Perhaps the simplest and most effective bass fishing rigs of all time is the wacky rig.There is something about its unique action that catches fish even on those tough days.
One of the keys to catching and landing fish on the wacky rig is selecting the right type and size of hook. With so many different hook types, sizes and styles it can be difficult to know exactly what hook to use.
The best overall hook to use on a wacky rig is a Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook in a 1/0 or 2/0. This is a stout hook with a short shank making it ideal for finesse fishing applications like the wacky rig. The sharpness, low profile and overall quality of this hook makes it an ideal choice for any angler fishing a wacky rig for bass.
Although this is the hook I use 90% of the time when throwing a wacky rig there are also a few other specialized hooks that are better suited for certain situations.
In this article I’ll cover in detail the different types of wacky rig hooks, when to use each one as well as other tips and tricks that will help you catch more bass using a wacky rig.
Let’s go.
Best Wacky Rig Hooks
One of my favorite finesse bass fishing techniques is fishing a wacky rig senko. It’s a technique I’ve used both in tournaments and when fishing with the family and friends for fun. I’ve caught a ton of fish on this rig and it’s one I have a ton of confidence in.
However, when I first started throwing the wacky rig I didn’t know and realize what hooks I needed to be using and how important they were to my overall success.
After years of experimenting and making mistakes I’ve discovered the best wacky rig hooks to use and when to use each based on a variety of factors.
Here are the wacky rigs hooks that I recommend using for each bass fishing application.
Finesse Wide Gap Hooks
The finesse wide gap hook is probably the hook the I end up using the most and is one that I have had a lot of success with. This hook is ideal when fishing a wacky rig in shallow water (10ft or less) and in areas where there isn’t a lot of cover.
As far as hook size goes my go to is a 1/0 but I will also throw a 2/0 if I am around bigger fish or I want may wacky rig to fall a little bit faster. This is a stout hook that is designed to keep bass pinned and pairs really well with the wacky rig.
Wide Gap Finesse Hook Weedless
The best wacky rig hook to use when fishing in and around grass and cover is a wide gap finesse weedless hook. This hook has a built in weed guard at the top of the hook that helps keep grass and other things off your bait and hook.
Will you still get snagged and hung up? Of course, but the weed guard will make your life a whole lot easier around vegetation and structure. This hook is my preferred hook to use on my wacky rig when I’m fishing around grass and other structure where a normal wacky rig will get hung up.
G-Finesse Series Wacky Jig Head
When the fish are deep or you are after more of a reaction bite using a wacky rig jig head can be a great way to catch them. What separates this hook apart from the others on this list is that it has a weighted jig head at the top of the hook. This extra weight will cause your bait to sink faster which gives you the ability to fish this rig in deeper water.
In addition to the extra weight this hook also has an added weed guard to prevent you from getting hung up. This will come in handy when fishing around grass, cover and different types of structure.
Now that we have discussed what I consider to be the 3 best hooks to use for a wacky rig, let’s talk more about the different things you should think about when deciding on which hook to use on your wacky rig.
Here are the things you should consider when selecting a hook to use on a wacky rig:
How to Choose a Wacky Rig Hook
Bait size
An important thing to consider when deciding on which hook to use on your wacky rig setup is what is the size of the bait you are planning on throwing. For me I’m typically throwing a 5” Yamamoto Senko. For this size of bait, I like to use a 1/0 hook in most situations. If I’m throwing a bigger sized Senko or I’m targeting trophy based, I’ll bump up my hook to a 2/0 or 3/0. The larger size will help you from not bending out any hooks and will make your bait sink faster.
Type of cover
The type of cover or lack of cover is another important factor to consider when selecting a wacky rig hook. I like to keep things pretty simple.
In situations where I am fishing around or in grass or some other type of structure. I like to use a wacky rig hook that has a weed guard. It doesn’t completely make it weedless but it does a good job at keeping your bait clean and prevent it from getting hung up. If I’m fishing in open water, the standard finessed wide gap hook is my preferred choice.
Caliber of fish
One of the most painful things in the sport of bass fishing is seeing a monster bass get off because of a bent hook. Don’t make this mistake, because it will haunt you for a long time after.
If your specifically targeting big bass or are at a fishery that has them make sure to select a stout hook that will be strong enough to land your next personal best.
Depth
The depth that you are fishing can play a big factor in determining what type of hook you should use when using a wacky rig. If you are fishing a wacky rig in shallow water (less than 10 ft. deep) a standard finesse wide gap hook is the ideal choice.
When fishing in deeper water (10ft +) using a wacky style jig head can be more effective. You still get the same great action but your fall rate is much shorter. Allowing you to fish deeper and get down to where the bass may be sitting.
Best Wacky Rig Hook Size
When shopping for hooks to use on your wacky rig you’ll realize how many different styles and options are out there. I’ve tried a lot of different products and size hooks. Everyone has their personal preference but I believe the best overall hook size to use for a wacky rig is a 1/0 or 2/0. These two sizes should have you covered for almost any stick bait you want to use on a wacky rig.
Adding O-Rings
If you have been fishing with or are familiar with a wacky rig you have probably heard or seen some anglers use some type of O-ring. This is a popular addition to a classic wacky rig setup.
O-ring are really used to help save your bait from tearing every time you hook a fish. They can save you money in the long run and can be a great option. However, an O-ring is optional and not necessary to catch fish with. It will simply help your stick baits last longer and can save you a bit of time and money.
How to Rig a Wacky Rig
Rigging a wacky rig is pretty simple and straight forward but there are a few things to pay attention to that can make a big difference.
Here are 5 easy steps to setup a wack rig:
- Get your tackle together (senko, O-ring/wacky rig tool, hook)
- Slide bait into wacky rig tool
- Pop O-ring onto the plastic bait
- Rig the hook just under the O-ring
- You are ready to fish
How to Fish a Wacky Rig
What makes the wacky rig so effective is the subtle and enticing action it has as it falls. This is an important thing to remember because you are going to catch the majority of your fish as its falling.
If you can get your wacky rig to flutter down right in front of bass, they are going to have a hard time resisting your bait.
Here are some steps and tips to help you fish the wacky rig:
- Cast out to your target and let your bait fall on slack line.
- Watch your line carefully and look for any pops, jerks or twitches.
- If you do feel something different, be ready to set the hook.
- Let your bait fall all the way to the bottom.
- Once you’re on the bottom, lift up your bait with your rod and bring the bait toward you and let if fall back down.
- Repeat this until your bait is out of position.
- When you do feel a tick, jerk or see your line move. Set the hook and land your bass.
Wacky Rig FAQ
Do you put a weight on a wacky rig? A wacky rig can be used with or without a weight. When most anglers fish a wacky rig stick bait the opt to fish one without a weight. This setup is ideal when fishing in shallow water or when the bass are sitting high in the water column. However, a wacky rig can also be effective in deeper water (10-25ft). In this situations adding a weight or using a wacky rig jig head can be a great way to get your bait down deeper.
What do you use on a wacky rig? The best line to use on a wacky rig is either 8 or 10-pound fluorocarbon or monofilament fishing line. This light line will give your bait more action and will result in more bites. If you are fishing around heavy cover it might be a good idea to size up.
What time of year is best for wacky rig? One of the great things about fishing a wacky rig is that it can help you catch regardless of the time of year. However, I’ve found the best time to fish a wacky rig is in the spring and fall when the bass are up shallow and are looking for an easy meal.
Do you need an O ring for wacky rig? An O ring isn’t necessary to fish a wacky rig. You can certainty catch fish without one. The main advantage of using an O ring on you wacky rig setup is that it will help make your baits last a lot longer.
Final Thoughts
One of the most important components of a great wacky rig setup is the hook. Having the right size and type of hook will help you hook and land more bass on a consistent basis.
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