Rock Fish and Jig Hooks

It doesn't take much of a tap on the head to get them to open their mouths.  And a light tap isn't going to kill em.  I've bonk several rockfish to the point of being shakey stunned, only to have them come back to life 10 mins later in my soft cooler.  I've had them jump ship on me when opening the bag to put in another fish.   

Learned my lesson there. 

The ones I picked up from Wholesale are really close to the same gauge as what you got from Sport Co. Cabelas has some on the shelf that are close to the same hook size, but a smaller gauge wire. They are just a little more pricey than the $.69-.89 each @ Wholesale. I want to say they were $6 for a pack of 3 2oz heads.

I do the same thing, i don't stick the hook down the middle of the scampi, stick it more towards the edge so the space is greater between the point and the jig

I also like to bend my hook off to one side just a little, get the point sticking out better.

I heard of a trick recently of bending the shank back and forth a bit to soften the metal so the hook will straighten out easier when snagged on the bottom but not in fish, haven't remembered to try it yet to see if it works.

I don't like ordering stuff online, and Sportco and Cabella's don't have game clips.  Anyone know a South Sound area shop with game clips?  Same thing goes for thinner jig hooks - if you know a place, let me know. (Gotta check mine against Rav's since he picked up a few from Wholesale Sports)

Try a dive shop.  They usually carry them.

-Allen

Regarding mouths clamped down.  Don't try to force it, they just clamp down harder.  Just relax, let the fish float on the surface without any tension.  They'll relax and open up.

-Allen