Pompano Jig Hooks

[mehill10]

what hooks should I use for pompano jigs? I can find any short shank hooks

thanks for the help

[Ogajiga]

What style jig head, weight, and hook size?

[mehill10]

What style jig head, weight, and hook size?

I was going to use the do-it chub or the egg head mold 1/0 or 2/0 hooks are what I'm looking for I'm thinking I willl have to made the mold fix the hooks

[Ogajiga]

I don't have those molds, but according to specs the Egg Head takes light wire hooks so you'd probably have to enlarge the hook eye slot & possibly the shank channel to accomodate salt water hooks. However, looking at the catalog pic, the close to body hook eye placement may not be adaptable to a shorter leg heavier wire hook.

If the Do-it catalog pic is accurate the Chub appears to have an odd collar shape tho the salt water 90* O'Sh hooks version shouldn't require mold modification.

As for hooks, 60* salt water EC 413 & Mustad 34184 have shorter shanks than 90* EC 635 / Mustad 91751-91715 but are not likely to interchange for mold fit. However, shorter leg 60*s can usually be shank bent to 90* or so which allows 90* interchangeability and also effectively shortens the shanks even more. I can post a pic if requested.

You probably know that Mustad makes an even shorter shank 60* 34185 which may incur additional hook fit challenges.

[flatsrat76]

I fish for pompano and use doc's goofy jigs http://docsgoofyjigs.com/TheOrignal.aspx do it has a mold like this ..... http://www.do-itmolds.com/prodmolds.aspx?c=225

Flatsrat76

[mehill10]

I don't have those molds, but according to specs the Egg Head takes light wire hooks so you'd probably have to enlarge the hook eye slot & possibly the shank channel to accomodate salt water hooks. However, looking at the catalog pic, the close to body hook eye placement may not be adaptable to a shorter leg heavier wire hook.

If the Do-it catalog pic is accurate the Chub appears to have an odd collar shape tho the salt water 90* O'Sh hooks version shouldn't require mold modification.

As for hooks, 60* salt water EC 413 & Mustad 34184 have shorter shanks than 90* EC 635 / Mustad 91751-91715 but are not likely to interchange for mold fit. However, shorter leg 60*s can usually be shank bent to 90* or so which allows 90* interchangeability and also effectively shortens the shanks even more. I can post a pic if requested.

You probably know that Mustad makes an even shorter shank 60* 34185 which may incur additional hook fit challenges.

thats the hook i was looking for the 34185 but no one has it any more

[flatsrat76]

thats the hook i was looking for the 34185 but no one has it any more

http://www.captainhookswarehouse.com/index.cfm?page=products&manid=2&catid=5&sizeid=0&view=1&offset=21

Flatsrat76

[warflures]

http://www.captainho...iew=1&offset=21

Flatsrat76

I make alot of pompano jigs and the best hook i found is the mustad ultra point 32786 60* hook in the 1/0 size. The 1/0 in this style is actually about the size of a 2/0 in other sizes. Its a great hook with a great finish and great durability and thick durable wire. What i do is bend the 60* and make it a 90* for a shorter shank. It fits well into the do-it egg mold with just a little bit of modifications to where the point end of the hood sits in the mold. As for the lead part, it mold just fine with no modifications. The best place i buy all my supplies is barlows tackle. I specialize in custom pompano and cobia jigs here in the panhandle of florida. Hope this info is helpful.

[Ogajiga]

I make alot of pompano jigs and the best hook i found is the mustad ultra point 32786 60* hook in the 1/0 size. The 1/0 in this style is actually about the size of a 2/0 in other sizes. Its a great hook with a great finish and great durability and thick durable wire. What i do is bend the 60* and make it a 90* for a shorter shank. It fits well into the do-it egg mold with just a little bit of modifications to where the point end of the hood sits in the mold. As for the lead part, it mold just fine with no modifications. The best place i buy all my supplies is barlows tackle. I specialize in custom pompano and cobia jigs here in the panhandle of florida. Hope this info is helpful.

Great to hear from a specialist who knows his stuff ! I second that the Ultra Points are far superior to "Classic" tinned Mustads and Eagle Claws.

What weight(s) head do you prefer for pompano? How would smaller #2 hooks work? Do you prefer tied jigs or soft plastics on a jig head? I've not had the opportunity to fish pompano yet, tho HI has some relatives in the jack family.

[warflures]

Great to hear from a specialist who knows his stuff ! I second that the Ultra Points are far superior to "Classic" tinned Mustads and Eagle Claws.

What weight(s) head do you prefer for pompano? How would smaller #2 hooks work? Do you prefer tied jigs or soft plastics on a jig head? I've not had the opportunity to fish pompano yet, tho HI has some relatives in the jack family.

It depends where you are fishing because on a pier or jetty you want to fish a heavier 5/8 to 3/4 ounce jig. When im on the beach site fishing for them i use a smaller head like a 1/4 ounce head. The smaller head doesnt spook the fish when you are sight fishing from short distances. I tie all my jigs with crimped nylon hair. Smaller hooks would work great but they must be strong. Pompano are one tuff fish and they will straiten a hook out if given the opportunity especially on a pier or jetty when you really have to horse them away from obstructions.

[Ogajiga]

Given a pompano opportunity I would prefer lighter tackle beach shoreline or wade without those pier obstructions. Here's a pic I found online of similar HI species "papio" which are good eating like pompano.

Altho 32786 bottoms out at 1/0 size identical VMC 7161 is available down to size #6 and appears to be the strongest for its size jig hook made by any mfg. Not sure if any stock molds fit the small sizes tho.

[flatsrat76]

Here is a Pompano I caught last year in off a Tampa Bay bridge using a doc's jig with a yellow sliding fly teaser.

Doc uses a Mustad hook that he modifies to fits his molds.

really this fish is only about 12.5 to 13 inches, You have to measure them at the fork

http://docsgoofyjigs.com/aboutus.aspx

[Ogajiga]

Flats, are you hooking pomps on the main jig slab hook or the smaller teaser?

The Do-it Swim Jig you suggested works great for papio with a feather tie on the hook, but only bronze hooks are available & they rust out quickly in the salt. Worked best for me as a surface lure.

[Ogajiga]

The post edit tool left out the caption for the above pic found online which is of a another variety of papio that more closely resembles a pompano.

[flatsrat76]

Flats, are you hooking pomps on the main jig slab hook or the smaller teaser?

The Do-it Swim Jig you suggested works great for papio with a feather tie on the hook, but only bronze hooks are available & they rust out quickly in the salt. Worked best for me as a surface lure.

Hawn it is a bout 50/50 slab/teaser catch rate, I like the colors yellow and pink for the teasers. Check out this link Doc talks about the hook's he uses http://docsgoofyjigs.com/aboutus.aspx

Here is a link showing a way I like to rig them. The one on the far left http://capmel.com/JiggingTBforPompano.htm

sometimes I will even put the teaser above my knot so it slides up and down on the leader.

I would agree if used as a surface or subsurface lure it would drive any kind of fish in the jacks or Mackerel family nuts.

BTW I have no affiliation with this lure maker but I use his jigs

Flatsrat76

[wilfish4774]

Hawn it is a bout 50/50 slab/teaser catch rate, I like the colors yellow and pink for the teasers. Check out this link Doc talks about the hook's he uses http://docsgoofyjigs.com/aboutus.aspx

Here is a link showing a way I like to rig them. The one on the far left http://capmel.com/JiggingTBforPompano.htm

sometimes I will even put the teaser above my knot so it slides up and down on the leader.

I would agree if used as a surface or subsurface lure it would drive any kind of fish in the jacks or Mackerel family nuts.

BTW I have no affiliation with this lure maker but I use his jigs

Flatsrat76

I have used one of the new mustad steal head jig hooks in some pompano jigs and I really like the looks of them except for the fact that they are black. They remind me of the old Herter's jig hooks except with much greater strength.

[Ogajiga]

What style and weight heads are you using? Did you have to modify the mold to fit the hooks?

I too am liking the Ultra Point 32833 for light salt water apps, currently the #2 in a 1/4 oz. custom is becoming my fluff jig choice for targeting local pan size species but perhaps a #1 might be better for pompano pier jacking. Hooks feel solid enuf to handle larger bycatch, but haven't had the opportunity yet.

[wilfish4774]

HawnJigs, wouldn't it be nice to hear more from the flats fishermen concerning the jigs that they use. I have never caught a bone fish nor even fished the south florida flats but I would be surprised if the bone fish or Permit for that matter did not eat some sort of small jig. Judging from your posts that I have read it would seem that you have done your fare share of "trial and error" when it comes to fashioning jigs. At least in my case this sort of experience has not been gleaned over night. Your knowledge of the jig hooks easily surpasses my own which might be saying something in consideration of my collection of boxes of jig hooks that I found did not meet my scrutiny. If you do not mind my asking, in the area of florida that you reside, is there any pompano run that you involve yourself in? It seems that I recollect you relating that you reside a bit further south/east than I do.

[Ogajiga]

Wilfish, I'm actually a bit further south/west from you, around 6,000 miles. Having grown up wading the flats of Kaneohe Bay flinging jigs at jacks, ladyfish, barracuda, & even a few bonefish makes me comfortable bumping ideas with FL nearshore jiggers, even tho I "haven't had the opportunity yet".

Local Hilo Bay runs of pompano similar papio have me running the other way to avoid the crowds.

Having far more jig hooks than I'll ever use. I feel knowledgeable enuf to say "you get what you pay for".

[pirkfan]

thats the hook i was looking for the 34185 but no one has it any more

jaggedtoothtackle.com has the 34185S (stainless steel 60 degree jig hook) in sizes 2/0 thru 4/0. These hooks fit the Do-It RHO-5-A heavy hook round head jig with little or no modification. Very corrosion resistant hook.

[wilfish4774]

Hawnjigs, I relized my mistake when I noticed and researched Puna, Big Island. So you say that you don't enjoy the competion of the crowds pompano fishing? In my location fishermen fish side by side from the piers and Jetties specifically targeting pompano. As you may deduce, usually any advantage will inevitably turn the tables in the favor of the most well prepared. For the past three years I have been using a St. Croix 7'6" blank with a 3500 certate. Of course utilizing my jigs, light pound test Samurai braid and floracarbon leader . I hope for and most times realize a very competitive ratio compared with the other fishermen who often times are "tipping" their jigs" with sand fleas or shrimp. Anyway, I am curious about your "small" 3/8. 1/2 ounce jigs and I am willing , if you are, to trade a few? Mine are nothing fancy but do seem to catch fish pretty good. About the papio run in your area, I would like to hear about if the Papio fishermen jig fish for them and if they fish side by side for them in certain areas, that is if you are interested in enlightening me.

[wilfish4774]

pirkfan , that is a good looking jig that you have pictured as a part of your introduction, If you don't mind my asking, I am curious to know if that jig is a lead mold and if so who makes it? Is that a fresh water jig or are you using it in the salt water?

[Ogajiga]

I don't participate in the runs - looks like 50-100 anglers throwing 2-3" twister tails or dunking bait spread over several hundred yards of bayfront seawall. Living on an island there is no need to bump shoulders & cross lines at the same spot to enjoy quiet water time. You've got great gear Wilfish - mine is kinda low end - for 1/4 oz. jigs pictured 6-1/2' Clarus MH, Supercaster 240XS with 20# Fireline Braid. Jigs are "nothing fancy" unpainted 1/4 oz. #4 heavy VMC rabbit fur + Flashabou on a custom HeVhed

Edited January 4, 2012 by hawnjigs

[wilfish4774]

hawnsjigs, Awesome looking jigs. I know a friend of mine that uses the same reel that you describe. Are those the VMC hooks that you speak of? Your jigs are almost identical to mine except that I paint my jig heads. Your colors would work well on the pompano I am sure. Have you ever caught a bonefish on one of your jigs? As well, the south florida fishermen catch alot of permit which, as well, do not range into the area where I reside. I have never caugh either a bonefish nor a permit but I would suspect that both will take a jig of some sort. The St Croix inshore series is very popular in florida. Are the St. Croix rod blanks popular in your area?

[Ogajiga]

Sight jigged a few bonefish on the flats of Kaneohe Bay 40+ years ago. On my current home Big Island blind jigged a few on plastics - best was 8# on a 6" Culprit worm. This is the lava rock east side - sandy beaches are 2+ hours drive to the west side, so I can't target jig bonefish in my home waters, unless on a float craft to access sediment accretion outslide stream mouths. No doubt permit or bonefish will hit a jig, I even got a 4# bonie deep jigging a rather large Crocodile spoon intended for 20#+ giant trevally & amberjacks. I'm sure a southern road trip will get you anything you like and more on your jigs.

I've actually never seen St. Croix, G. Loomis, Kistler etc. rods that are trendy out your way. The population here is blue or no collar, and low to midline Daiwa, Shimano, & Penn rods & reels are mainstream. Altho my sometimes partner jigging expert throws Stellas, Stradics are generally considered high end here.

Back on the subject of pompano jig hooks, yes the pic jigs are VMC 7161.