5 Best Bass Hooks for Plastic Baits

Choosing the right hook for your plastic bait can be the difference between catching bass and a pretty empty livewell at the end of the trip. With so many options on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed. 

To help weed through the options, this guide will break down the 5 best bass hooks for different types of plastic baits and show you when to use each one to maximize your hook-up rate.

The Extra Wide Gap (EWG) Hook:

The EWG is the undisputed king of bass fishing hooks. Its wide gap and offset bend provide a huge target for bass to slam, while the strong shank stands up to even the biggest bruisers. Use an EWG for paddletail swimbaits, creature baits, bulky craws and Texas rigged thick-bodied stickbaits and worms.

The Wacky Rig Hook:

The wacky rig is a deadly finesse technique, and the right hook makes all the difference. Look for a straight shank hook with a weed guard and a keeper barb to hold your worm in place. Use a wacky rig hook for worms/stickbaits, weedless drop shot rigs, and neko rigged worms.

The Straight Shank Flipping Hook:

Don't underestimate the classic straight shank hook! Its simple design and strong construction make it a workhorse for specific situations. Use a straight shank hook for flipping, pitching and punching into heavy cover.

The Offset Straight Shank Worm Hook:

The offset straight shank worm hook is a Texas rig specialist. Its bend keeps the plastic bait weedless and provides a good hook angle for solid penetration. Use an offset shank hook for relatively thin worms, lizards, and creature baits all benefit from the weedless presentation whether rigged with a weight or weightless.

The Drop Shot Hook:

The drop shot is a delicate dance, and the right hook makes all the difference. Look for a small, lightweight hook with a long shank and a wide gap. Use a drop shot hook for finesse worms and baits. The light wire hooks help small worms and creature baits come to life and work with the drop shot's subtle action.

It just so happens that bass pro Brandon Cobb concurs with the list of hooks provided above as he describes in the following short video:

Bonus Tip: Remember, hook size matters! Match your hook size to the size of your bait, the cover you're fishing and the size of the bass targeted. A big hook on a small bait will hinder action, while a small hook on a big fish might bend or break, especially if fighting the fish through heavy cover.