Anyone new to fishing plastic stickbaits like Hogys or Slug-Gos soon realizes that these lures are usually packaged without hooks. The angler must insert a special hook to get these baits working.
There are basically two good ways to hook and rig. The first way is by use of a "curved" worm hook (top Hogy in photo). I like to use a Gamakatsu extra wide gap (EWG) hook for this. The point of the hook is inserted a short distance into the head, poked through the bottom of the bait and twisted around. Then the bend of the hook is lined up along the body of the bait and the point of the hook is then inserted there. It's hard to explain, but if you see it done, it becomes so much easier. Hogy lures has a neat video at http://www.hogylures.net/rigging.htm that shows exactly how to do this. The second way to rig is by use of a swimbait hook (bottom Hogy in photo) sold by Hogy. This hook has a screw type device attached to the eye of the hook. This device is screwed into the head of the bait. After that the hook is lined up along the bait and the hook point is inserted in the spot where the bend of the hook lines up with the bait. Once again, you can see it all done at http://www.hogylures.net/rigging.htm Years ago, fishermen used a regular hook and glued the plastic bait in place with super glue. I know of no one who does it this way any more. The hooks described above are far more efficient, offer easier rigging and have very good hooking power.
