Blade Modifications

[Crestliner2008]

Water temps are now hovering around 45 degrees up here. The big lake trout are coming in to chase smelt schools on their spawning mission. Blade baits are one of the most consistent producers of both lakers and smallmouth bass. But I really don't know of any species that cannot be caught on blades. The problem arises with the hooks on most of these blade baits. The trebles and double hooks on most commercially available lures are not the strongest. Lakers will literally crush most trebles and double hooks. Very powerful jaws. Similar to the salmon as well. Smallies are less powerful, from a crushing standpoint, but a sturdier hook will not be a deficit with this species either.

Sure, you can switch out the trebles for better quality, but therein lies the second problem - snagging on the bottom - which can become expensive over time. So, I've gone to a single Siwash hook on these blade baits and have not had a single laker crush or twist the hook. It also significantly reduces - not eliminates - bottom hang ups. I go one step further and crimp down the barbs on these hooks. A similar requirement is mandated in some Canadian Providences. I was skeptical about doing this at first, envisioning loosing more fish than I land. But that has not proved to be the case at all. Last season was the first I tried this out. It has proven itself time & time again, catching many lakers and smallmouth bass. No going back to regular trebles and/or double hooks for me ever again! And for smallmouth and/or largemouth bass, this should prove to be a positive approach, which, with all species I've encountered, facilitates hook removal and reduces harm to the fish for us CPR folks. 

Here's what this mod looks like:

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

Very Nice & certainly a Bold Move.

As a big fan & frequent fisher of the lauded Blade Bait, Hang-ups & hooks getting caught up on the line while working the bait with trebles do plague my fishing enough, that I am definitely going to apply your methods.

I may not mash the barbs down, at least not at first and perhaps not all the way, it's a confidence thing.  You know what I mean.

I'll call it baby steps.

Thank you for your trial & success experience and valued advice.

A-Jay 

[Crestliner2008]

I can appreciate where you coming from for sure. Confidence is the thing and not without taking chances. But it does work.

[ClackerBuzz]

On 4/29/2016 at 9:56 AM, Crestliner2008 said:

 

So, I've gone to a single Siwash hook on these blade baits and have not had a single laker crush or twist the hook.

Here's what this mod looks like:

 

 

 

 

 

I'm about to get into blade baits and I'd like to use the Siwash hooks as well.  I see they sell open eye and closed eye.  it's hard to tell from your pix.  are you using open eye and skipping the split ring?  open eyes look like you could simply slide them on the blade-no fuss no muss. or is there a risk of them coming off during the fight?