worked with OMT on a jig that NOBODY else could do for me in 5 years of asking. I grew up fishing Raritan Bay. We all know that there are days when you need every bit of 10oz or 12oz to get into the deep waters of the Ambrose and other areas.

Problem always has been:
1- Not many made jigs over 8ozs
2- Hooks were wayyyy too large for fluke, on anything 6oz or more.

Jerry at OMT managed to build me jigs up to 24oz with a hook that was the perfect size for fluke. No need for the stinger hook, or sticking the fish on the underside, because the hook was too big to fit in their mouth. I have been selling tons of them and whenever a new area gets shipped out, we see multiple orders from that area.

So, what do you guys like? Do you want the smaller hook? Or do you use the 8/0 hooks on other jigs? I can tell you the hook up ratio improves 10X over with the smaller hooks. I used to gaff the fish with other jigs because of the large hooks on them. Being on the bottom with a smaller hook will make a big difference!

I know a few of you may say the larger hooks are better and I know that a few others who have ties to other jig makers will disagree too, but I am still curious how many of you know that the smaller hook size on jigs 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz and 16oz are available? Took me years to get them done the right way, so I know its not a well known thing yet. Let me hear your thoughts......good or bad...... This thread is for discussion, not selling.

[The Sinker Man]

hook sizes on anything over 6 oz. can be any size that you want. What you have to think about is that the smaller the hook, the shorter the lenght of the shank...So to enbed the smaller hook into the bigger jig and get the shank into more of the meat of the jig will also bring the bend of the hook closer to the body of the jig...smaller hooks can also be put into the smaller jigs if you want to f**k with your mold like I did...From what I have done and heard I think that the smaller hook is the way to go.

[BLUEFISH LOUIE]

Must say the smaller the better (hook size that is)!

[JerseyCoast]

Originally Posted by The Sinker Man

hook sizes on anything over 6 oz. can be any size that you want. What you have to think about is that the smaller the hook, the shorter the lenght of the shank...So to enbed the smaller hook into the bigger jig and get the shank into more of the meat of the jig will also bring the bend of the hook closer to the body of the jig...smaller hooks can also be put into the smaller jigs if you want to f**k with your mold like I did...From what I have done and heard I think that the smaller hook is the way to go.

In all fairness, I did not know about Sam when I was searching. I recently met him on NJ Fishing. The answer you just gave me, was not what everybody else gave me. Most of them did not want to make any sizes over 6oz.

Once we went to the smaller hook, we no longer had the fish coming up with a hook in their head, belly, eyes, .......... More fish were hooked in the mouth, for a safer release.

[The Sinker Man]

Tom,
Could it be that with the smaller hook being closer to the main body of the jig that the fluke when it attacks the main body of the jig that it almost has to engulf the hook at the same time..But with a bigger hook being further away from the main body that the hook never enters the flukes mouth? I myself do not make bucktails and when I do it's not over 8 oz..The only one that I know of locally that make super huge jigs would be OMT.Maybe the guys on here should stop by your shop and check them out...

[JerseyCoast]

Not really sure Sam, but what you described is pretty much what I think as well.

Speaking of your products, I will email over an order. That time of year to start refilling some low bins.

[Kevin Bogan]

Originally Posted by JerseyCoast

Not really sure Sam, but what you described is pretty much what I think as well.

Speaking of your products, I will email over an order. That time of year to start refilling some low bins.

Tom, I carry Sams Jigs for those that want to cut "jig costs" down. The guys that are not skilled in painting or tying jigs can simply take a small squid skirt and slide it over the "HUB" of any of Sam's jigs. I know guys that have killed the Fluke using this method. His prices are very reasonable. You will do well with them.
To answer your hook question, I think that a longer shank may be a better idea than gap size.

[italianfisherman]

only use 3/0. perfect hook size.(jmop)

[JerseyCoast]

Originally Posted by Kevin Bogan

Tom, I carry Sams Jigs for those that want to cut "jig costs" down. The guys that are not skilled in painting or tying jigs can simply take a small squid skirt and slide it over the "HUB" of any of Sam's jigs. I know guys that have killed the Fluke using this method. His prices are very reasonable. You will do well with them.
To answer your hook question, I think that a longer shank may be a better idea than gap size.

Yes, it works very well! I have some raw heads in the shop too. I like the squid skirt thing myself. Seems to work well.