Offset

Look at a worm hook side on and you will see the shank steps sideways twice right below the eye, forming a small Z. That step bites into the nose of a soft plastic and holds it in place through casts and fish.

Without it, a Texas rigged worm slides down the shank on the second cast and bunches at the bend, which ruins both the profile and the hookup. With it, the bait sits straight and stays there.

Offset hooks come in straight shank and extra wide gap versions. EWG suits bulky creature baits and craws; straight shank suits slim worms and is preferred for flipping heavy cover on braid.

Screw locks are the modern alternative. Instead of a Z-bend, a small corkscrew of wire spins into the nose of the bait and holds it there, which grips even better and costs a little more.