The Gamakatsu TGW drop shot hook. Take a look at it. I used those mosquito hooks in a #1 for a few years too and I something definitely changed. There's also a trick for any drop shot hook that sounds real counter intuitive but it works. Bend down your barbs. A lot of times I would bring in fish and realize the hook was sliding right now and it would just stop at the barb and they'd never get pinned at the bottom of the bend. Just do one or two in practice and you'll see what I mean.
SmallmouthCrush it sounds weird but it works. Without a big hook set like a normal T Rig, if the hook hits bone or the roof of their mouth, it's Hard to get the barb through too. Since your using a real limber rod with a DS, as long as you just keep pressure on them, you're good.
After dealing with the same problem and trying all brands I finally settled on the Trokar drop shot hook and #2 hook for 3" baits and #1 or even a #1/0 for bigger baits or especially if I'm after 4+lb fish. When you make a comparison the Trokar has a larger barb than most and I think it makes a difference. I will also fatten my polymar knot with a overhand knot if I'm using a larger hook on 6.lb test so it has a pop when you pull the tag end through and will keep the hook in position rather than drooping. I can't believe BASS won't let you use a net, JMHO but I think it does more harm to the fish flipping them or playing out till they have nothing left oh and who wants to lip a berzerk smallie with a jerkbait in his mouth? .....TX for all the videos, great info Bill Barrett
VMC spinshot hooks...we were loosing fish left and right on st Clair...changed hooks and never lost a fish after that...when they are biting good I don’t think it matters but when they are barely taking it I think that hook sticks a little further out.
I use owners for everything, even pour them into my jigs but Ive had the same issue with the dropshot hooks. I used to use the gamas Aaron martens hook and Ive gone back to it and noticed a huge difference. keeps the smallies on mille pacs pinned no problem!
Vmc spin shot and Neko have both been working well for me. I know the spin shot hooks are kind of cheesy but they work and do give your bait a different action.
My vote is still for the OWNER Mosquito hook. Tried the G finesse but went back to Owner. Using slammers which are similar to the baits you are using. Upsized from the size 2 to the 2/0 when using these types of Goby imitators. Nails them in the top lip or side cheek. Just came off Lake St. Clair didn't loose one since I went to the larger hook. Still use size 2 hook when dropping dream shot type baits.
Hey Dude, hands down the only way I dropshot, haven't changed a thing in 13 yrs, very very few lost fish, 10's of thousands won. Owner Downshot 2/0, MUST use straight flouro, I use 8lb. Braid will straighten the hook.
do you edit the drag sound in your videos? Seemed like your drag was a little loose. Simple Gamakatsu Drop/Split shot hook work great for me. Very very rarely loose a fish on them. Not that you need my input, you are a way more accomplished fisherman than myself. Good videos, keep'em coming
We were in the campground in an RV behind you in spot 44...I lost so many good fish it made me sick to my stomach...I had a 4+ on a Zara Spook with KVD trebles just pull lose at the boat and he had it choked...I don't even want to go into the drop shot issue or shaky head and how many came off at the boat...so I think Matt might be onto something with the soft mouth theory. I talked to countless guys who pulled off fish....your onto something but how to correct it is another story...I don't think it is a hook issue...good luck in future and nice meeting you there.
I use Owner for most of my hooks but not for drop shot anymore either. I find the round bend of the mosquito hooks don't pin the fish well and tear the lips more costing me fish. I switched to the Gamakatsu split-drop shot hook 2 years ago and didnt look back. The straight pin to that wide gap bend on the gamakatsu just pins the fish better. Tried the blakemore stand out hook and the trapper keeper recently also. the stand out hook has the same issues as the owner. If you try that hook downsize it. They are obtrusive. The trapper keeper is a gimmick. and dont care for the shape with the drop shot baits I typically throw.
Gamakatsu #1 drop shot hook 100%, I have landed lots of large fish on it and lose very few.Berkley fusion drop shot is the same hook at a better price, I can't tell a difference
That's fishing bud, it just wasn't meant to be.. I completely understand the frustration though! I like the gamakatsu wide gap finesse hook as well as a few others listed! Where I'm from the drop shot pretty much wins every tournament, and that hook gets them in the roof of the mouth 98% of the time! I can't say 100% because obviously there are some freak things, but overall those hooks are awesome! Keep up the tournament vids! Love them!!
I just watched this video and I know it’s old. But. I would say your drag is a little to lose and your not getting a really good hook set on Them!! Trying fighting up the drag a little bit and see if it helps.
Bro listen to me.....you want the best drop shot hook.....nose hook or.....drop shot? I picked up this hook from an elite buddy who lives by lake Perris California Gamakatsu B10. You can thank me later!
![3rd Place - Bassmaster Open on Oneida Lake - THE CHASE [Ep. 5]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C-B6wpyIeUY/mqdefault.jpg)
I use the vmc drop shot hooks with the swivel
Gammie g-lock #1 work for me. the fish you lost there was no give!!
The Gamakatsu TGW drop shot hook. Take a look at it. I used those mosquito hooks in a #1 for a few years too and I something definitely changed.
There's also a trick for any drop shot hook that sounds real counter intuitive but it works. Bend down your barbs. A lot of times I would bring in fish and realize the hook was sliding right now and it would just stop at the barb and they'd never get pinned at the bottom of the bend. Just do one or two in practice and you'll see what I mean.
Very interesting comment....I can see what you are saying and how that would work. I will try it out. Thanks
SmallmouthCrush it sounds weird but it works. Without a big hook set like a normal T Rig, if the hook hits bone or the roof of their mouth, it's Hard to get the barb through too. Since your using a real limber rod with a DS, as long as you just keep pressure on them, you're good.
After dealing with the same problem and trying all brands I finally settled on the Trokar drop shot hook and #2 hook for 3" baits and #1 or even a #1/0 for bigger baits or especially if I'm after 4+lb fish. When you make a comparison the Trokar has a larger barb than most and I think it makes a difference. I will also fatten my polymar knot with a overhand knot if I'm using a larger hook on 6.lb test so it has a pop when you pull the tag end through and will keep the hook in position rather than drooping. I can't believe BASS won't let you use a net, JMHO but I think it does more harm to the fish flipping them or playing out till they have nothing left oh and who wants to lip a berzerk smallie with a jerkbait in his mouth? .....TX for all the videos, great info Bill Barrett
Thanks Bill! Trokar seems like a legit hook for sure
VMC spinshot hooks...we were loosing fish left and right on st Clair...changed hooks and never lost a fish after that...when they are biting good I don’t think it matters but when they are barely taking it I think that hook sticks a little further out.
I use owners for everything, even pour them into my jigs but Ive had the same issue with the dropshot hooks. I used to use the gamas Aaron martens hook and Ive gone back to it and noticed a huge difference. keeps the smallies on mille pacs pinned no problem!
Right on!
I had problems with the owner and trokar #2. The Gamakatsu TGW Aaron Martens drop shot hook is awesome.
Very much so I agree!
Vmc spin shot and Neko have both been working well for me. I know the spin shot hooks are kind of cheesy but they work and do give your bait a different action.
vmc #1 dropshot hook peg giant largemouth and spotted bass no problems
Someone else I know really likes though hooks, sounds like a legit option! Thanks
Berkley fusion dropshot hooks. I had the same problem and when I switched I saw a big difference!
A few guys have recommended those!
My vote is still for the OWNER Mosquito hook. Tried the G finesse but went back to Owner. Using slammers which are similar to the baits you are using. Upsized from the size 2 to the 2/0 when using these types of Goby imitators. Nails them in the top lip or side cheek. Just came off Lake St. Clair didn't loose one since I went to the larger hook. Still use size 2 hook when dropping dream shot type baits.
good luck to your game!
Hey Dude, hands down the only way I dropshot, haven't changed a thing in 13 yrs, very very few lost fish, 10's of thousands won. Owner Downshot 2/0, MUST use straight flouro, I use 8lb. Braid will straighten the hook.
Drop shot hooks are the worst on big fish they don’t seem to penetrate as well as c rig 3 or 4 hook. Hate to see them big smallmouth get off.
do you edit the drag sound in your videos? Seemed like your drag was a little loose. Simple Gamakatsu Drop/Split shot hook work great for me. Very very rarely loose a fish on them. Not that you need my input, you are a way more accomplished fisherman than myself. Good videos, keep'em coming
VMC spin shot hook and cut off with snips the part that spins. Super sharp hook and long point fish stay pinned.
Good Idea!
Owner SSW #1 or 1/0. I've used the owner mosquito and have found that this hook has way better hook up ratio and keeping fish hooked
We were in the campground in an RV behind you in spot 44...I lost so many good fish it made me sick to my stomach...I had a 4+ on a Zara Spook with KVD trebles just pull lose at the boat and he had it choked...I don't even want to go into the drop shot issue or shaky head and how many came off at the boat...so I think Matt might be onto something with the soft mouth theory. I talked to countless guys who pulled off fish....your onto something but how to correct it is another story...I don't think it is a hook issue...good luck in future and nice meeting you there.
Good point as well....perhaps there mouths were soft from the spawn....it had to be frustrating for you as well!
Tighten up your drag. Everybody has a day like that every once in awhile as well.
I use Owner for most of my hooks but not for drop shot anymore either. I find the round bend of the mosquito hooks don't pin the fish well and tear the lips more costing me fish. I switched to the Gamakatsu split-drop shot hook 2 years ago and didnt look back. The straight pin to that wide gap bend on the gamakatsu just pins the fish better. Tried the blakemore stand out hook and the trapper keeper recently also. the stand out hook has the same issues as the owner. If you try that hook downsize it. They are obtrusive. The trapper keeper is a gimmick. and dont care for the shape with the drop shot baits I typically throw.
Great observations I agree!
Any good octopus style hook is what I like. Owner, gama, mustad. I’m using the split shot drop shot hook right now from gama it’s a good hook
Hayabusa DSRs. top of the mouth every time. Never lost a fish on them.
I heard they are pretty good as well!
I use Gamakatsu octopus 5/0. Hook digs in deeper.
gamakatsu wide gap finesse . you can't shake them off if you try. gets them right in the roof of the mouth everytime
Im liking those!
I use them for wacky rigging and neko rigs, I love em. glad your having success with them!
Seems like they don't make a drop shot bait stand out right from the line. I use them for wacky rigging and nose hooking a fluke.
Gamakatsu #1 drop shot hook 100%, I have landed lots of large fish on it and lose very few.Berkley fusion drop shot is the same hook at a better price, I can't tell a difference
Gamakatsu split shot / dropshot #1 or 1/0. Everyone who's anyone in Michigan throws those, and we have big smallies. Loosen your drag and tire em out!
7/0 flipping hook works better
Rooting for PA boy! Gamakatsu TGW Aaron Martens dropshot hook is the best IMO.
That's fishing bud, it just wasn't meant to be.. I completely understand the frustration though! I like the gamakatsu wide gap finesse hook as well as a few others listed! Where I'm from the drop shot pretty much wins every tournament, and that hook gets them in the roof of the mouth 98% of the time! I can't say 100% because obviously there are some freak things, but overall those hooks are awesome!
Keep up the tournament vids! Love them!!
Thank you! Yeah Gama hooks are perfect....I have been happy since the switch!
what colors were you using?
Ayu mostly for drop shotting and dark melon get bit bait tubes
give the Yamamoto #1 or 2 split shot hook a shot
vmc 1/0 sure set drop shot hook
Trokar brotha spend the money lol
Lot of guys like those for sure
I just watched this video and I know it’s old. But. I would say your drag is a little to lose and your not getting a really good hook set on Them!! Trying fighting up the drag a little bit and see if it helps.
Bro listen to me.....you want the best drop shot hook.....nose hook or.....drop shot? I picked up this hook from an elite buddy who lives by lake Perris California
Gamakatsu B10.
You can thank me later!