I've developed some stupid elbow problem that has relegated me to using spinning gear until it clears up. I can roll cast or flip cast a baitcaster fine, but after an hour or so of normal casting, I have to quit. Getting old is such a PITA.

While I have a couple of spinning outfits (and enjoy them), they both have soft tips that prohibit a real aggressive hookset. I normally use 4/0 or 5/0 thick wire hook on most of my soft plastics, but I find the soft tip won't let me get a strong hookset. I'm thinking of going to something like a 2/0 thin wire hook (like an Octopus or Mosquito style) that would be a little more "sticky" and allow for a gentler hookset. With braid main line + leader, I'm thinking this would normally be sufficient.

Anyone have a better idea? Maybe a bigger hook, but staying thin wire and short shank?

Owner offset and straight shank worm hooks are pretty thin wire and penetrate easily. I would think an octopus style would hurt hookups if you're talking for a texas rig

You need to stick with 2/0 - 3/0 thin shank for spinning gear and depending on plastic size. Could go to 4/0 thin shank if you had stiffer rod for bigger plastics. It will penetrate easier. Downside is hook stretch but fighting a fish is different on fairy wands. Also if you are in brush or grass it's gonna be tough. I switched to trokar and have had good success for last three years. Good Luck!

Being comfortable/pain free while fishing is important; I'd go with some medium and medium heavy spinning rods. On the medium rods, I'd use 10-20lb braid main line to leader of your choice. On the medium heavy, I'd use 20lb braid main line to leader of your choice. The Gammakatsu and Matzuo thin wire ewg, round bend, and straight shank worm hooks are really good for spinning gear from sizes 1/0 to 5/0. Use 1/0 to 3/0 on the medium rod for weightless to 3/16oz Trig/split shot/wacky/drop shot/light shaky. Use 3/0 to 5/0 on the medium heavy up to 3/4oz bullet weight for crig/heavier trig/heavier shaky/jigs. Octopus hooks are great for wacky, neko, and drop shot, but really limit your soft plastic choices for mojo/split shot/trig/crig

6/0 or 5/0 for 7" Senkos.