Hook Slots?

[mrex]

I have never purchased or seen a mold that has hook slots.
Assume you can place a hook into the mold before pouring.
What if you do not want to do this can you just leave the hook out?

[Jason]

In a soft plastic bait the hook slot is a place the mold keeps plastic from entering.  This is so when you rig it for fishing it allows a place for the hook to either help it be more weedless or to get a better hook set.

The below bait has a hook slot in the belly because it is a big bait, and to help it remain weedless:



Jason

[mrex]

Thank You - I understand now. With the hard plastic people use for saltwater baits I could see where this would be a big advanage.

[pjmcla]

Hooks are not placed into the mold.  The hook slot is to facilitate hooking the fish.  By providing a "hollow" area in the bait body; the hook does not have to go through all the thickness of the bait. The slot also helps when rigging a hook in the bait as well.  Other advantages are -- by thinning the amount of plastic ( with the hook slot ) you allow for a more active ( flexible ) bait and you enhance the baits weedless capabilities.