I read an article where the author stated he had removed the treble hooks from a lot of his topwater plugs, etc and replaced them with quality, single hooks. He stated he had fewer problems getting snagged, etc… Seems to me you would also reduce your chance at hookups. Has anyone ever done this? What were the results?
I know people who do that for striper in the upstate…benefits are stronger hooks (not bending like trebles) and less likely to get hooked in the hand while removing trebles from a strong,slippery fish with a small mouth. Other than that, you will definitely decrease your hookup ratio but probably increase your catch ratio after they are hooked (less likely to come off).
Treble hooks pretty much suck for releasing fish also. Tears the mouth up and sometimes pins it shut when all 3 barbs penetrate. Not good for the release fish.
It ain’t no mystery…this beer’s history!
I go both ways. First you have to catch one to be able to release it.
For topwater only- you hook about one in 3 bites. If I only expect 2-3 bites a day(bluefin in NC) I am fishing trebles.
If the bite gets good, I go to one single on the rear and a treble on the belly.
Insane bite and we are in release mode, no hooks on lure body and one assist hook off the swivel or nose of the bait.
Keep in mind, lures have an action associated with the weight of the hooks. Changing size or location will effect that action, sometimes drastically.
It’s easy to switch out hooks if you have them with you. I like the option to release, but you have to hook them first…
Well said!
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Originally posted by CourtlandI go both ways. First you have to catch one to be able to release it.
For topwater only- you hook about one in 3 bites. If I only expect 2-3 bites a day(bluefin in NC) I am fishing trebles.
If the bite gets good, I go to one single on the rear and a treble on the belly.
Insane bite and we are in release mode, no hooks on lure body and one assist hook off the swivel or nose of the bait.
Keep in mind, lures have an action associated with the weight of the hooks. Changing size or location will effect that action, sometimes drastically.
It’s easy to switch out hooks if you have them with you. I like the option to release, but you have to hook them first…
dfreedom, I am considering doing this to my super spook jrs because the bigger reds keep straitening out my treble hooks. I also was thinking of changing only one of the trebles and leaving one. Another thing I have considered is moving up to my super spooks instead of the super spook jrs. I have already replaced the hooks on the SS jrs with some really high dollar ones of the same size thinking it may help but I was wrong. It did not help one bit. I got into a school of 30 plus inch reds and the first one bent them strait. If I put bigger trebles on them,i dont think they will have the right action, as Courtland mentioned. Ill let you know how it works out.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
I use the gammy 1/0 aind 2/0 ringed live bait hooks depending on the body size of the lure. It also allow you to throw into the grass and work out for some explosive strikes right on the edge of the grass line.
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It also allow you to throw into the grass and work out for some explosive strikes right on the edge of the grass line.
That’s kind of why I asked. I don’t fish with hard baits a lot but wondered about this. Thanks all for the input.
Have you tried the KVD Mustad Triple Grips? I have not had those straighten out on Spook Jrs.
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Originally posted by jimmyaadamsdfreedom, I am considering doing this to my super spook jrs because the bigger reds keep straitening out my treble hooks. I also was thinking of changing only one of the trebles and leaving one. Another thing I have considered is moving up to my super spooks instead of the super spook jrs. I have already replaced the hooks on the SS jrs with some really high dollar ones of the same size thinking it may help but I was wrong. It did not help one bit. I got into a school of 30 plus inch reds and the first one bent them strait. If I put bigger trebles on them,i dont think they will have the right action, as Courtland mentioned. Ill let you know how it works out.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
I wish I knew which ones I bought. I open the package, threw it away, changed out a few and put the extra hooks in a plano. They were recommended by Haddrells. I think I may put mono instead of braid on my top water rig or at least a long mono leader. I like the braid because if i threw in the grass i could get my lure back easily. Ill take one of those hooks up there and compare it to the others to figure out which ones they are.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
Jimmy, the KVD trebles are 2x strong and short shank. You can use 2 number 4s or a 2 on front and 4 on back with the Spook Jr. They will NOT fail. I use 30-50lb. braid with 20-30lb. mono leader on a baitcaster. Dick’s Sporting Goods is the only place locally I know of that sells them. Expensive, but worth it.
I often have used a single J hook on the rear of the plug and treble on the forward. Like mentioned, essential before you change hooks to be sure you do not drastically change the weight/balance of a lure especially on topwater baits. I have also used single hooks on the rear of suspending baits such as the MirroLure 17MR suspending bait b/c I primarily release almost everything and its much better on the fish. It also helps reduce the time taken on each catch to get pliers, fanagle hook out, and get back to fishing. Use an accurate “mail style” scale and compare weights of hooks before deciding on replacement to be sure, or swing by the shop and I will be glad to help, good luck
Scott Hammond
Haddrells Point West Ashley
Alright Raddaddy:smiley:! Thanks man. I guess those are not what i have. I will go grab some at Dicks. I really love the super spook jr so i will spend what ever it takes to be able to use it effectively.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.