FNP,

Great minds are always innovating solutions to common problems. Your idea reminds me of the tube flies that have become common with a lot of steelheaders. The idea is that the fly is dressed on the tube to create a larger bait, while retaining the holding advantages of a short shanked hook. It looks to me like a short piece of plastic or metal tube would serve the same purpose - a spacer - as your amputee hookshank. It would allow you to use the style of hook you like with the large bait/lure. Do you think a tube would serve as well in your application?

Sincerely,

Salmo g.