OK - so I have been on the fish lately and seem to have gotten the “walk the dog” technique down…the problem I’m having is that the hooks on the plugs I have been using are just not getting it done. The last few trips I have lost big reds which broke off 1 or 2 of the treble hooks. I’v been using the Hedon Super Spook Jr as I have been having alot of luck with it…can anyone suggest another type/brand of top water that has stronger hooks?
I tried switching to bigger/stronger hooks but that changes the action.
It’s frustrating to spend $10 on a top water only to have the hooks last 1, maybe 2 fish!
Set your drag appropriately. I can’t imagine how hard you would have to horse a red to break a treble hook ???
I changed my trebles out to a version where the barbs turn in a little, like a slight circle hook and my hook up ratio is very good with them. As for size they are maybe slightly bigger than stock.
On the older Spooks (which I still use 'cause I’ve got a bunch), there was no split ring and a fish could wedge the hook, get leverage and break off or straighten the hook. I would cut off the stock hooks, add split rings, and then quality bass hooks as OP referenced: EWG’s, Owner. You have to watch that the two or three hooks can’t reach each other. I’m getting senile, but seems like a #2 front and back with a # 4 in the middle as I pretty much always throw a Super Spook on 50# braid, Loomis crankbait rod, Shimano Cuarado. I also add a split ring to the line tie, as I don’t like a loop knot (probably nothing wrong with it just me). The only problem I remember having with this get up is when I was jacking what I thought was a red, turned out to be the biggest trout I’ve ever had on. When I finally got a look at it, one hook was hanging in the rip in the side of it’s mouth. Now when I’m throwing a TroutTrick…
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Can you buy the same hooks that come on spook Jrs., I haven’t had any bass break the hooks but I’ve broken plenty using pliers to take the hooks out their mouth. I changed some out but as you said the action changed,it seems to me the original hooks are some type of light alloy or maybe even aluminum. I don’t mind buying new Jrs but I’ve got an arse of them with bad hooks,also can you buy the J hooks made out of this light stuff?
I like the Badonka donk in the trout pattern or big zara spooks. Never had any trebel hooks break.
x2 on the trout pattern badonkadonk and also love the saltwater chug bug, those two are killer on reds and trout. Never had a broken hook on either one.
Thanks for the advice. I don’t think it’s a drag issue -I don’t set it too tight - learned that lesson years ago on some big striped bass up north. I’ll look at some of the other plugs mentioned.
I have a tackle box full of Heddon Spooks… we use them for big rockfish on the Chesapeake. I’ve caught rock up to 50#'s on them and the hooks hold up. The only time they get bent is when pulling them with pliers.
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I have several spooks that usually last one maybe two fish before one of the hooks break off. I went and bought the same size treble hooks but from a company that makes them better and they havent messed up yet or messed with the action. If I remember correctly they were Owner and they are much stronger and sharper. Hope this helps
Definitely had a problem with the stock hooks. I replaced them all with the above mentioned Owner hooks which are definitely stronger. If you use a different brand hook make sure it isn’t too heavy or the lure won’t “walk” correctly.
The newer the Spook, the worse the hook. I use lots of Spooks and do not throw a new one without replacing hooks. You must use the same size hook as stock, but not necessarily the same type. The wide gap hooks that come on the newest Spooks are absolute crap. Replace with a good Owner or Gamagatsu. I keep a whole box of Gamagatsu #4 and #2 all the time. Hook replacement does not destroy action as long as the hook size is same as stock.You can test how Spook floats in the kitchen sink. Should float at least as high in the water as the original.
