Winter Maintenance Advice- Line and Hooks

[Mswen]

I am going through and changing hooks, split rings, line, etc., and I just had a few questions as to how other people do some of these, and which brands offer quality and affordability.

I'll start with lures.  I have approx. 250-300 hard baits with treble hooks.  Most are typical bass sized lures between 2"-5", using mostly #6, #4, #2 treble hooks, but there are panfish/trout/finesse baits that use #10 or possibly even #12s, and musky cranks with trebles up to #4/0.  I would like to replace as many of these as possible.  Can someone recommend a good quality, and affordable, treble hook that I can buy in bulk?  I can sharpen some of these, especially the larger ones, but there are simply too many to hand sharpen them all, plus many have hooks that simply need replacing.  What about split rings and possibly oval rings?  Can someone recommend a decent pair of split-ring pliers for smaller sizes?  I have a pair that works just fine for large split rings, but not for the sizes typically used on bass lures.

What's a good rule of thumb for changing braided line?  I've been told that you can use it twice by cranking it onto another reel, so that you use both ends.  Can you do something like one season per end (depending on how often you fish), or is it better to go by when it loses its color?  Do you simply cut off the faded section and respool when it looks like it's too low?

One more question: What is a good, easy-handling fluorocarbon to put on a spinning reel?  It would be a small spinning reel like a light action or ultra-light, and it may be used part-time by a novice.  Or would I be better off using braid w/fluoro leader, or a copolymer like Yo-Zuri Hybrid?

[buzzed bait]

Don't know about your hook dilemma.... But braid stays on my reel until there's not enough line left to use effectively. It will last as long as you keep it on the reel....

i like 6lb seaguar invizx on my lighter spinning reels and it works well for me...

[papajoe222]

I use a pair of jeweler's split ring pliers for replacing #4 and #6 trebles and some #2 depending on the size O ring they can be used for some of the smaller hooks.  The only time I use an oval ring is on the line tie of the lure.  Mustad Tripple Grip are a decent replacement as are Eagle Claw's Lazer Sharp 3X if you're looking for a round bend. Both are available in bulk packs which will help in keeping your cost down. 

I know it adds a bit to the cost of replacing hooks, but I recommend replacing the O rings when changing out hooks on older Muskie lures.  They're cheap and can ensure landing a monster that could stress an old one to the breaking point. 

[iabass8]

4 hours ago, Mswen said:

  Can someone recommend a good quality, and affordable, treble hook that I can buy in bulk? 

Mustad 3x grip are my favorite. They aren't very expensive compared to others and are very good quality. 

4 hours ago, Mswen said:

What about split rings and possibly oval rings? 

Owner Hyper Wire

4 hours ago, Mswen said:

  Can someone recommend a decent pair of split-ring pliers for smaller sizes? 

I'm not very picky about these. Changing trebles is ridiculously easy for me and I've never had an issue /w any pliers. 

4 hours ago, Mswen said:

 

What's a good rule of thumb for changing braided line?  

 

When I run out, I change it. 

4 hours ago, Mswen said:

Can you do something like one season per end (depending on how often you fish), or is it better to go by when it loses its color?  Do you simply cut off the faded section and respool when it looks like it's too low?

 

You can use the same braided line for years. It doesn't really go bad. You can spool it backwards at the end of a year or two if you want fresh line. 

 

4 hours ago, Mswen said:

 

One more question: What is a good, easy-handling fluorocarbon to put on a spinning reel?  It would be a small spinning reel like a light action or ultra-light, and it may be used part-time by a novice.  Or would I be better off using braid w/fluoro leader, or a copolymer like Yo-Zuri Hybrid?

In order of preference: Seaguar Tatsu, Sunine FC Sniper, Seaguar InvisX

Braid + leader would be much more user friendly. Especially if used by a novice. 

[KDW96]

As far as hooks, i use mustad 2xshort triple grips that are sold 11 per package. You might check Lure Parts on Line,as they offer them cheaper the more you buy.

[roadwarrior]

My preference is Katsuage Hooks:  http://www.megabassusa.com/news/guide-upgrading-jerkbait-hooks

 

[MickD]

Texas Tackle split ring pliers.

Nylon mono doesn't like it outdoors in the norths, put it in your basement (sensitive to humidity, gets stiff and brittle when dry)

[fishballer06]

I use Gamakatsu and Owner Stinger 36's for my cranks. You can get Gamakatsu in packs of 25. 

Split rings I usually only replace if they're bent or rusting. I generally use Mustad KVD stainless one's, or if it's a cheaper lure, I use the cheaper Eagle Claw one's. 

As for the braid thing, my Dad will reverse his line once it starts fraying and loses its color. It works for him. I personally just replace it once it gets low or starts looking shotty.