Gap Sizes & Shank Lengths?

[Hawnjigs]

My jig design mentor JJ2 has mentioned that his buddy Earl preferred short shank hook jigs. But, these hooks are also available with long shanks. Since I have quality issues with currently available Mustad & EC version of those hooks I've never tried either the short or long shank versions. Can anyone explain to me why and when they would prefer either over standard jig hooks?

 

[Pup]

I've often wished I'd had a longer shank length when working with extremely long pile (> 2.5 inch) craft fur. My reason being that the hook bend would appear at a distance closer to the middle of the jig.

 

[toadfrog]

I use short shank hooks and long shank. It depends on the type of lure I'm making. For instance the twin tail shad I make in plastics gets a short shank when fished with a jig head to keep the tails from wrapping up on the hook. I use long shanks in tied lures that have considerable length of hair ect. and may be subject to short strikes. Couple more reason but these two are a general guideline.