Choosing the right fishing hook for a soft-plastic bait should be based on a number of factors, including the size of the bait, the cover you’re fishing and even the type of fishing line you’re using.

For instance, braided line has affected my choice of hooks for Texas rigging. Because braid doesn’t stretch, I can use a heavier hook and really rear back on it when I’m fishing heavy cover and trying to get a good fish out of the thick stuff in a hurry. A hook of lighter wire won’t help you in that kind of situation, and might hurt you. I use 4- or 5-inch tubes a lot and my choice of hooks for them is an Owner Wide Gap Plus, either a 4/0 or 5/0, tied on with a Palomar knot. Apply common sense to match the size of the bait with the size and gap of the hook. A hook that’s too big and heavy will overpower the action of a smaller bait; a hook that’s too small and light for the bait means losing a lot of fish. Either you’re going to miss the strike, or the bass is going to get off before you can get it in the boat.

— Cabela’s pro Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas