Offset hook: types, sizes, selection, installation

What is an offset fishing hook

An offset hook is a special type of fishing hook that allows you to hide the tip in the bait, thereby creating a hook-free bait.

Photo: Offset hook

Unlike other types of hooks, the offset hook, as it is also called in Russian fishing jargon, has a double bend near the fastening ring, and due to the displacement of the axis, the tip is pressed against the bait and prevents snagging. The main task of an offset hook is to ensure the installation of soft bait in a non-snaking version.

What is an offset hook used for and where is it used?

This fishing accessory was invented in the USA in the first half of the 20th century and was originally used only for catching largemouth bass (bass) using silicone lures. His invention prompted experienced fishermen to create new types of baits and equipment using an offset machine.

For example, this type of hook is used for mounting soft artificial baits made of foam rubber, silicone or rubber. Such baits are attached to the hook in a special way, which allows them to pass through thickets and snags without clinging to them. Since the bait has a streamlined shape and the hook is securely hidden in it, it glides easily in the water, overcoming various obstacles. It is this property that gives the name to this type of offset press installation – non-clinging.

Lures mounted using an offset hook are used when catching various fish in thicket or rocky underwater areas, snags, as well as in places with flooded dead wood, or abandoned areas. Thus, offsets allow you to fish where previously there was little catch or where it was scary to fish.

Types of offset hooks and their features

This fishing accessory was invented about fifty years ago, and today fishermen know a large number of its shapes, modifications and sizes. Moreover, each offset hook model fits a certain size or shape of the bait, so they should be purchased at the same time so as not to spend extra money.

Various shapes and designs

1. Texas Hook

2. Wide Gap

3. Sickle Hook
The shape is divided into:

1. A classic straight-bend offset jig called the Texas Hook , which is suitable for silicone worms, slugs and narrow-bodied elongated baits.
2. Hook with wide bend Wide Gap. The most common option today. On sale you can find 2 varieties of this offset tool (see photo below): when the tip looks at the step, and when the tip looks above the step (used for silicone baits with a wide body).

3. Offset Sickle Hook in the shape of a sickle, which provides a more reliable fixation of the bait and holds the prey well when fishing.

About

How to choose offset hooks

When choosing an offset machine, take into account, first of all, the characteristics of the bait. It is necessary to take into account such parameters as length and height, as well as its type.

The length of the offset itself should not negatively affect the performance of the bait. A blanket that is too long will turn the soft and active vibrating tail into a “tree”. It is best to select both a bait and an offset hook at the same time in order to get the perfect combination.

Height plays a particularly important role in the case of vibrating tails. When the bend of the offset is less than the height of the bait, the point of the hook will have to be brought out, which will negate the main advantage - non-catching. In such cases, you should use silicone with special grooves in which the sting is hidden.

Offset hook sizes by numbers

Offset hooks are distinguished by numbers, which are adopted in a special measuring system. In addition, you need to consider the size of the offset according to the size of the fish you expect to catch.

Photo: Numbering of offset hooks

For pike

For such large fish, offsets marked 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 are suitable.

For perch

The optimal perch size is 2/0.

For zander

For fishing with small baits, numbers 2-4 are usually used; for large pike perch and larger silicone it is better to use: 1, 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0.

Let's summarize the information:

Table: Sizes of offset hooks for fishing by type of fish

Offset hooks for microjigging

For microjig, you should select hooks numbered from 6 to 10.

Design features

Offset is a single hook with a special curved shape. It has a step on the fore-end, thanks to which the section of the fore-end closer to the ring is shifted relative to the entire hook. This design makes it possible to put on silicone baits so that they do not cling when passing through strong places - snags, algae, and other cluttered areas of the bottom.

There are different sizes of offset hooks and their shapes. Depending on the type of bait and fishing method, one or another offset model is used. Below we will look at what types of offset hooks there are, why non-snacking installation is needed, and how to put on the “rubber” correctly to get the most working equipment.

How to choose an offset hook for the size of the bait

When selecting, you need to keep in mind that the same hook numbers may vary in size from different manufacturers. Therefore, it is better to select an offset tool by eye for a specific bait or compare their sizes on the spot when purchasing.

When choosing a hook, you should attach it to the bait and look. Ideally, the sting should come out in the middle of the body or even closer to the head. It is better for the hook to be a little shorter than longer. The height of the bend of the offset should also not exceed the height of the body of the bait, so that it does not stick out from it when passing through obstacles.

Hooks for silicone baits

In addition to the fact that for successful fishing you need to choose the right proportions of the size of the hook and bait, there are other nuances in selecting these accessories for fishing. An important criterion for effective casting is the sharpness of the hook, due to which most hooks occur.

In most cases, an offset hook is used to catch predatory fish. It is also ideal for its role as a no-hook in dense brush and gnarled terrain.

How to choose a hook for silicone bait

A special point when choosing a hook for silicone is the height of the bend. Low hook deflection is not suitable for silicone accessories, as they will not move/flex when bitten, resulting in little or no hooks.

About

Installation of offset hook

The offset hook should be mounted in such a way that its tip fits tightly to the bait, otherwise the protruding part will immediately catch on obstacles in the water. At the same time, you should not plant the sting too deep inside the bait, as it will be difficult for it to free itself from it and detect prey.

Silicone bait attachment

Many fishermen complain that silicone baits do not hold well on offset hooks, and in addition, they quickly deteriorate. This is due to the use of a heavy sinker and the small size of the step that rests on the front of the bait. With this design, it is difficult for the bait to stay on the hook, and it may break during fishing.

To avoid such incidents during fishing, the silicone bait should be moved a short distance from the sinker, so it can rest on both the step and the fishing line, providing a strong attachment.

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How to attach silicone to an offset hook

Putting a bait on an offset hook is no more difficult than equipping a jig head. The installation algorithm for non-meshing equipment is as follows:

1. We select a suitable offset for a specific bait, for example from Ovner or Gamakatsu,
2. We pierce the silicone from the end of the head part and remove it through 5–7 mm from the bottom of the bait,
3. We move the bait along the fore-end until it is on the step near the ring,
4. We turn the “rubber” and estimate the place where the hook should be removed,
5. All that remains is to pierce the bait and remove the sting on its back.

It’s easy to learn how to mount bait on an offset hook

The offset tip needs to be buried in the body or slightly brought out. All equipped bait can be used.

Equipment options

There are a large number of types of silicone baits and equipment for them. Moreover, each variety has its own positive and negative sides, which affect the results of fishing. For example, rigging through a jig head is very simple to make and is used mainly by beginners, but has high hookability. Tools on an offset hook will help you cope with snags:

1. Rigging through a collapsible “Cheburashka” is considered quite simple, since first the Cheburashka is attached to the hook, and then the bait. Due to the soft design, the bait is more mobile, so almost all types of silicones are suitable for it.
2. The Texas rig is formed by threading a fishing line through a sinker, putting a bead on the end and attaching a hook. This design reduces the risk of snagging, but requires attaching baits only with rounded shapes.
3. The Carolina rig is obtained by placing a drop-shaped sinker on a fishing line, to the end of which a swivel is tied. As in the previous version, you should tie a cambric in front of the swivel, tie a fishing line, and then secure the hook.
4. In a drop-shot , an offset rig is tied to the fishing line with its tip at the top, and a drop- or stick-shaped sinker is tied below. The sinker is lowered by one, and the bait can play in place without moving it. For this option, it is better to use a twister or live bait.
5. Equipment on a diverting leash.

About

Basic options for offset tooling

Fishermen have invented many options for using offset hooks. There are highly specialized equipment aimed at specific situations on the reservoir. There are universal ones that are suitable in different conditions and are effective everywhere. Below we will consider some installation methods, their advantages and features.

Hinged mounting

This is a classic jig version that everyone knows. It is simple and reliable, provides the necessary maneuverability for the bait in strong places, and can be used on a clean bottom. A bait equipped in this way has a sufficient degree of freedom, works at any fishing speed and effectively attracts a predator.

The hinged mounting was gradually modified during use. Initially, the silicone bait placed on the offset was connected to the eared sinker using a winding ring. If the loop on the weight for attaching the hook was located parallel to the direction of the fishing line when wiring, then it was necessary to install two rings or use pliers to turn the loop 90 degrees, if its size allowed.

This was extremely inconvenient, so they began to produce modified Cheburashkas. In them, one loop was initially located perpendicular to the direction of the cord, so only one winding ring was required. Later, many spinning players began to use an American clasp instead of a ring. This made it possible not to change the entire equipment, but only the bait equipped with an offset tool.

However, our fishermen went even further. Collapsible eared weights with a removable bracket were invented. Now the hinged mounting is assembled without additional elements in the form of fasteners and winding rings. At the same time, the bait did not lose any of its game, and the equipment itself remained reliable and durable.

How to tie an offset hook: knots for installation

Let's look at several fishing knots that will help us in installing equipment.

To the leash

In order to tie a hook on a lead leash directly to the fishing line, you can use one of the two most popular knot options: Clinch or Palomar.

Photo: Clinch knot

Photo: Palomar node

Drop shot

The following types of knots can be used for a drop shot:

Twister on a double

Popular options for equipping twisters include:

1. equipment with a jig head;
2. offset hook with a Cheburashka sinker through a swivel joint;
3. diverter leash;
4. Texas rigging;
5. drop-shot rig;
6. Carolina rig.

For fishing in still water, sinkers with a weight of 3-15 g are used, and for fishing in currents, weight heads with a weight of 15 to 30 g are required.

The best offset hooks: Top 7 rating

All models differ in their quality. That is why experienced fishermen prefer proven brands. Here are the most popular ones:

1. Owner . This brand is the most advertised and famous. The products are made in Japan and are one of the highest quality. The hook is strong and durable, and its tip is sharp. The sharpening of the tip depends on the modification and differs for different equipment and baits. Lately, many fakes of this company have appeared.
2. Decoy (Decoy). For their manufacture, the Japanese use high-carbon steel, which is very durable. Thanks to the unusually sharp sting, the hook does not damage the bait when hooking. The proposed model range is very diverse. There are options not only for ordinary and small fish, but also for trophy predators. Their disadvantage is their rather high cost.
3. Fanatik (Fanatic). Made in Korea. They are inexpensive, but at the same time durable and reliable. Fanatik has a sharp sting, a large eye and a step that allows you to securely hold the bait. Even a small range allows anglers to choose the right hook.
4. Crazy Fish (Crazy Fish). They are made in Korea and are not expensive. They are produced in different sizes. This makes it easy to choose the right one for each specific case. The high hook height allows you to use a volumetric twister as bait. The large ear allows the bait to move as naturally as possible in the water. In addition, it is very convenient to attach it to the Cheburashka.
5. Saikyo (Saiko). Very popular due to the wide range of models. The shape of the offset allows it to fit snugly to the body of the bait, preventing snags. Special technology for sharpening the tip makes it very sharp. Saiko hooks are of quite high quality, but, despite the anti-corrosion coating, they can rust after prolonged use.
6. Worm . They are distinguished by excellent sting sharpness and durability. Works great with silicone baits. The disadvantage is their small quantity per pack and high cost.

Offsets from the following companies have also proven themselves well: Fish Season, Gamakatsu, Matzuo, Stinger, Vanfook, Varivas, VMC. If you are on a limited budget, you can order Chinese hooks from Aliexpress.

An offset hook with poor sharpening or improper installation of the bait can only increase the number of trips and, as a result, will cause an unsuccessful hunt, so try to use high-quality products. And having the right understanding of reliable and proven methods of attaching bait, options for mounting hooks and bait, as well as many other subtleties of fishing, you can increase your catch several times.

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How to choose offset hooks

Tips for choosing offset hooks will greatly simplify the search for good models that will be effective under different circumstances. To choose a quality option, you need to consider its main characteristics in advance, including:

1. Configuration
2. Size (by the way, even if different models of hooks have the same number, their sizes may differ).
3. The degree of hook point.
4. Ring diameter.
5. The thickness of the manufacturing material.
6. Hardness of silicone bait.

It is important to note that an incorrectly selected offset size will reduce the effectiveness of hooking, since due to the lack of clearance between the nozzle and the forend, it will be problematic to hook the fish.

For example, if we are talking about installing an offset bait on a vibrating tail, then when hooking it is necessary to leave an optimal gap, which is comparable to the height of the bait. Only under such circumstances will an inhabitant of the depths easily bite through the bait and securely cling to it.

When choosing a hook, you should give preference to rigid products, since they have an increased service life and reliability. However, their sizes are quite large, which makes it necessary to string them from the side. This method ensures a more active game of the bait, creating a high-quality imitation of real wounded prey.

Key varieties by shape

If we talk about the existing options for offset printers, taking into account their shape, we can distinguish the following classifications:

1. Classic models of the Texas Hook series. They have a characteristic straight bend, which provides a significant gap between the forearm and the belly of the fish used. This property is especially in demand for harder plastic, because the presence of space ensures maximum reliability of fish hooking on the nozzle.
2. Offset hooks for pike and zander Wide Gap. They are an updated version of the previous variety, which is intended for Texas equipment and has two modifications: for very narrow and for high baits. Representatives of the first group have a sharp sting that points towards the fore-end. In wide versions it is directed even higher.
3. “Offsetters” of the Sickle Hook class. They are considered a kind of “know-how” on the market for fishing hooks with a characteristic crescent-shaped bend. Initially they were intended for jig fishing, but today the scope of application is much wider. One of the advantages is the more reliable fixation of silicone on the bend, which is especially important for long-distance fishing or when using a weighted load. Due to its unique shape, the hook easily penetrates the side of the fish’s mouth, and also securely holds it while fishing.
4. Lead loaded models. Such inventions are effective for casting spinning equipment over long distances. You can use wire or a weight as additional weight.

Dimensions and material of manufacture

To choose the right hook size, you need to take into account the type and key parameters of the bait used. It is also important to pay attention to the amount of expected production.

When choosing an offset bait, make sure that its length does not interfere with the active movements of the bait in the water column, otherwise it simply will not arouse interest in the fish. Using hooks that are too long turns a vibrating tail or other silicone product into chewing gum, reducing mobility. As for the height of the bend, it should not be less than the height of the body of the silicone fish. Otherwise, the sting will need to be threaded through the body of the bait and then brought out, which will worsen the non-hooking properties of the rig.

Carbon and stainless steel are used as manufacturing materials for offset presses. To reduce their wear due to water and corrosion, they are pre-treated with protective coatings and compounds. Currently commercially available "offsetters" can be bronzed or nickel plated. There are also models coated with titanium nitride.

Popular manufacturing companies

There is a wide variety of hooks available from different companies on the fishing gear market. But not all models exactly correspond to the price-quality parameter, so it is better to abandon budget products in favor of proven products from leading brands.

In the list of the highest quality hook manufacturers, the leading places are occupied by the following companies:

• Eagle Claw,
• Jaxon,
• joint hook,
• Owner Decoy,
• Crazy Fish,
• Mustad,
• Kosadaka.

There are other brands that sell cheap hooks, but, unfortunately, their quality is very low. With diligent use or an aggressive jerk of the fish, the forend can quickly straighten out and even fail completely, depriving you of your catch. In this case, the edge quickly becomes dull, losing its performance characteristics. As a result, the frequency of idle bites and escapes is rapidly growing.

Therefore, experienced fishermen recommend giving preference to really high-quality products from the above brands.