How to Bait an Offset Shank Fishing Hook

Most anglers that target fish such as bass will make use of an offset shank fishing hook. This hook has a bend of 90 degrees a short distance from the eye, then another quick bend in the opposite direction. The theory that lies behind an offset shank fishing hook is that soft plastic bait such as lizards or worms will not consistently slide down the shaft of the hook when fished in heavy cover. The area near the eye--where the top of the worm attaches--keeps this from occurring.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Offset shank fishing hooks Plastic baits
Offset shank fishing hooks
Plastic baits

Step 1

"Heads" of plastic baits

Find the thickest end of your plastic bait. This will be the head of a worm--easily identifiable because it will have a segmented area near it and have a more rounded shape than the tail. The head of a plastic lizard bait is not difficult to recognize nor is the head end of a plastic grub.

Step 2

Pierce the top

Hold the offset shank fishing hook between your thumb and index finger firmly around where the offset area is. Hold your bait in the other hand close to the head, and push the hook point into the very top of the head.

Step 3

Guide the hook out

Push the hook out the side of the plastic bait about 3/8ths of an inch from where it first entered the lure. Slide the impaled plastic bait all the way up to the top of the hook, moving it over the offset area and up as close to the eye of the hook as you can.

Step 4

Leave the point in

Swivel the point of the hook so that it now faces the plastic bait. Hold the bait up so that it hangs downward from the hook with the point facing it. Jam the point of the hook into the bait and impale the lure, but do not bring the hook through the other side of the bait. The idea is to keep the sharp point of the hook in the soft body of the plastic so that when you cast this presentation into weeds and brush, there is nothing sticking out of that will snag as you reel the lure in.

Step 5

Repeat these steps when fishing with plastic grubs and plastic worms. After every cast, make sure that the top of the bait has stayed close to the eye and that it has not slipped down the shank. Pulling your lure constantly through thick, matted weeds and the hard bites of fish can eventually pull the bait down from the eye, despite the presence of the offset shank.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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