Sambo:

I'd use a #1/0 down to a size 2. I fold the tail over....put that in the "egg loop", then run the hook thru an area around the head.

Why don't you just use a "jig"???? Put part of the shrimp on the hook, works great. Better yet, why use shrimp at all??? Prawns work very well, stay on MUCH BETTER, and if you buy them on sale they are "cheaper" than sand shrimp...2-3 pounds will last a whole season, for most people. Just keep frozen, take out what you need for a days fishing.

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"....