EWG Hook

EWG stands for extra-wide gap. This hook design bends the point far out from the shank, leaving more room between the shank and the barb. That extra space lets the hook clear thick, bulky soft plastics like creature baits, beavers, and craws without the point getting buried in plastic on the hookset.

Anglers rig EWG hooks weedless, threading the point back into the body of the bait so it sits flush against the plastic. This makes the bait safe to pitch and flip into wood, grass, and other cover without constant snagging. Because the gap is wide, the hook still gets a solid bite into the fish's mouth even with a thick bait bunched up on the shank.

Match hook size to bait bulk. A bait that looks thin on the hook will foul less, but a bait packed too tight on an undersized EWG hook can block hooksets. When in doubt, size up the hook rather than the bait.

• Best for bulky, weedless soft plastic presentations
• Common sizes range from 3/0 to 6/0 depending on bait size
• Pairs well with a firm hookset to drive the point through plastic and jaw