Super User Jigfishn10 Posted May 30, 2012 Super User Posted May 30, 2012 Anyone here have any guide lines as to what size treble hooks can be used on walking type baits? I have one I'm working on that is approx 3 1/8" long x 7/16 oz or so (between 3/8 and 1/2 oz, depending on the mood of my scale)? Any help would be appreciative. Quote
Revo_Carrot Stix Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 Although I don't make my lures, I replace most of my "walking-type baits" with Mustad KVD Elite Short Shank trebles. I like the short shank trebles because there's less likely a chance of the hooks catching the line when casted. On the larger walking baits with 3 trebles, I was getting tangled on my casts 25% of the time. When I swapped the factory hooks with the short shanked, I stopped having that problem. I have had great luck with #2's on anything bigger than 3.75". For the size you mentioned, I'd start with #4 short shank. 1 Quote
Super User smalljaw67 Posted May 30, 2012 Super User Posted May 30, 2012 The length of your bait says 2 sets of trebles, so you go with a short shank #4 or you can go regular shank #6. 1 Quote
Super User Jigfishn10 Posted May 30, 2012 Author Super User Posted May 30, 2012 Thanks smalljaw and Revo, much appreciated. One question: If I went to a #4 short shank and I've read a lot of members here saying that they switch out to short shank because of the front hook grabbing on the line, but noone mentions any drawbacks as far as fish becoming unbuttoned. I feel like that with a short shank hook the bass can use the lure like a prybar and come unbutton? Any thoughts? I like the idea, don't get me wrong, I'd rather have the biggest hook I can get away with, but I guess I'm not sold on short shanks yet. Quote
Super User smalljaw67 Posted May 31, 2012 Super User Posted May 31, 2012 Thanks smalljaw and Revo, much appreciated. One question: If I went to a #4 short shank and I've read a lot of members here saying that they switch out to short shank because of the front hook grabbing on the line, but noone mentions any drawbacks as far as fish becoming unbuttoned. I feel like that with a short shank hook the bass can use the lure like a prybar and come unbutton? Any thoughts? I like the idea, don't get me wrong, I'd rather have the biggest hook I can get away with, but I guess I'm not sold on short shanks yet. I'm in the same catagory as you in that I see the advantage the short shank gives but at the same time it restricts movement so it makes it easier for a fish to use leverage to throw the lure. I don't think it would hurt to use the short shank #4 because the added strength and gap size of the hook should make up for the slight difference in the length of the shank but it is up to you, personally I know a few guys that do it all the time and tell me they get better numbers of landed fish versus ones that they lose so it must work. Quote
Revo_Carrot Stix Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I have not noticed a difference with bass getting unbuttoned. The Mustad's I use have a "grip" bend to the hooks vs. the typical round-bend you see out of the box. I'm impressed with how sharp they are. By the time I land the bass, both trebles are usually stuck somewhere. Quote
Super User Jigfishn10 Posted May 31, 2012 Author Super User Posted May 31, 2012 AHHH...you talked me into it boys, I'm gonna give the Mustads Revo mentioned a whirl. Thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated. Quote
Super User Jigfishn10 Posted June 3, 2012 Author Super User Posted June 3, 2012 Just tried out those #4 short shank. All I have to say is: Great tip guys! Quote
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