A lot of times, you want to keep the jig size (and weight) the same, but need a bigger hook. Seriously, when you fish the Clam way, you are going to hook up with big perch, crappies and bluegills, with bonus bass, walleyes, pike and more. Besides letting you fish with larger plastics and multiple live baits, XL hooks are strong enough to stand up to big battles. And the wide gap helps the hook point find a home when you rear back.