Stop Making This Mistake That Mass Media Is Telling You To Do! It’s Losing Fish!

This is one critical mistake that mass media is telling you to do. It’s causing you to lose bass every time you go fishing!
Get access to my monthly livestream and additional videos by becoming a member of the channel here: / @mattstefanfishing
Check out my Lake Breakdowns at fishthemoment....
Schedule a 1 on 1 Virtual Lesson With me here - fishthemoment....
LINKS TO BAITS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:
1) Berkley Fusion 19 Heavy Cover Straight Shank - www.tackleware...
2) Gamakatsu Superline Offset EWG - www.tackleware...
3) Tungsten Worm Weights - www.tackleware...
How to Support this Channel:
1) Purchase tackle through this link from Tackle Warehouse. Don't forget to bookmark the link:
www.tacklewareh...
2) Share my videos on your social media platforms!
3) Purchase Merchandise from my Store mattstefanfish...
4) If you enjoy the content and want to see more of it. Consider donating to the channel to show your support for future video creation. Very much appreciated!
Paypal - paypal.me/Matt...
Venmo - account.venmo....
New KZbin videos uploaded EVERY day!
Click here to SUBSCRIBE to my channel:
/ @mattstefanfishing
Follow Matt Stefan Fishing on Instagram / mattstefanfishing
Follow Matt Stefan Fishing on Facebook / mattstefanfishing
Follow these KZbinrs if you enjoy my content:
Bass Fishing Declassified - / bassfishingprofessors
Fish The Moment - / fishthemoment
Sonar Fishing with Miles Burghoff - / sonarfishing
Intuitive Angling with Randy Blaukat - / intuitiveanglingwithra...
Kyle Cortiana Fishing - / kylecortianafishing
Do you live in Wisconsin or plan on visiting anytime soon. Contact me for a guide trip!
MY SPONSORS:
Bridgford Foods www.bridgford....
Berkley www.berkley-fi...
Abu Garcia www.abugarcia....
Striker Brands strikerbrands....
Battle Born Batteries battlebornbatte...?afmc=3p
Dirty Jigs Tackle dirtyjigstackl...
ugo ugowear.com/
Lowrance www.lowrance.com/
Skeeter Boats www.skeeterboa...
The Boat Center www.theboatcen...
Power-Pole www.power-pole...
PROcise Outdoors prociseoutdoor...
TH Marine thmarinesuppli...
Mud Hole Rod Building www.mudhole.com/
MHX Rod Blanks www.fishmhx.com/
CRB supplies crbproducts.com/
Costa Del Mar Sunglasses www.costadelma...
My Profile:
www.mattstefanf...
I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@randycooper2046]

Matt, I was a test engineer for 41 years and we always said that one test is worth a thousand expert opinions! Thanks for the info!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@timkelly633]

Couldn't agree more. Never understood how pushing the bend of the hook up and masking the point could be advantageous! I also prefer to peg the weight with a rubber peg or bobber stops with one between the hook and the weight, I believe that helps the presentation and protects the bait from getting bashed up by the weight.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@leeeck3866]

Thank you for taking the time to figure all this stuff out. I barely have enough time to fish let alone figure out all the tips you give us. Keep up the great work.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@nathanblake3608]

It is truly an amazing resource!! I am extremely happy with every single bit of information put out by this man, and when he goes into explaining things what happens for me a lot is he will talk about something and it will be the one thing I couldn’t figure out while I was on the water and his explanations makes a lot of things come full circle for me.

[@terrytresemer2864]

I know we're both northern boys and want to clearly state the proper term. When I PUNCH, I use tungsten and snell my hook. Tungsten is half the diameter of lead and not really an issue. I use a thru the eye knot and lead while flipping & pitching. I feel the snell and tungsten give me a small edge in the ultra thick stuff. I don't get around as much anymore but have fished many southern states east of the Mississippi. But with that ten pound smallies out of Lake Erie, I think I'm gonna stay a little closer to home. With Erie you have to watch the weather! There's lots of boats sitting on the bottom.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@catchofthedave8681]

DUDE!!! OMG!! Earlier this year I fished a tourney at Santee Cooper in kayaks, one of the big Hobie BOS's. I was flipping/punching hyacinth mats with a straight shank gama gfinesse flipping hook and a snell knot. I kept getting hit, i'd set the hook, and I lost almost every fish, I switched to other straight shank hooks, kept checking the points, I even opened a hook up more with some pliers. That day in practice I got 9 good solid bites, where they had the bait and the line was moving away and only actually caught 2 of them. I lost one of the biggest fish I ever had on, cuz I saw its tail as my bait popped out and it swirled back down and it moved half the mat. That night, I was trying to figure out what happened and I switched to my normal ewg with a doubled uni knot, and I never lost another fish there, I was dragging them out of the vegetation and all of it. Unfortunately the night before the tourney, A massive cold front came in and tourney day 1 they were no longer in the mats and the adjustments I made failed to get me a limit. I think with the snell straight shank, the fish would have them in their mouths and would fight until their mouths popped open and the baits came out. I will never use a snell again. Even in heavy cover, I will use the gfinnese hybrid worm hook. They are thin, but it still takes a lot of weight to bend them out and if the fish really get bogged down in the cover, I just go in and get them. It's crazy so many things in your vids recently I learned the hard way my first year fishing big, national trails. You def have a point about the snell knot.....but I guess to each their own. I think we fish similar & so many things you say seem to be spot on and have helped me tremendously. Thanks for sharing your knowledge bro!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing that experience with us! lots of others have had similar days!

[@johnm2617]

Brandon palaniuk has been debating this for years ! I use both hooks ! Depends on the bait ! This is a great debatable topic ! Again like you said fish what your comfortable with !

[@MattStefanFishing]

agree! stick with what works for you as an angler

[@AlistairYQOng]

Snail knot is good on the hook that has an eye angle down and not flat to the shank, because it is straightened out. For the eye that is flat to the shank I use knots tie to the eye than the shank.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@loreningram6322]

I found that to be true the hard way.

[@leojeidy1143]

I 100 percent agree. First thing I quint using was a snell knot. Haven't used that knot in 3 years now.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@johnnyweaver1300]

I'm glad that I've always flipped with a ewg & palmor knot that's my favorite knot on all my texas rigs, I know of many who swear by the snell knot though!🎣👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@richardporter1455]

I found this out by happenstance. I was a straight shank Snell guy for ages. Was out fishing one day with bandaged up fingers after smashing them at work and couldn't tie it and a Palomar was all l could tie. Can't say I caught more this way but I hooked and landed every fish that bit and I've been Palomar ever since.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@gwo8th211]

20 yrs ago we would bend open the gap on the EWG's ever so slightly, hooks these day seem harder to do that with. Keep up the good work Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting

[@secretbassrigs]

Widen the gap on EWG hooks just the smallest amount. I do that to every hook I use, even treble hooks on lures. Hook up ratio jumps noticeably. When I forget to do that, I notice the difference in the hookset ratios.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@secretbassrigs]

@@MattStefanFishing keep up the great work! Best wishes on the tournament trail sir!

[@arnojordaan5694]

Hi Matt. I am from South Africa. We use Snell knotts only for Circle hooks where the fish picks up the bait and swims away. The number one rule is not to strike, as it needs to turn the hook in the fishes mouth. Then the hook sets itself. I agree with you that a normal knott will produce better results.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good info!

[@Scottsoutdoorchannel]

I agree 100% with that, we use a knotless knot in the uk for certain fishing and if it's tied wrong it loses you fish, the amount of anglers doing it wrong is crazy. Small differences like that are the difference between winning and losing, small percentages soon add up.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@garyong2499]

I agree with you Matt One Million percent. Over the past 17-18 years that I have been punching big weights, I have only heard one other pro say the same thing as you. Out here in the west, on the Delta, I was the very first person to punch the floating pennywort mats. At that time the heaviest tungesten weights you could buy in the store were 3/8 of an ounce. I had to order the weights from Florida and modify my hooks to hold a flipping tube, since that was what the Florida guys were using.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@johngarner9929]

I have mixed results here in Florida, but land more fish on straight shank hooks with snell knots, especially on the Kissimmee Chain.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@Fatenarr]

Punching is by far my favorite way to catch bass. Frogs are a close second. I’ve been using the 4/0 strike king hack attack straight shank with a snell and have had good success with hookup. I have however always wondered if it could be better by not using a snell. I’m gonna try the Palomar…. Cause why not…Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@yakin_n_bassin8203]

I've come to the same concussion, that I missed more fish on a snell knot bit like u said so many have told us to use it I just concluded it was my error ... I've since switched back to Palomar and have a much higher hookup ratio

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@robertcook8187]

I don't use a snell knot and do not plan on it thanks for another good video with good information thanks and good fishing

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@fongxiong1]

I've always been a EWG hook guy. Never been a fan of the straight shank hooks. I thought I was the only one. And I've never snelled a hook. Palomar or Uni are my 2 only knots

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharimg!

[@Rick.and.peggy2023]

The lures hanging on the shelf behind you look very interesting.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@jesseregister8713]

I love the way you presented this. I don't think there is ever a "1 size fits all" answer for anything. I have questioned the snell knot for years. I understand the theory but I am not sold on it being the best answer. I do fish ewg when I am not in heavy cover. MY goal this year is to try some of the "super line" ewg hooks and see how they work. I usually only go to the straight shank when in really heavy cover just because of the wire size. The most frustrating thing for me is: go one day and get 10 bites = 10 catches. Go the next day with EXACT same setup and: 10 bites = 1 catch. MAKES NO SENSE! That's why we love it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

got to stick with what works for that angler

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Zappu Bellows hook, hook slightly bent out, hook point about 60%-80% through the soft plastic (pending cover/how fish are biting) I find great hook up %.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out!

[@jimmydixon2632]

Thanks making me think. When I flip or pitch I normally peg my weight. This basically makes my lure a jig. None of my jis have hooks that flip out. Had never thought about it till now. Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@rvfishingyet]

I have not noticed a lot of skin hooked fish with the palomar or double palomar knot with a normal hook set. Solid video Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@joelvogt2355]

Man I’m glad you said this cause I’ve felt the same way. Just missing those hook sets. Went back to a regular tie and fixed the prob. Glad you made a vid on this 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@paulroach8626]

I switched to polymer knot in recent years from a Snell knot. The Snell knot seemed to cause more snags and hang ups for me in the thick Florida vegetation.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@DatGuy960]

I feel your pain! I fell I to the 'snell knot' craze and suffered the same conundrum. Went back to the polamar knot and most problems solved.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@alcav54]

The new Owner Haymaker hook looks like a good answer to the debate. EWG that has the hook point opened up a little more to get better penetration

[@JB3_fishing]

I was literally thinking the same thing!

[@timothybrennan3600]

I bought some haymaker hooks mid season this year. I had been going back and forth between straight shank and EWG for years. I’ve always been told that I should use the straight shank….but it’s a pain to rig in my opinion. I’m sold on the Haymaker. I’m going to fish it all next season.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill be giving it a try!

[@averyallen4798]

I'm with you. I always use an EWG with a polymer knot when flipping

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@secretbassrigs]

EWG hooks have the hump in the back that bump/force the hook point outwards. Straight shank depends solely on the gap of the hook for hook point clearance.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good point!

[@christiancognigni6234]

Certainly makes sense... I never thought about it that way. Like everyone else, I've been caught up in snell mania recently. Thanks for the breakdown; I agree now that I see it explained.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@dixsonhuie9031]

I appreciate that you took the time and effort to explain this. The explanation I've seen is the snell knot is used for a punch rig to get more reliable hooksets. But you didn't experience this. I personally find it too hard to tie the snell knot and to get it to sit in the gap between the worm keeper and the eye of the hook. But I haven't done much of this style of fishing. I'd be curious to know if everyone else was missing fish with the snell knot. I also think that few people really examined the snell knot hook up ratio. They just used the advice they heard about punch rigs.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing you experience with us!

[@scottreece2421]

I agree 100%. Did the exact same thing with a snell knot and a Palomar. No snell for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@davidhidalgo5662]

A lot of people have already mentioned it but it does come down to hook set and the mechanics. Owner came out with their Haymaker EWG hook to take care of some of this and get the best of both worlds. You should try some and see what you think. I am going through this process myself trying all three hooks styles.

[@MattStefanFishing]

hookset is a big factor

[@timg185]

I use straight shank hooks a lot. Seen some videos questioning the effectiveness of snelling. Brandon Palaniuk made one. I quit using a snell and I think I hook fish just as good or better.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what you have confidence in

[@BassholeByNatureFishing]

Believe it or not I actually use the Berkley Fusion19 swim bait hook to flip and punch with. The spring definitely saves my plastics. And never had an issue with hooksets or it bending out even in the thickest of hyacinths down here in the Atchafalaya. I don’t miss fish. I use other brands as well be the Fusion is by far the better option in this case. I actually think if they made a flipping hook that had eyelet that was inline with the barb and shank like the swim bait hooks are. also add a 2° offset at the point and a spring-lock would be the perfect hook for flipping heavy cover and just flipping/pitching/punching in general. I’m sharing this with you because I hope to see it soon!!! Let’s make it happen Fam!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you!

[@BassholeByNatureFishing]

If you ever find urself with free time on the water give it a try you’ll truly be satisfied with it

[@Markisuncfan]

I totally agree with what you are saying bud. I lost alot of bites on the straight shank with the snell. I got so "unhappy" I tossed all my straight shank hooks and went back to my ewg hooks with a smaller diameter. I don't like those big horse hooks anyway but I also do not fish heavy grass flats either.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what you have confidence in!

[@jackierutherford5179]

agreed. won my first bass tournament in 1978 in a west Texas lake with over 20lbs. and I've been flipping jigs and worms all these years and the EWG hook and knot on the eye is the best for both hookup and staying hooked... and I also think it helps prevent line twist when using fluorocarbon

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@Glock-1]

I totally agree! I use straight shank hook with a palomar knot or just use a heavy wire EWG.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@davidmcdonaldfishing3018]

I agree 💯. I always use ewg hooks for flipping. I have similar misses with the snell and a straight shanks flipping hook. Moved away from that b.s. 15 years ago. What works for some people doesn't always work for me I've just had better results with my EWG hooks

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed stick with what you have confidence in!

[@shawnriebe4547]

I love the EWG for Flippin. Have tried the straight shank and the snell. I feel the EWG holds the bait better and does not tear up baits nearly as much. I also feel I hook more and even land more fish. I agree that when I hook ‘em with a straight shank, it buries deep, sometimes too deep. Love the Mustad KVD grip pin hooks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@petejablowski2123]

On a beaver straight shank all day

[@mikek3638]

I like the conclusion, b/c it simplifies what knots I need to learn and keep memorized. lol. I use a double palomar for all my flipping. Now, I don't use larger weights, but I feel like I don't miss many fish at all on the EWG and the double palomar.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@jim8537]

Overall, I only use the Polamar as it's my confidence Knot. Thanks for the good input.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@patrickmahoney3479]

This tip makes sense to me. Thanks for including some important details to back up your ideas.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philclark5416]

I think it comes down to your hook set. If you set the hook on slack line you should use an EWG or straight shank with Palomar knot. If you tighten up on the fish and pull into them the spelled straight shank works great. When I learned to just lean on them my hookup percentage skyrocketed, especially on big fish 5#+

[@MattStefanFishing]

hookset matters!

[@dtack777]

Leaning doesn't work, whoever told you that is DEAD WRONG.

[@blackhillsbassing6167]

I was told to use the Snell knot and a heavy weight, punching only, well we don't have much punching around here, and I did try the Snell knot and missed allot of fish, went back to the EWG and a standard knot and never missed one the rest of the day, but I will try a standard knot and a straight flipping hook next spring for sure. Thanks for the great advice and tips.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@MudgettsGuideService]

I think you hit the nail on the head. When I first started with the straight shanks I tried snelling them because like you said..."it's what everyone says to do" went out on a good bite and whiffed on my first 4 or 5 bites. Got annoyed, cut it off tied it back on with my trusty old Palomar knot and proceeded to stomp on them the rest of the afternoon. Never went back to experiment with the snell again after that and your video just helps to cement my position that debate even more. I'm sure there are others that are convinced the snell is great and if it works for them, great! Do what works best for ya!

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for each individual

[@FishermanJoel]

Wow, I’ve missed a lot of hook sets with a snell knot and straight shank hook. I didn’t want to go against the grain since it’s so widely accepted but I’m so glad you made this video. I use a snell knot and tiny size 10 octopus hooks for steelhead. My reason is It increases my landing ratio drastically. When the knot is attached to the hook shank you have more control over the fish. The knot is not able to slide around back and fourth like a knot tied to the eye of the hook which allows the acrobatic steelhead to spit the hook easier. I think the same concept can apply to bass and maybe why there is a better landing ratio with a snell knot/straight shank.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@petejablowski2123]

Don’t follow others

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt. I’m not positive which way works better, with that said, I do it the same way you do and it has worked well for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds great!

[@Rizzo-zw5ug]

I am pretty new to bass fishing. For a Texas Rig I thought that the snell knot would protect the line better from the sliding sinker hitting the line. It probably does but what you described makes more sense and would be more productive. Thanks for this tip Matt.

[@stoneysdead689]

Tbh I've never had any issues with the weight damaging the knot but- if you're concerned about it- use a bead or a rubber bobber stop to protect it. Using a bead causes the weight and bead to click together and can get you a few more bites.

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Use a bobber stop between the weight and knot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@tedlovellfishing1467]

I tried the "snelling a straight shank flipping hook and flipping weight- both pegged and not pegged" technique on many baits starting..around 25 years ago. The Gamakatsu EWG has a place in every serious bass anglers box. (Love it on the ZOOM Fluke!) With that being said, I use many styles of Gamakatsu hooks. For example- I don't use the EWG for Carolina Rigging a lizard The Gamakatsu "Skip Gap" hook is deadly and versatile. I still use the Gamakatsu Offset Shank on some plastics techniques. I do have some really sharp straight-shank 6th Sense Fishing OX Flipping Hooks I use when I'm flipping "BUG" baits like the Missile Baits' D-Bomb. The hook-up ratio is near 100%- But when you try a ZOOM UV Craw on it the ratio goes WAY down. Excellent video Matt's spot on with his conclusion.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@timothymetcalf8001]

Matt, the new Owner Haymaker hook is really great combination of the straight shank and the EWG...It has also replaced my wobble head hook....awesome hook

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out!

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Yeah I fell for the ole snell the EWG and your spot on!! I went back to the palomar!! Thanks!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@jaysfishtails9416]

I agree with your statement, except when I’m fishing, Hydrilla or submerged vegetation if I’m flipping wood or flipping in behind boulders, whatever on a straight shank, I think you should be flipping regular or knot but in grass I think the smell knot helps

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharign!

[@jaysfishtails9416]

Your welcome bud

[@ralphgarbiras5450]

Matt I agree 100% I live in FL and went to snell about 6-8 years ago and stared to notice I lost a lot of good fish flipping during tournaments… I did my own research about four years ago and stopped using a snell 100%!!! My hook up percent went way up!! And I flip a ton in central FL…. Kissimmee chain, Harris , Okeechobee !! Great Vid!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@johnmango6056]

Snell knot with an EWG…. God tier… never miss them flipping any more

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@justaguy8627]

I don’t have near the experience you do, but my hookup percentage increased substantially when I switched from a EWG/palamar to a straight shank/snell usually with a 1-ounce weight. Good video and one I will remember and experiment with if I run into trouble.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what you have confidence in!

[@williamphipps9889]

I like the tip and found the Palomar knot on either straight shank or EWG is the way to go. I found though when using baits like a sweet beaver or a brush hog that I do much better with EWG hooks for the gap space for the bait to clear the point of the hook. I never tie a snell knot though and I think that is the key.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@petrol656]

Good tip! This will definitely increase my confidence while flipping, which I don't have a lot of at this time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

great!

[@ansonyt3966]

Man when I started flipping everything changed. So worth it to learn

[@petrol656]

@@ansonyt3966 for sure man. yeah its really that short accurate cast itself that i need to practice more. Gotta get out into the back yard with a bucket and hone them skills! or sacrifice hoppin that jig along them weed edges time and hit up them docks. haha

[@jimwaller5465]

Really a Great video and Tip, and something I will definitely validate for myself. I hate the Snell knot and have been using it when flipping/punching for a few years now. thx!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@gboat77]

Agree 100% on not using the snell knot, I seem to be more efficient with a EWG hook in tules, my beaver style baits don't hang up as much, so you might want to use one hook or another based on how the hook fits the bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@skiplovestofish6992]

The two biggest fish I caught this year were on an EWG tied with a polymer knot. I think I'm just more confident and that makes a huge difference. I was so glad to see this video!

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what you have confidence in !

[@smokinfasts1973]

On the CA Delta we punch with snell to straight shank and 1+ oz weight. Everyone swears it’s the best way. I’m gonna try your idea.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@justabass4280]

Thanks Matt! I am going to try that for sure

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@peterhing3608]

This is a great video Matt so thanks for sharing your findings with us. I have never used a snell knot but was very intrigued about it. What makes more sense though and you hit it right on the head is use what you are confident in tying. I have always used a uni knot and double uni knots for decades as that is what Roland Martin and Bob Izumi used forever so I have a ton of confidence tying quickly and know it works. Same thing with a Palomar knot which I only use for pitching into heavy cover. These knots have been around a long time and work for either hook style and get the job done. Taught my son how to tie all 3 and they have so far not failed on us fishing all summer. Great work as always Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the support!

[@stoneysdead689]

I started using the Owner flipping hooks that are ewg but the tip is bent upward- I can't remember the name of them, but they work great imo. My hook up to land ratio improved considerably when I started using them. If you hit a fish really hard with them- the point usually comes out beside their eyeball so, you've got a hell of a bite on the fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the info!

[@coleallen8557]

Haymaker

[@carlburr1462]

You dont give yourself enough credit..YOU are one of those pros that can set the standard. They change all the time, you have at least proven with your examples WHY it is better this way or that. I have never used a snell unless on a pre-tied eagle claw set up for trout, never for bass. I have heard straight shank flipping use a snell, but now I wont bother and I'll just keep to the palomar. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for your kind words and support!

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Amazing advice!!! Thanks Bud.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@bwspacity]

100% correct blowed a punching trip to Texas listening to snell knot crap.thought it was something I was doin wronge.missed almost all of em that was over 5# in thick grass.never again.i use Flippin hook in grass and ewg in timber

[@MattStefanFishing]

dang

[@Whatsinanameanyway13]

I think it depends quite a bit on what kind of cover you're flipping as well. My go-to setup for wood is a straight shank hook on a Palomar and 1/4oz weight on 20lb fluorocarbon, but in grass or pads I switch to braid and a snelled straight shank with heavier weight depending on how dense the cover is.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@chrisboyd1408]

Thanks for sharing. Definitely makes sense.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@ilpez3031]

Very good topic, thank you Matt! 🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@stevenbackstrom4767]

Matt, awesome subject. I have battled with this subject the past few years but I didn't associate it with the knot. I just compared hook ups with the different hooks. I always tied the snell to the straight shank and my favorite knot (uni) on the EWG. I love the feeling of the hook up most with the straight/snell set up but I find I miss way more hook ups than when I'm Texas rigging with an EWG and smaller weight. Thanks for re-directing my train of thought. I'm going to try that straight shank with my regular knot. Your the best. I'm up here in New England. Tight lines.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@MrTxawjcoj]

Absolutely agree! With straight shanks what I find is u can’t juxtapose the hook back into the plastic like u do with a EWG. That way your hook has less plastic to pierce through. Heavy gauge EWG for flipping gets the nod for me!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@justinhawkins4848]

I have a lot of respect for the way you approach things like this, not telling people they're wrong or you're right, just experience. I don't flip heavy cover in my area as much as others, but I find that I like the VMC ringed hooks the most when doing it. The bullet weight usually covers up the ring and I still get good hook penetration.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@bisketbeeblebrox8124]

just when i think i got some stuff figured out...lol gonna give this a try!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@garyroberts7752]

Good info matt. I use ewg's. The straight shank doesn't seem to penatrate whether you snell it or not. But how you set the hook makes a difference also.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes it does!

[@Scottster_]

Matt, I would recommend experimenting with the Owner "Haymaker" EWG hook. The hook point is above the hook eye. They improved my confidence with EWG hooks. Especially with the bigger weight (I believe it helps eliminate missing fish due to the weight blowing open their mouths and missing the hook point).

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@PeePawFancyPants]

Yeah I bought some straight shank hooks and snell knot cuz everyone says thats how you should be doin it and I went right back to the ewg and my confidence uni knot and will never go back great video as always man and still diggin the two tones chair lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you!

[@williamwhitaker2928]

Mr. Stefan, I have had the opposite effect especially when Texas rigging. Using a small beaver style bait (Missile D Bomb) and a straight shank, I was missing numerous strikes until I snelled the hook. I was using the smaller D bomb, smaller #2 hook and 3/8 ounce weight which may account for the difference as you suggest from 3/4 ounce or 1 ounce punching rig. As an aside the D bomb is in my experience by far the most effective beaver style plastic. I have had several evenings where I was getting strikes literally every ten yards along some banks and weed lines. Pretty good for northern Indiana.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you!

[@cra-bassint.v.5664]

Flipping is my confidence technique and I use it more then any other out there. I noticed that using a snell knot I've never had no luck because I took tactical bassin advice and tried it on a jungle hook and lost waayyy to many fish. So I went back to the trusty Palomar knot on an ewg and significantly noticed more fish hitting the deck. So I agree with this video 100%.. but our season in PA is pretty much over so I will be giving the straight shank Flippin hook a try on a Palomar knot next season to see if the difference is more in the knot or not. Good video Matt and I like these debate topics because I always love seeing what others do to maybe be able to tweak someone's style to improve mine. Tight lines buddy 🤙

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep nobody is right or wrong on these debatable topics. i like to share my thoughts/experiences to see if others feel similar.

[@cra-bassint.v.5664]

@@MattStefanFishing yeah I never really been a fan of the snell knot. Not knocking it but just doesn't fit my style of fishing I guess so I'm with ya buddy

[@chuckbauzenberger4355]

The only hooks that I snell would have a turned up eye or turned down eye. Btw great video, great subject content.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephanelavoie2258]

Great informations…. Thank you Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@petejablowski2123]

I’ve done both and I’m really not sure which setup is better over time . The biggest upside is the ewg doesn’t rip the baits as easy . I’ll typically open the gap a bit on the ewg . You gave perfect explanations and it makes a lot of sense . One thing that I’ve learned is a straight shank with a thicker gauge gives me the best hookup . I feel like the rod matters with the different hooks . Stiff rod thicker gauge wire won’t rip there lips off as much on a hard hooksett

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@andreoliverlaoutdoors290]

I agree with ya I’ve Experimented with it as soon as it got popular

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@luke_fishing4039]

I've done so much testing on hooks in the last 3 years and the absolute best hook for flipping and pitching is an old school superline round bend hook! The only time I won't throw a round bend is if I'm throwing a tube. This is just my opinion but I do strongly recommend that you try it tho

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@rickybarnett9981]

I think it depends on the hook set, slack line vs tight line. Swindle is a slack liner vs Hackney is a tight liner. They both use different types of hooks and knots for there style.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!

[@marcanzlovar72]

Matt, here’s my think. I feel that the EWG get me more bites because the baits sits better on the hook. The straight shank , with a Snell knot, I’m always cleaning my hook. Which means less flips, less chances for bites. Could be dead wrong

[@MattStefanFishing]

cant argue with that

[@joefish63]

Based on what you've presented here, I'd have to concur. Now, I've never used a straight shank hook, I've always used EWGs; so I don't have the experience that you've had...but @5:55 when you mention that you "don't lose near as many fish with the straight-shank"...the key to evening the odds when using a EWG hook, I believe, would be to use a slightly larger EWG hook; one or two sizes larger.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I would rather open up the EWG hook slightly rather than go with bigger hooks that might limit number of bites IMO

[@rippinlipsinc.2200]

I am not a Pro bass fisherman. I do however know a ton about bass fishing. You tube is the place for info, and pretty much all I watch. The Palomar knot is quick, easy, and pretty strong. HOWEVER this knot is NOT for impact.... Breaking off is very common with the Palomar because of this... ALWAYS use the DOUBLE PITSON KNOT for FLuorocarbon line ! ESPECIALLY if you want to land the fish!!!!! Of course the pound test matters... Flipping and pitching primarily in normal cover 15 to 20 works great! I learn from my mistakes if at all possible. The Double Pitson is also rather easy to tie! My channel is RippinLipsInc on You Tube! Try my advice and never be disappointed!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@rippinlipsinc.2200]

@@MattStefanFishing Always ditto

[@kengreen5279]

Hey Matt, Really nice job with these videos. Based upon Seth Feider's recommendation, I have moved to the Ringed EWG with great success. The Ringed VMC HD Wide Gap 4/0 is outstanding for these applications. I recommend that you give them a try. The hook-up and landing ratios are incredible with the Ringed HD EWG.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks, will do!

[@SpookyRedz]

Great point bro , this all made so much sense , I like it

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it

[@davidwilliam320]

Amen! I tried a snell knot for a little for the same reasons… hated it. I felt that the pressure from the weight made the hook hang up more in structure as well. Especially with a super soft plastic. I didn’t notice any better Hooke up ratio either so I went back to my normal knots. Great video and awesome points!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@gregstabryla9945]

Makes sense to me. You didn't show the Palomar with the straight shanked hook. But I'll take your word for it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@jamiebell4300]

Great info Matt! Since I started flipping/pitching I was led to believe the Snell knot and a straight shank hook was the way to go for that technique, I will be trying your suggestion to use a different knot/hook. Have you tried using the backwards Texas rig, where the weight is connected to the bend of the hook? It looks like it wouldn't blow the fishes mouth open on the hookset and be less likely to throw the bait during the fight. Thanks Again for all the great tips! 😎

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@davidtoelle3532]

Hi Matt, I personally had had the opposite was flipping grass with EWG and 3/4 or less weights and missing or loosing bass. I switched to flipping hook and snell and the hook is literally through their head every time, not getting off. I respect your results but your rod and hook set are huge variables.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you!

[@LarryPage72905]

I will try that. It makes sense thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@AlexandertheGregfishing]

I stopped using any straight shank hook after losing fish after fish no matter what knot I tie. That extra off set on an ewg helps to keel the hook so it doesn't roll over and come out sideways.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@Budget_bassin]

I stopped tying the snell a few years ago for the same reason. I also stopped pegging my weight except in very heavy cover or grass. They seem to bite the weight less.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!