You can't replace the hooks on a Heddon torpdedo?

[JFlynn97]

Just picked up a couple tiny torpedos to try out and saw that the hooks look pretty cheap and aren't very sharp. So I went to purchase some replacements only to find out that they aren't on split rings and can't be removed! What gives?

[galyonj]

Just cut the hook eye with some dikes and then you can put on split rings and new hooks and whatever else you want. Easy-peasy.

[MN Fisher]

If you really need to replace the hooks - some heavy-duty cutters to cut the top loop of the hook, then some small split-rings...4mm maybe...to put the replacements on with.

[Cptndeez64]

To you guys saying its easy to put split rings on the torpedo, have you actually tried to do it? Its a major pain in the rear, as the connectors are fat and close to the body of the lure. It can be done, but you have to get the split ring size right. too small or too big and it isn't happening. I tried this and I wished I hadn't messed it after the process.

[papajoe222]

I find that it's easier to remove the hook hanger. After taking the original hook off, replace it with one with a split ring and slide that over the narrow end of the hanger.  Replace the hanger by adding a drop of superglue to the holes prior to screwing them back on.

[Bluebasser86]

13 hours ago, Cptndeez64 said:

To you guys saying its easy to put split rings on the torpedo, have you actually tried to do it? Its a major pain in the rear, as the connectors are fat and close to the body of the lure. It can be done, but you have to get the split ring size right. too small or too big and it isn't happening. I tried this and I wished I hadn't messed it after the process.

Yes I have done it. A good pair of split ring pliers and the right split ring and it's a quick job. Of course I have a lot of split rings on hand from making baits, so that helps. You need a standard wire and not stainless steel so it can stretch without staying stretched after it's on the hanger. A double hook would be another option if you wanted to go that route.

[PourMyOwn]

You could unscrew the eye bolt and open up the eye by driving a punch or big nail through it. Then the hook or new split ring goes right in, and you close the eye back up using pliers.

[garroyo130]

6 hours ago, PourMyOwn said:

You could unscrew the eye bolt and open up the eye by driving a punch or big nail through it. Then the hook or new split ring goes right in, and you close the eye back up using pliers.

Thats the method I used and it worked fine. Unless you really bend the eye out, it shouldn't weaken it much. 

[DitchPanda]

11 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I find that it's easier to remove the hook hanger. After taking the original hook off, replace it with one with a split ring and slide that over the narrow end of the hanger.  Replace the hanger by adding a drop of superglue to the holes prior to screwing them back on.

This!

[Catt]

13 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I find that it's easier to remove the hook hanger. After taking the original hook off, replace it with one with a split ring and slide that over the narrow end of the hanger.  Replace the hanger by adding a drop of superglue to the holes prior to screwing them back on.

 

Yes sir except I add a drop of silicone ?

[fishballer06]

As deadly as a Torpedo is, it's still the same bait that it was 50 years ago. There's so many better, more modern, topwater prop baits these days. They may cost a little more, but they have the components that you expect from a modern bait. 

 

The Lucky Craft Kelly J comes to mind. Black Label and PH Custom also make a very high quality balsa bait as well. 

[Captain Phil]

I've been fishing the Heddon Tiny Torpedo for over 50 years. The stock hooks are fine if you sharpen them with a hone. That lure is so small a bass normally engulfs the lure.  I've caught bass up to eight pounds on those hooks. No other top water lure comes close to duplicating the sound and pure bass catching action of that lure.  Pulled in short jerks, it duplicates the sound of a fleeing shad perfectly.   If you add split rings or heavier hooks, you will change the action. 

 

The Tiny Torpedo is an excellent cold front lure. When the bite gets tough, I downsize.  This lure will keep you from getting skunked even on the toughest days.  A Tiny Torpedo works much better on light line.  I use 8 pound mono when I fish it.  More than once I have been catching bass with a Tiny Torpedo on 8 pound mono, switch to heavier line and couldn't buy a strike.  You don't have to throw it into heavy cover to get a strike.  This lure calls fish to it.  My favorite color is chrome with a black back.  Some things don't need improvement.  This is one of them.

 

 

[JFlynn97]

7 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

I've been fishing the Heddon Tiny Torpedo for over 50 years. The stock hooks are fine if you sharpen them with a hone. That lure is so small a bass normally engulfs the lure.  I've caught bass up to eight pounds on those hooks. No other top water lure comes close to duplicating the sound and pure bass catching action of that lure.  Pulled in short jerks, it duplicates the sound of a fleeing shad perfectly.   If you add split rings or heavier hooks, you will change the action. 

 

The Tiny Torpedo is an excellent cold front lure. When the bite gets tough, I downsize.  This lure will keep you from getting skunked even on the toughest days.  A Tiny Torpedo works much better on light line.  I use 8 pound mono when I fish it.  More than once I have been catching bass with a Tiny Torpedo on 8 pound mono, switch to heavier line and couldn't buy a strike.  You don't have to throw it into heavy cover to get a strike.  This lure calls fish to it.  My favorite color is chrome with a black back.  Some things don't need improvement.  This is one of them.

 

 

Thanks, I'm going to use your advice when i go out tomorrow morning